bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microbial Counts of Dried Powder Milk Available in Local Markets of Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Salahudin , Anwar M Nural
Published: December 2011

This study reports on the microbiological status of dried milk samples belonging to eleven different companies. With few exceptions, the microbial counts of the milk samples were within the acceptable limits as specified by international authorities. Aerobic plate counts ranged from 1.4 x 101 - 4.4 x 104 cfu/g and the number of Staphylococcus varied from 6.0 x 101 - 8.2 x 102 cfu/g. Presence of Staphylococcus in most of the samples indicates post-processing contamination of the milk. Coliform organisms and Salmonella were not detected from any of the samples tested. Yeasts or molds were found in the samples of four manufacturers but their counts were very low. Since the international agencies have not fixed any limit for Staphylococcus count in dry milk, the results of the present study indicate that powder milk products were of good quality from microbiological point of view. Keywords: Dried milk, Microbial enumeration, Codex, ICMSFDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v23i2.885 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 23, Number 2, December 2006, pp 162-164
Effect of Radiation Sterilization on the Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Load of Amoxicillin Tri-Hydrate Powder
Authors: Kabir M Humayun , Khan Anisur Rahman , Akhter Marufa Zerin , Malek M Abdul , Chowdhury Nazmul Alam , Choudhury Naiyyum
Published: December 2011

Amoxicillin tri-hydrate powder was irradiated at different doses of gamma radiation, and the subsequent changes in terms of physicochemical properties and potency were evaluated. A dose of 0.5 Mrad was found to be enough to sterilize the powder, which had an initial bacterial count of 6.2 x 101 cfu/ml. The original snow-white colour of the powder changed to light brown upon irradiation doses over 2.5 Mrad. The pH decreased upon increase of radiation dose. The iodometric titration assay showed only a little variation in potency (about 1-4%) of the test materials after irradiation. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of irradiated amoxicillin tri-hydrate powder showed no marked loss of potency by irradiation even up at a dose of 10.0 Mrad. No degradation product and extra peak was found at this high dose. The results indicated that dried powder of amoxicillin tri-hydrate is stable after sterilization by irradiation.Keywords: Amoxicillin tri-hydrate, Irradiation, RadiosterilizationDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v23i2.886Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 23, Number 2, December 2006, pp 165-167
Efficacy of Some Plant Extracts in Controlling Seed-Borne Fungal Infections of Mustard
Authors: Latif M Abdul , Saleh Abu Kaoser M , Khan M Ashik Iqbal , Rahman Habibur , Hossain M Anwar
Published: December 2011

Efficacy of various concentrations of four plant extracts prepared from garlic, Neem leaf, ginger and onion bulb on reduction of seed-borne fungi was evaluated. Among the treatments, garlic extract preparations (1:0, 1:1 and 1:2) and fungicide Rovral (0.25% of seed weight) had shown to enhance seed germination remarkably compared to the other treatment. The percent reduction of fungal incidence achieved with three concentrations of the plant extracts varied from 57.0-72.0% for garlic extracts, 48.4-57.0% for Neem leaf extract, 23.6-32.2% for ginger extract, and 10.7-15.1 for onion bulb extract. The fungi isolated from the mustard seeds included species of Alternaria, Aspergillus, Chaetomium, Curvularia, Fusarium, Penicillium and Rhizopus. It was also found that garlic extract was most effective in controlling the seed-borne fungi among the plant extracts studies. The effectiveness of concentrated (1:0) preparation of garlic extract was comparable to the fungicide Rovral. In addition, Neem leaf extract was moderately effective in removal of mycoflora of mustard seeds, while ginger and onion bulb extracts were the least effective in removal of the seed-borne fungi. Keywords: Mustard, Seed-borne fungi, Plant extracts, Seed germination, Control of seed-borne fungiDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v23i2.887 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 23, Number 2, December 2006, pp 168-170
A Longitudinal Study to Identify the Causes of Mortality in Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red Chickens and the Immune Status of the Birds against Newcastle Disease
Authors: Gupta Suman Das , Biswas Paritosh Kumar , Anwar M Narul , Dey Bhobesh Chandra , Debnath Nitish Chandra
Published: December 2011

With a prospective longitudinal study undertaken between November 2005 and July 2006 survival rates and disease status of Fayoumi and Rhode Island Red (RIR) chickens, reared at a government poultry farm, Pahartali Zonal Poultry Farm (PZPF), were assessed. Immune status of these chickens against Newcastle disease (ND) was also determined by estimating the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) titre to Newcastle disease virus (NDV) in blood sera of the chickens. The results showed that, at the end of the 37 week, the survival rate of the Fayoumi and RIR chickens were 87 and 81% respectively. The difference of the survival rates between the two groups was significant (p <0.05). Among the diseases, coccidiosis was the predominant disease affecting both the populations. The incidence rate of coccidiosis, coccidiosis plus enteritis, salmonellosis, colibacillosis and heat stroke in Fayoumi and RIR chickens was 0.095 and 0.135, 0.064 and 0.057, 0.007 and 0.010, 0.006 and 0.012, and 0.017 and 0.016 respectively. The HI titre dynamics showed that, in case of Fayoumi (except 1st month), HI titre was always >log2 6.4, which was well above the protective threshold. Like Fayoumi, the highest level of HI titre (>log2 6.9) to NDV in the RIR chickens was recorded in the same month and almost identical ranges of HI titres to NDV were recorded in both Fayoumi and RIR chickens throughout the study period. Keywords: Fayoumi chickens, Rhode Island Red (RIR) chickens, Newcastle disease (ND), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), Survival rate, Incidence rate, Haemagglutination inhibition (HI)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i1.1237 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 1, June 2007, pp 47-51
Optimization of Medium Ingredients for Keratinolytic Protease Production by Bacillus licheniformis MZK-03 using Statistical Experimental Designs
Authors: Moniruzzaman Mohammad , Rahman Alamgir , Hoq M Mozammel
Published: December 2011

