bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge Regarding Modifiable Risk Factors of Coronary Atherosclerosis Heart Diseases in Kathmandu Municipality
Authors: Khadka M
Published: July 2013

Background Progressive urbanization and adoption of the “western” lifestyle contributes to the rising burden of cardiovascular disease in the developing world Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease is no longer confined by geographical area or socioeconomic boundary. The prevalence of Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease is increasing in Nepal. Knowledge is an important pre-requisite for implementing both primary and secondary preventive strategies for cardiovascular diseases. This investigation attempts to quantify knowledge of modifiable risk factors of Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease among sample population in Kathmandu metropolitan city. Methods Community based cross-sectional descriptive study design using quantitative method of study was conducted in ward no 5 of Kathmandu out of 35 wards. Selection was done by simple random technique (lottery method). Total house hold serial number of selected ward was identified from election commission record section and data was collected using systemic random sampling. The household head aged 18 years and above was taken as representative sample (n= 196). Standard questionnaire was used to interview participants. The risk factors specifically included smoking, hypertension, elevated cholesterol levels, diabetes mellitus and obesity. Results The mean age (SD) of the 196 participants was 51.26 (13.56) years. Of the participants only 22% had good level of knowledge regarding modifiable risk factors of Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease. This study showed that majority of the respondent lack predefined good level of knowledge regarding modifiable risk factors of Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease. 85.2%, 61.73%, 40.31%, 28.6%, 17.86% correctly identified hypertension, obesity, cholesterol, smoking and diabetes mellitus respectively as modifiable risk factor of Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease. Stud y found association of good level of knowledge in male participants (p=0.006), Brahmin cast (p=0.001), living in nuclear family (p= 0.041), ex-smoker (p=0.06), doing regular exercise ( p= 0.006). Conclusion This study call for efforts such as targeted public health education to increase the level of knowledge about the modifiable risk factors of heart disease. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v9i1.8347 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 pp.37-42
Angiographic Studies of Coronary Artery Disease in Dhulikhel Hospital
Authors: Koju R , Humagain S
Published: July 2013

Background Coronary Artery Diseases (CAD), one of the the leading causes of death, is increasing globally. The number of CAD is also increasing in Nepal. Dhulikhel Hospital is also providing cardiovascular services to populations from semiurban and rural population of mid region of country. It started coronary angiography services from April 2012. This paper aims to analyze pattern of coronary artery occlusion in patients undergoing coronary angiography during April to September months of 2012. Methods There were a total of 36 cases of diagnostic angiography and coronary interventions done in Dhulikhel Hospital from April to September 2012. Among them 32 cases of coronary angiography done for Acute Coronary Syndrome and Stable Angina, were analyzed using SPSS 17. Results Males were higher in number than females and majority of the patients were above 55 years. Out of 32 cases, 13 (40.6%) had Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) and 19(59.4%) had Stable Angina. Six out of 32 were found to have normal coronaries. One patient with ACS had normal coronary. Out of all the patients with coronary stenosis, four had left main disease, 14 had LAD stenosis, 7 had LCX stenosis and 12 patients had RCA stenosis. Thirteen had severe coronary stenosis. Nine out of 12 ACS patients had more than one coronary artery involved, which is significantly higher than the stable angina group (P<0.01). Severe stenosis was found to be more common in ACS group (p<0.001) when compared to the stable angina group. Conclusion Coronary angiography is a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool for CAD. Coronary status is significantly different in ACS and stable angina. ACS has more chance of having multivessel stenosis whereas stable angina has single vessel, less severe or normal coronaries. Severity of stenosis is also high in ACS than in stable angina. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v9i1.8348 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 pp.43-46
CD36 in atherosclerosis
Authors: Acharya Dhruba
Published: July 2013

CD36 was described nearly 30 years ago as “glycoprotein IV” the fourth major band of 88KD observed on SDS-PAGE of platelet membrane (1). It is present on many mammalian cell types: microvascular endothelium; professional phagocytes including macrophages, dendritic cells, microglia and retinal pigment-epithellium; erythroid precursors; hepatocytes; adipocytes; cardiac and skeletal myocytes; and specialized epithelia of the breast, kidney and gut (2). As a pattern recognition receptor, CD36 binds a diverse set of ligands, including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)(5), anionic phospholipids (4), long-chain fatty acids, thrombospondin-1, fibrillar -amyloid, and the membrane of cells undergoing apoptosis (3, 5, 6). CD36 has been implicated in a wide variety of normal and pathologic biological functions, including angiogenesis, atherosclerosis, phagocytosis, inflammation, lipid metabolism, and removal of apoptotic cells (3, 5). In 1993, Endemann et al. first identified CD36 as a potential oxLDL receptor (7).Unlike macrophage scavenger receptor A type I and II, CD36 binds LDL that has been exposed to minimally oxidizing condition. The observation that CD36 was an oxLDL receptor was the catalyst for many to prove the role of CD36 in atherosclerosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v9i1.8349 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 pp.47-50
Congenital Absence of pericardium
Authors: Sharma D , Baidya SG , Prajapati D , Lamsal K , Kayastha B , Pant S , Ghimire RK
Published: July 2013