A culture medium was optimized for the production of keratinolytic protease by a newly isolated strain of Bacillus licheniformis MZK-03 in shake-flask culture. Based on the results of preliminary experiments, feather mill, molasses and trace elements were found to be major variables in keratinolytic protease production. The concentrations of these ingredients were optimized by using two statistical approaches, namely Box-Wilson method and central composite design. The optimized culture medium, finally determined by using the statistical approaches, composed of 0.95% feather mill, 0.12% molasses and 1.44% trace elements. The keratinolytic protease production was increased by approximately 2-fold when the strain was grown in the optimized medium (95.2 U/ml) compared to the un-optimized medium (56.05 U/ml). Keywords: Keratinolytic protease, Optimization, Bacillus licheniformis MZK-03, Statistical designsDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i1.1238 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 1, June 2007, pp 52-56
Isolation and Identification of Indigenous Bakers' Yeast
Authors: Jahan Nasrin , Azmuda Nafisa , Khan Anisur Rahman
Published: December 2011

This investigation was performed to isolate and identify indigenous bakers' yeast. Initially, 75 yeast isolates were collected from different sources such as decomposed fruits, fermented rice and fermented fruit juices. Twenty five isolates were selected by primary screening; among them, ten isolates were considered as potential bakers' yeasts on the basis of their ability to produce high amount of biomass and leavening action. Two isolates were identified as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, seven as Saccharomyces species and only one as Kluyveromyces species. These isolates have sufficient potential to be produced commercially after evaluation of some baking parameters like texture and organoleptic properties.Keywords: Bakers' yeast, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Cell mass, Leavening actionDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i1.1241   Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 1, June 2007, pp 65-66
Effect of Nutrients and Cellobiose Octaacetate on Cellulolytic Enzyme Productions by Streptomyces albolongus
Authors: Das Sanit Kumar , Alam M Zobaidul , Manchur M Abul , Anwar M Nural
Published: December 2011

The cellulolytic mesophilic isolate Streptomyces albolongus (A5) was used to determine the effect of nitrogen and carbon sources on the production of cellulolytic enzymes using cellobiose octaacetate (COA) as an inducer. The isolate was able to degrade various cellulosic carbon sources. However, the rate of degradation, production of extracellular protein, reducing sugar, saccharification and production of enzyme were enhanced when 0.6% COA was used as an inducer in addition to the main substrate. Among the nitrogen sources tested, beef extract showed maximum production of the enzyme (136.7 U/ml CMCase) in Winstead's medium. The enzyme production was further enhanced in the medium supplemented with 0.6% COA, which corresponded to 154.69 U/ml CMCase activity. Among the carbon sources, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was found to be the best carbon source and again supplementation of the medium with 0.6% COA enhances CMCase production. Other than CMCase activity, the organism also produced appreciable levels of filter paper cellulase (FPase), avicelase and Ã¢-glucosidase activities.Keywords: Streptomyces albolongus, Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), Cellobiose octaacetate (COA), InductionDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i1.1243   Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 1, June 2007, pp 70-72
Antimicrobial Activity of Crude Extract Obtained from the Root of Plumbago zeylanica
Authors: Rahman M Shafiqur , Anwar M Nural
Published: December 2011

Ethanolic extract of Plumbago zeylanica root was investigated for its antimicrobial activities against 11 human pathogenic bacteria and 6 phytopathogenic fungi using disc diffusion method and poisoned food technique respectively. The extract exhibited good antibacterial and antifungal activities against the test organisms. Among the test bacteria, Vibrio cholerae was found to be the most sensitive to the extract showing the highest diameter of zone of inhibition and lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) value (200 Î¼g/ml). The extract was also very effective against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa showing MIC value of 250 Î¼g/ml. Among the phytopathogenic fungi tested, Curvularia lunata exhibited the highest sensitivity to the extract with an MIC value of 150 Î¼g/ml, which was followed next by Colletotrichum corchori and Fusarium equiseti (MIC value 250 Î¼g/ml). The root extract from P. zeylanica seems promising since it showed both antibacterial and antifungal activities.  Keywords: Antimicrobial activity, Plumbago zeylanica, Ethanolic extract, Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC)DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i1.1244  Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 1, June 2007, pp73-75
Effect of Bradyrhizobium Inoculation on Nodulation, Biomass Production and Yield of Mungbean
Authors: Bhuiyan M Asadul Haque , Mian Mosharraf Hossain
Published: December 2011

Experiments with or without Bradyrhizobium was carried out with five mungbean varieties at Bangladesh Agricultural University Farm during kharif-I 2001 and kharif-I 2002 seasons to observe nodulation, biomass production and yield of mungbean. Significant influences of the mungbean varieties were observed on nodulation, biomass production and yield. BARI Mung-2 produced the highest nodule number, nodule weight, shoot weight, seed yield (1.03 t/ha in 2001 and 0.78 t/ha in 2002) and stover yield (2.24 t/ha in 2001 and 2.01 t/ha in 2002). Application of Bradyrhizobium inoculant produced significant effect on nodulation, shoot dry weight, seed and stover yields in both trials conducted in two consecutive years. Seed inoculation significantly increased seed (0.98 t/ha in 2001, 27% increase over control and 0.75 t/ha in 2002, 29% increase over control) and stover (2.31 t/ha in 2001 and 2.04 t/ha in 2002) yields of mungbean. Inoculated BARI Mung-2 produced the highest nodulation, dry matter production, seed and stover yields. Considering nodulation, biomass production and seed and yields, BARI Mung-2 was found as the best variety among the five. BARI Mung-5 produced the second highest seed yield followed by BARI Mung-4 and BINA Mung-2, and the lowest seed yield was observed in Barisal local. Keywords: Mungbean, Nodulation, Bradyrhizobium DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i2.1251 Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 24, Number 2, December 2007, pp 95-99
Distribution and Abundance of Azotobacter in Wheat Fields of Bangladesh
Authors: Akond Muhammad Ali , Mubassara Sanzida , Rahman M Motiur
Published: December 2011

The distribution and abundance of Azotobacter as well as heterotrophic bacteria in root, rhizosphere soil and non-rhizosphere soil samples from various wheat fields of four different areas under three districts were investigated in this study. The potential for nitrogen-fixation of five Azotobacter isolates was also detected. All samples tested were positive in their capacity to harbouring Azotobacter with a range of 26-100%. The population of heterotrophic bacteria ranged from 2.1 x 107 to 1.2 x 108 cfu/g sample. Ranges of total number of Azotobacter in different samples were 5.2 x 104 to 7.2 x 104 cfu/g, 17.2 x 104 to 25.5 x 104 cfu/g, and 12.4 x 104 to 16.7 x 104 cfu/g respectively for root, rhizosphere soil and non-rhizosphere soil. A positive correlation was found in Azotobacter colonization between root and rhizosphere, but it was negative in case of the population between heterotrophic bacteria and Azotobacter in rhizosphere. The highest amount of N was found to be fixed by the isolate M1 and the lowest by the isolate M4 and it was respectively 9.26 and 5.45 mg N/g substrate. In terms of the capacity to fix nitrogen in laboratory condition the five isolates of Azotobacter could be arranged as M1> M3 > M5 > M4 > M2. Keywords: Azotobacter, Wheat field, Nitrogen fixing potentialDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjm.v24i2.1262
Carbon Dioxide and Methane at a Desert Site—A Case Study at Railroad Valley Playa, Nevada, USA
Authors: Yates Emma L. , Schiro Kathleen , Lowenstein Max , Sheffner Edwin J. , Iraci Laura T. , Tadić Jovan M. , Kuze Akihiko
Published: December 2011

Ground based in-situ measurements of carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) at the dry lakebed at Railroad Valley (RRV) playa, Nevada, USA (38°30.234′ N, 115°41.604′ W, elevation 1437 m) were conducted over a five day period from 20–25 June 2010. The playa is a flat, desert site with virtually no vegetation, an overall size of 15 km × 15 km and is approximately 110 km south-west of the nearest city, Ely (elevation 1962 m, inhabitants 4000). The measurements were taken in support of the vicarious calibration experiment to validate column-averaged dry air mole fractions of CO2 and CH4 (XCO2 and XCH4) retrieved from the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) which was launched in January 2009. This work reports on ground-based in-situ measurements of CO2 and CH4 from RRV playa and describes comparisons made between in-situ data and XCO2 and XCH4 from GOSAT.
A Hybrid Clustering Algorithm Based on Rough Set and Shared Nearest Neighbors
Authors: Shieh Horng Lin
Published: December 2011

In this paper, a hybrid method combining rough set and shared nearest neighbor algorithms is proposed for data clustering with non-globular shapes. The roughk-means algorithm is based on the distances between data and cluster centers. It partitions a data set with globular shapes well, but when the data are non-globular shapes, the results obtained by a roughk-means algorithm are not very satisfactory. In order to resolve this problem, a combined rough set and shared nearest neighbor algorithm is proposed. The proposed algorithm first adopts a shared nearest neighbor algorithm to evaluate the similarity among data, then the lower and upper approximations of a rough set algorithm are used to partition the data set into clusters.
The Influence of Additives on the Heat-Resistant High Voltage-Resistant Insulation Material
Authors: Huang Fang
Published: December 2011

Typically, the resin matrix, glass fibers and fillers in the molding composition of about 80%, and other components including the initiator and inhibitor, chemical thickeners, low shrink / low waviness additives, coloring agents, release agents, etc. Although a small proportion of them, but to improve performance, processes, and molding compounds, such as SMC / BMC's performance has played a very important role.
Design on Cathode and ECM Device of Gun Barrel Rifle
Authors: Jia Jian Li , Gao Nan
Published: December 2011

Electrochemical machining (ECM) was adopted to machine rifle lines with hard gun barrel material, increasing rifle in quantity, deep slot line as well as large spiral angle. Inner hole polishing cathode, rifle machining cathode and ECM device were designed to carry out the ECM experiment with the subject of gun barrel. The experiment results indicate that the machined workpiece coincides well with the blueprint.
Trogocytosis Is a Gateway to Characterize Functional Diversity in Melanoma-Specific CD8+ T Cell Clones
Authors: Uzana Ronny , Eisenberg Galit , Sagi Yael , Frankenburg Shoshana , Merims Sharon , Amariglio Ninette , Yefenof Eitan , Peretz Tamar , Machlenkin Arthur , Lotem Michal
Published: December 2011

Trogocytosis, the transfer of membrane patches from target to immune effector cells, is a signature of tumor–T cell interaction. In this study, we used the trogocytosis phenomenon to study functional diversity within tumor-specific T cell clones with identical TCR specificity. MART-126–35–specific CD8 T cell clones, which differed in their trogocytosis capacity (low [2D11], intermediate [2G1], high [2E2]), were generated from melanoma patients. Functional evaluation of the clones showed that the percentage of trogocytosis-capable T cells closely paralleled each clone’s IFN-γ and TNF-α production, lysosome degranulation, and lysis of peptide-pulsed targets and unmodified melanoma. The highly cytotoxic 2E2 clone displayed the highest TCR peptide binding affinity, whereas the low-activity 2D11 clone showed TCR binding to peptide-MHC in a CD8-dependent manner. TCR analysis revealed Vβ16 for clones 2E2 and 2G1 and Vβ14 for 2D11. When peptide-affinity differences were bypassed by nonspecific TCR stimulation, clones 2E2 and 2D11 still manifested distinctive signaling patterns. The high-activity 2E2 clone displayed prolonged phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6, an integrator of MAPK and AKT activation, whereas the low-activity 2D11 clone generated shorter and weaker phosphorylation. Screening the two clones with identical TCR Vβ by immunoreceptor array showed higher phosphorylation of NK, T, and B cell Ag (NTB-A), a SLAM family homophilic receptor, in clone 2E2 compared with 2G1. Specific blocking of NTB-A on APCs markedly reduced cytokine production by CD8 lymphocytes, pointing to a possible contribution of NTB-A costimulation to T cell functional diversity. This finding identifies NTB-A as a potential target for improving anti-cancer immunotherapy.
IL-27 Enhances LPS-Induced Proinflammatory Cytokine Production via Upregulation of TLR4 Expression and Signaling in Human Monocytes
Authors: Guzzo Christina , Ayer Amit , Basta Sameh , Banfield Bruce W. , Gee Katrina
Published: December 2011

IL-27, which is produced by activated APCs, bridges innate and adaptive immunity by regulating the development of Th cells. Recent evidence supports a role for IL-27 in the activation of monocytic cells in terms of inflammatory responses. Indeed, proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory activities are attributed to IL-27, and IL-27 production itself is modulated by inflammatory agents such as LPS. IL-27 primes LPS responses in monocytes; however, the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon is not understood. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-27 priming results in enhanced LPS-induced IL-6, TNF-α, MIP-1α, and MIP-1β expression in human primary monocytes. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms responsible for IL-27 priming, we measured levels of CD14 and TLR4 required for LPS binding. We determined that IL-27 upregulates TLR4 in a STAT3- and NF-κB–dependent manner. Immunofluorescence microscopy revealed enhanced membrane expression of TLR4 and more distinct colocalization of CD14 and TLR4 upon IL-27 priming. Furthermore, IL-27 priming enhanced LPS-induced activation of NF-κB family members. To our knowledge, this study is the first to show a role for IL-27 in regulating TLR4 expression and function. This work is significant as it reveals new mechanisms by which IL-27 can enhance proinflammatory responses that can occur during bacterial infections.
Mice with Mutations in Fas and Fas Ligand Demonstrate Increased Herpetic Stromal Keratitis following Corneal Infection with HSV-1
Authors: Morris Jessica E. , Zobell Stephanie , Yin Xiao-Tang , Zakeri Hamideh , Summers Bretton C. , Leib David A. , Stuart Patrick M.
Published: December 2011

HSV-1 infection of the cornea leads to a potentially blinding immunoinflammatory lesion of the cornea, termed herpetic stromal keratitis. It has also been shown that one of the factors limiting inflammation of the cornea is the presence of Fas ligand (FasL) on corneal epithelium and endothelium. In this study, the role played by FasL expression in the cornea following acute infection with HSV-1 was determined. Both BALB/c and C57BL/6 (B6) mice with HSV-1 infection were compared with their lpr and gld counterparts. Results indicated that mice bearing mutations in the Fas Ag (lpr) displayed the most severe disease, whereas the FasL-defective gld mouse displayed an intermediate phenotype. It was further demonstrated that increased disease was due to lack of Fas expression on bone marrow-derived cells. Of interest, although virus persisted slightly longer in the corneas of mice bearing lpr and gld mutations, the persistence of infectious virus in the trigeminal ganglia was the same for all strains infected. Further, B6 mice bearing lpr and gld mutations were also more resistant to virus-induced mortality than were wild-type B6 mice. Thus, neither disease nor mortality correlated with viral replication in these mice. Collectively, the findings indicate that the presence of FasL on the cornea restricts the entry of Fas+ bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells and thus reduces the severity of HSK.
Carbon-Supported Fe Catalysts forCO2Electroreduction to High-Added Value Products: A DEMS Study: Effect of the Functionalization of the Support
Authors: Pérez-Rodríguez S. , García G. , Calvillo L. , Celorrio V. , Pastor E. , Lázaro M. J.
Published: December 2011

Vulcan XC-72R-supported Fe catalysts have been synthesised for the electroreduction of CO2to high-added value products. Catalysts were obtained by the polyol method, using ethylene glycol as solvent and reducing agent. Prior to the metal deposition, Vulcan was subjected to different oxidation treatments in order to modify its surface chemistry and study its influence on the physicochemical and electrochemical properties of the catalysts, as well as on the product distribution. The oxidation treatments of the supports modify their textural properties, but do not affect significantly the physicochemical properties of catalysts. However, DEMS studies showed that the carbon support degradation, the distribution of products, and the catalytic activity toward the CO2electroreduction reaction depend significantly on the surface chemistry of the carbon support.
Medication Responsiveness of Motor Symptoms in a Population-Based Study of Parkinson Disease
Authors: Bordelon Yvette M. , Hays Ron D. , Vassar Stefanie D. , Diaz Natalie , Bronstein Jeff , Vickrey Barbara G.
Published: December 2011

We assessed degree of Parkinson disease motor symptom improvement with medication among subjects enrolled in an ongoing, population-based study in Central California. The motor section of the unified Parkinson disease rating scale (UPDRS) was performed on subjects in both OFF and ON medication states, and difference between these scores was used as an indicator of symptomatic benefit. Higher OFF minus ON scores correlated with more severe baseline symptoms. There was equivalent improvement on the motor UPDRS scale for subjects divided according to medication classes used: levodopa alone 7.3 points, levodopa plus other medications 8.5 points, and dopamine agonists but not levodopa 6.1 points. In addition, there was no difference in the magnitude of improvement when subjects were divided according to Parkinson disease subtype, defined as tremor dominant, akinetic-rigid, or mixed. In this community-based sample, these values are within the range of a clinically important difference as defined by previous studies.
Case report: Dot-in-circle sign - An MRI and USG sign for "Madura foot"
Authors: Sen Anitha , Pillay Rajesh Subramonia
Published: December 2011

Mycetoma is a chronic granulomatous disease that is more common in tropical than in temperate regions. Early diagnosis is important due to the therapeutic implications. Although biopsy and microbiological culture provide definitive diagnosis, they are time-consuming procedures and may not be able to provide a definite diagnosis in cases of fastidious organisms. The "dot-in-circle" sign has recently been proposed as a highly specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography (USG) sign of mycetoma, which may allow a noninvasive as well as early diagnosis. We present a case of histologically proven mycetoma that demonstrated this sign.
Technical note: Real-time sonoelastography evaluation of achilles tendon
Authors: Palle Lalitha , Reddy MCH Balaji , Reddy K Jagannath , Kumari M Vijaya
Published: December 2011

Sonoelastography (SE) is a new USG-based technique that is being used to assess the elasticity and pliability of various tissues and lesions. We evaluated normal and abnormal Achilles tendons and correlated SE findings with those of high-resolution USG. This article briefly discusses the principle and technique of sonoelastography and the variations in elasticity and pliability between normal and abnormal Achilles tendons.
A Model for Worksite Cancer Prevention: Integration of Health Protection and Health Promotion in the WellWorks Project
Authors: Sorensen Glorian , Himmelstein Jay S. , Hunt Mary Kay , Youngstrom Richard , Hebert James R. , Hammond S. Katharine , Palombo Ruth , Stoddard Anne , Ockene Judith K.
Published: December 2011

Objectives.

To describe a theoretic approach and rationale for the integration of health protection and health promotion in worksite cancer prevention programs and to describe an intervention study designed to implement this integration.

Methods.

Twenty-four worksites were recruited to participate in this randomized, controlled study. The theoretically based intervention model integrates health promotion and health protection through (1) joint worker-management participation in program planning and implementation, (2) consultation on worksite changes, and (3) educational programs targeting health behavior change.

Results.

Although the primary purpose of this paper is to describe a theoretic approach to the integration of health promotion and health protection, preliminary results are also noted. In these predominantly manufacturing worksites, many workers faced the double jeopardy of exposures to occupational carcinogens and personal risks such as smoking or poor dietary habits. Production workers' job responsibilities frequently limited their full participation. Barriers to participation were identified early in the project, and strategies were developed to facilitate maximal worker involvement and worksite changes.

Conclusions.

Lifestyle changes such as smoking cessation or dietary changes may be more effectively promoted among blue collar audiences when programs also encourage management actions to reduce occupational exposures. Public health professionals trained in health promotion and health protection must work together to effectively address the health concerns of this population.
The Conceptualization and Measurement of Perceived Wellness: Integrating Balance across and within Dimensions
Authors: Adams Troy , Bezner Janet , Steinhardt Mary
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

The impact of individual perceptions on health is well-established. However, no valid and reliable measure of individual wellness perceptions exists. Therefore, the purpose was to introduce a measure called the Perceived Wellness Survey (PWS).

Design.

Convenience sampling facilitated recruitment of a sample large enough to perform factor analysis with adequate power (.85). The appropriateness of factor analysis is supported by Bartlett's test ( χ2 = 7110, p ≤ .01) and the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy (.91).

Setting.

The sample (n = 558) was composed of 3M Inc. employees from multiple sites in Austin, Texas (n = 393); employees from MuRata Electronics, Inc., College Station, Pennsylvania (n = 53); and students enrolled at the University of Texas at Austin (n = 112).

Subjects.

Racial, gender, and age distribution was, respectively, 6.3% African-American (n = 35), 8.2% Asian (n = 46), 73.3% Caucasian (n = 409), 9.5% Hispanic (n = 53), and 2.7% other (n = 15); 47.8% male (n = 267), and 52.2% female (n = 291); and 36.8 years.

Measures.

Measures included the Perceived Wellness Survey, and two additional versions of the Perceived Wellness Survey designed to measure both discriminant and face validity. Perceived Wellness Survey subscales include physical, spiritual, intellectual, psychological, social, and emotional dimensions.

Results.

All subscales were correlated ( p ≤ . 05) with the Perceived Wellness Survey composite and with each other. Evidence of internal consistency (α = .88 to .93), and discriminant, face, and factorial validity was provided. Finally, the Perceived Wellness Survey appears to be a unidimensional scale.

Conclusion.

The unidimensional nature of the Perceived Wellness Survey suggests that perceptions of wellness in various dimensions are intertwined by their affective nature. The Perceived Wellness Survey appears to be reasonably valid and reliable; however, further research is needed.
Development of a School-Based Nutrition Intervention for High School Students: Gimme 5
Authors: Nicklas Theresa A. , Johnson Carolyn C. , Farris Rosanne , Rice Rochelle , Lyon Lisa , Shi Runhua
Published: December 2011

Purpose.

To describe a 4-year intervention targeting fruit/vegetable consumption by high school students.

Design.

This is a cohort study involving six pairs of schools (n = 12) matched on gender, race, enrollment, and location with schools randomly assigned within pairs to intervention or control conditions.

Setting.

Twelve Archdiocese of New Orleans high schools.

Subjects.

Cohort was defined as students (n = 2339) who were ninth-graders in the 1993–94 school year who provided baseline data.

Intervention.

Four components of the intervention are: (1) school-wide media-marketing campaign, (2) school-wide meal and snack modification, (3) classroom workshops and supplementary subject matter activities, and (4) parental involvement.

Measures.

Focus groups were conducted for target population input and program development. Process evaluation included student feedback on media-marketing intervention materials and activities reported here. Process measures also included school meal participation, student characteristics, and verification of intervention activities.

Results.

Focus groups indentified barriers to increased consumption of fruit and vegetables as lack of availability, variety, and inconsistency in taste. Student attitudes were favorable regarding a school program to improve diet and parental involvement. Low consumption of fruits/vegetables was reported. After a 2-month school-wide program introduction utilizing various media-marketing materials and activities, 93% of students were aware of the program and 96% could identify the healthy eating message.

Conclusions.

Program development can be guided and enriched by student input via focus groups. Media-marketing activities effectively delivered health messages and attracted students' attention. Materials and activities used were acceptable channels for increasing awareness, positive attitudes, and knowledge about fruits/vegetables.
Effects of aging on organic aerosol from open biomass burning smoke in aircraft and laboratory studies
Authors: Cubison M. J. , Ortega A. M. , Hayes P. L. , Farmer D. K. , Day D. , Lechner M. J. , Brune W. H. , Apel E. , Diskin G. S. , Fisher J. A. , Fuelberg H. E. , Hecobian A. , Knapp D. J. , Mikoviny T. , Riemer D. , Sachse G. W. , Sessions W. , Weber R. J. , Weinheimer A. J. , Wisthaler A. , Jimenez J. L.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Biomass burning (BB) is a large source of primary and secondary organic aerosols (POA and SOA). This study addresses the physical and chemical evolution of BB organic aerosols. Firstly, the evolution and lifetime of BB POA and SOA signatures observed with the Aerodyne Aerosol Mass Spectrometer are investigated, focusing on measurements at high-latitudes acquired during the 2008 NASA ARCTAS mission, in comparison to data from other field studies and from laboratory aging experiments. The parameter f60, the ratio of the integrated signal at m/z 60 to the total signal in the organic component mass spectrum, is used as a marker to study the rate of oxidation and fate of the BB POA. A background level of f60~0.3% ± 0.06% for SOA-dominated ambient OA is shown to be an appropriate background level for this tracer. Using also f44 as a tracer for SOA and aged POA and a surrogate of organic O:C, a novel graphical method is presented to characterise the aging of BB plumes. Similar trends of decreasing f60 and increasing f44 with aging are observed in most field and lab studies. At least some very aged BB plumes retain a clear f60 signature. A statistically significant difference in f60 between highly-oxygenated OA of BB and non-BB origin is observed using this tracer, consistent with a substantial contribution of BBOA to the springtime Arctic aerosol burden in 2008. Secondly, a summary is presented of results on the net enhancement of OA with aging of BB plumes, which shows large variability. The estimates of net OA gain range from ΔOA/ΔCO(mass) = −0.01 to ~0.05, with a mean ΔOA/POA ~19%. With these ratios and global inventories of BB CO and POA a global net OA source due to aging of BB plumes of ~8 ± 7 Tg OA yr−1 is estimated, of the order of 5 % of recent total OA source estimates. Further field data following BB plume advection should be a focus of future research in order to better constrain this potentially important contribution to the OA burden.
Saharan dust event impacts on cloud formation and radiation over Western Europe
Authors: Bangert M. , Nenes A. , Vogel B. , Vogel H. , Barahona D. , Karydis V. A. , Kumar P. , Kottmeier C. , Blahak U.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We investigated the impact of mineral dust particles on clouds, radiation and atmospheric state during a strong Saharan dust event over Europe in May 2008, applying a comprehensive online-coupled regional model framework that explicitly treats particle microphysics and chemical composition. Sophisticated parameterizations for aerosol activation and ice nucleation, together with two-moment cloud microphysics are used to calculate the interaction of the different particles with clouds depending on their physical and chemical properties. The impact of dust on cloud droplet number concentration was found to be low, with just a slight increase in cloud droplet number concentration for both uncoated and coated dust. For temperatures lower than the level of homogeneous freezing, no significant impact of dust on the number and mass concentration of ice crystals was found, though the concentration of frozen dust particles reached up to 100 l−1 during the ice nucleation events. Mineral dust particles were found to have the largest impact on clouds in a temperature range between freezing level and the level of homogeneous freezing, where they determined the number concentration of ice crystals due to efficient heterogeneous freezing of the dust particles and modified the glaciation of mixed phase clouds. Our simulations show that during the dust events, ice crystals concentrations were increased twofold in this temperature range (compared to if dust interactions are neglected). This had a significant impact on the cloud optical properties which caused a reduction in the incoming short-wave radiation at the surface up to −75 W m−2 in areas with high dust concentrations. Including the direct interaction of dust with radiation caused an additional reduction in the incoming short-wave radiation which was found to be in the order of −40 to −80 W m−2. In contrast to the aerosol-cloud interaction only simulation, the incoming long-wave radiation at the surface was increased significantly in the order of +10 W m−2. The strong radiative forcings associated with dust caused a~reduction in surface temperature in the order of −0.2 to −0.5 K for most parts of France, Germany, and Italy during the dust event. The maximum difference in surface temperature was found in the East of France, the Benelux, and Western Germany with up to −1 K. This magnitude of temperature change was sufficient to explain a systematic bias in numerical weather forecasts during the period of the dust event.
FLOCCULATION, REINFORCEMENT, AND GLASS TRANSITION EFFECTS IN SILICA-FILLED STYRENE-BUTADIENE RUBBER
Authors: Robertson C. G. , Lin C. J. , Bogoslovov R. B. , Rackaitis M. , Sadhukhan P. , Quinn J. D. , Roland C. M.
Published: December 2011

The introduction of silanes to improve processability and properties of silica-reinforced rubber compounds is critical to the successful commercial use of silica as a filler in tires and other applications. The use of silanes to promote polymer–filler interactions is expected to limit the development of a percolated filler network and may also affect the mobility of polymer chains near the particles. Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) was reinforced with silica particles at a filler volume fraction of 0.19, and various levels of filler–filler shielding agent (n-octyltriethoxysilane) and polymer–filler coupling agent (3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane) were incorporated. Both types of silane inhibited the filler flocculation process during annealing the uncured rubber materials, thus reducing the magnitude of the Payne effect. In contrast to the significant reinforcement effects noted in the strain-dependent shear modulus, the bulk modulus from hydrostatic compression was largely unaltered by the silanes. Addition of polymer–filler linkages using the coupling agent yielded bound rubber values up to 71%; however, this bound rubber exhibited glass transition behavior which was similar to the bulk SBR response, as determined by calorimetry and viscoelastic testing. Modifying the polymer–filler interface had a strong effect on the nature of the filler network, but it had very little influence on the segmental dynamics of polymer chains proximate to filler particles.
Impact of TP53 Codon 72 and MDM2 Promoter 309 Allelic Dosage in a Moroccan Population with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ezzikouri Sayeh , El Feydi Abdellah Essaid , Afifi Rajae , Benazzouz Mustapha , Hassar Mohammed , Pineau Pascal , Benjelloun Soumaya
Published: December 2011

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in codon 72 of the TP53 gene (rs1042522) and in the promoter region of the MDM2 gene (SNP309; rs2279744) have been shown to play a role in the predisposition to many cancers. However, these findings were inconsistent in other tumor types, and ethnicity is suspected to be a critical factor influencing the effects of these SNPs on the cancer risk. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether these functional SNPs were associated with an enhanced risk of liver tumorigenesis in Moroccan patients.

We have genotyped both polymorphisms in 96 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and 222 controls without HCC matched for age, gender and ethnicity by PCR-RFLP confirmed by sequencing.

A joint effect between the MDM2 and TP53 polymorphisms and an increased risk of liver cancer was detected, with the odds ratio for the presence of both MDM2 309GG and TP53 72Pro/Pro genotypes being 10 (95% confidence interval 0.39-255.55). Interestingly, a significant increase in the HCC risk was observed when at least two deleterious alleles were present, indicating an allele dosage effect.

There was no evidence for any association with early age of HCC onset when deleterious alleles of MDM2 SNP309 and TP53 Arg72Pro where present.

Our findings suggest that the combination of TP53 72Pro and MDM2 309G polymorphisms enhance the risk of developing HCC. These results deserve further confirmation in other populations.
Estimating and Planning Accelerated Life Test Using Constant Stress for Generalized Logistic Distribution under Type-I Censoring
Authors: Attia A. F. , Aly H. M. , Bleed S. O.
Published: December 2011

The optimal designs and statistical inference of accelerated life tests under type-I are studied for constant stress-accelerated life tests (CSALTs). It is assumed that the lifetime at design stress has generalized logistic distribution. The scale parameter of the
lifetime distribution at constant stress levels is assumed to be an inverse power law function of the stress level. The maximum likelihood (ML) estimators of the model parameters, Fisher information matrix, the asymptomatic variance-covariance matrix, the confidence bounds, the predictive value of the scale parameter, and the reliability function under the usual conditions are obtained under type-I censoring. Moreover, the optimal design of the accelerated life tests is studied according to the D-optimality criterion to specify the optimal censoring time. Finally, the numerical studies are introduced to illustrate the proposed procedures.
A New Iterative Algorithm for Solving a Class of Matrix Nearness Problem
Authors: Duan Xuefeng , Li Chunmei
Published: December 2011

Based on the alternating projection algorithm, which was proposed by Von Neumann to treat the problem of finding the projection of a given point onto the intersection of two closed subspaces,
we propose a new iterative algorithm to solve the matrix nearness problem associated with
the matrix equations AXB=E, CXD=F, which arises frequently in experimental design. If
we choose the initial iterative matrix X0=0, the least Frobenius norm solution of these matrix
equations is obtained. Numerical examples show that the new algorithm is feasible and effective.
Monitoring Change of Body Fluid during Physical Exercise using Bioimpedance Spectroscopy and Finite Element Simulations
Authors: Röthlingshöfer Lisa , Ulbrich Mark , Hahne Sebastian , Leonhardt Steffen
Published: December 2011

Athletes need a balanced body composition in order to achieve maximum performance. Especially dehydration reduces power and endurance during physical exercise. Monitoring the body composition, with a focus on body fluid, may help to avoid reduction in performance and other health problems. For this, a potential measurement method is bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS). BIS is a simple, non-invasive measurement method that allows to determine different body compartments (body fluid, fat, fat-free mass). However, because many physiological changes occur during physical exercise that can influence impedance measurements and distort results, it cannot be assumed that the BIS data are related to body fluid loss alone. To confirm that BIS can detect body fluid loss due to physical exercise, finite element (FE) simulations were done. Besides impedance, also the current density contribution during a BIS measurement was modeled to evaluate the influence of certain tissues on BIS measurements. Simulations were done using CST EM Studio (Computer Simulation Technology, Germany) and the Visible Human Data Set (National Library of Medicine, USA). In addition to the simulations, BIS measurements were also made on athletes. Comparison between the measured bioimpedance data and simulation data, as well as body weight loss during sport, indicates that BIS measurements are sensitive enough to monitor body fluid loss during physical exercise.
Neutrophil protease inhibition reduces neuromyelitis optica–immunoglobulin G–induced damage in mouse brain
Authors: Saadoun Samira , Waters Patrick , MacDonald Claire , Bell B. Anthony , Vincent Angela , Verkman A.S. , Papadopoulos Marios C.
Published: December 2011

Objective:

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system associated with pathogenic autoantibodies against the astrocyte water channel protein aquaporin‐4 (AQP4). The presence of neutrophils is a characteristic feature in NMO lesions in humans. Neutrophils are not generally found in multiple sclerosis lesions. We evaluated the role of neutrophils in a mouse NMO model.

Methods:

NMO lesions were produced in mice by intracerebral injection of immunoglobulin G (IgG) isolated from NMO patient serum and human complement. We previously reported that this mouse model produces the characteristic histological features of NMO, including perivascular complement activation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and loss of myelin, AQP4, and glial fibrillary acidic protein. Lesions are absent when AQP4 null mice are used or when IgG from non‐NMO patients is injected.

Results:

We found remarkably reduced neuroinflammation, myelin loss, and AQP4 loss in brains of neutropenic mice at 24 hours and 7 days, and increased severity of NMO lesions in mice made neutrophilic by granulocyte colony stimulating factor. NMO lesions were greatly reduced by intracerebral administration of the neutrophil protease inhibitors Sivelestat and cathepsin G inhibitor I or by intraperitoneal injection of Sivelestat alone. Immunostaining of human NMO lesions for neutrophil elastase revealed many degranulating perivascular neutrophils, with no equivalent perivascular neutrophils in human multiple sclerosis lesions.

Interpretation:

Our data implicate a central role of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of early NMO lesions and suggest the potential utility of neutrophil protease inhibitors such as Sivelestat in NMO therapy. ANN NEUROL 2012;
Mechanisms of plastic deformation in biodegradable polylactide/poly(1,4‐cis‐isoprene) blends
Authors: Kowalczyk Marcin , Piorkowska Ewa
Published: December 2011

Polylactide (PLA), a main representative of biodegradable and made from renewable resources polymers, is surprisingly brittle at ambient temperature. In this article it is investigated how to increase its toughness by a strategy called “rubber toughening” using poly(1,4‐cis‐isoprene), a major component of natural rubber, which is immiscible with PLA, could be well dispersed in PLA matrix and is biodegradable. Immiscible blends of PLA with poly(1,4‐cis‐isoprene) were prepared by melt blending and their properties were studied and optimized. Incorporation of as low as 5 wt % of rubber increased the strain at break of compression molded film during uniaxial drawing, and also improved its tensile impact strength by 80%. The complex mechanism of plastic deformation in the blends leading to improvement of ductility and toughness was revealed. The rubbery particles initiated crazing at the early stages of deformation, as evidenced by transmission and scanning electron microscopy and also by small angle X‐ray scattering. Crazing was immediately followed by cavitation inside rubber particles, which further promoted shear yielding of PLA. The sequence of those mechanisms was proven by microscopic investigation. All three elementary mechanisms acting in the sequence indicated are responsible for surprisingly efficient toughening of PLA by a major component of natural rubber. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011