A 30- year-old physically active male presented to us for evaluation of left sided chest pain which was non-exertional in nature. He described it as being of pricking type and non-radiating .His past history was not significant. Physical examination revealed a non-palpable apical impulse with no other abnormal findings. A chest x-ray (P-A view) revealed levoposition of heart, loss of the right heart border (hidden by spine) and prominence of pulmonary artery segments(Fig 1).A “tongue” of lung interposing between aorta and pulmonary artery was not evident in chest x-ray in this case. ECG was taken in the supine position with precordial leads placed in the standard position , which revealed right axis deviation, right bundle branch block(RBBB) pattern and poor R wave progression(Fig2). Transthoracic echocardiography revealed unusual windows with marked lateral displacement of apical windows. Lateral placement of the transducer was also necessary for parasternal axis views. Right atrium and right ventricles were mildly dilated. Echocardiography excluded other structural heart diseases (Fig 3 and Fig 4). As the above findings were suggestive of the diagnosis of congenital absence of pericardium, further investigations including CT chest and cardiac MRI were done to confirm the diagnosis. CT thorax(Fig 5), also suggested absence of pericardium. Axial T1 weighted cardiac MRI revealed markedly rotated axis of the the heart with mildy dilatation of ventricles. Lung was seen insinuating between aorta and pulmonary artery. Pericardium was absent(Fig 6). Thus, the diagnosis of total absence of pericardium was confirmed. Patient was advised to continue activities without limitation and was not referred for any kind of intervention. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v9i1.8350 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 pp.53-55
Complete heart block in Acute Rheumatic fever
Authors: Poudel CM , Gajurel RM , Barkoti M , Acharya SM , Anil OM
Published: July 2013

Rheumatic fever can cause a variety of cardiac conduction disturbances. First-degree heart block is a common electrocardiographic manifestation of acute rheumatic fever and is included in Jones’ diagnostic criteria. Other electrocardiographic changes such as sinus tachycardia, bundle branch blocks, nonspecific ST-T wave changes, atrial and ventricular premature complexes have been reported with variable frequency. However, complete heart block is an exceptionally rare manifestation of acute rheumatic fever. We report a 15 years female who developed Complete heart Block during an episode of acute rheumatic carditis. The patient was successfully treated with conventional treatment and Temporary Pacemaker. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v9i1.8351 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 pp.56-58
Spontaneous coronary artery dissection
Authors: Sharma Ranjit , Rajbhandari Rajeeb , Limbu Yubraj , Singh Satish , Bhatt YKD , KC Man Bahadur
Published: July 2013

A 38 year old previously healthy woman was referred to ER for ongoing chest pain. She had sudden onset of central, crushing chest pain 3 h back and her ECG was found to have evidence of acute infero-lateral wall MI. There was no history of cardiovascular disease or identifiable CAD risk factors. She had a history of bone TB 10 y back. She was on oral contraceptive pills 5 y back. Her mother had hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Her father died at the age of 75 y due to unknown cause and had a history of hypertension. There is no history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus or CVD in her siblings. General Examination: O2 saturation-95%, Pulse-88bpm, Bp-110/90mmHg.Systemic Examination: no abnormality detected. Investigation: CBC, RFT, BSR, and Electrolytes were WNL. ECG: ST elevation in infero-lateral leads 3 h back but minimal ST elevation in lll and AVF in our ER. Cardiac Biomarkers: CPK-MB-50u/l and Trop + .Echo screening: hypokinetic apex, apical IVS and apical inferior LV wall. She was diagnosed as acute infero-lateral wall MI and was admitted in CCU was treated with Aspirin, Clopidogrel ,LMWH ,Atorvastatin ,IV GTN , Beta-Blocker, Anxiolytics ,PPI and Stool softener .She was well on first post MI day but suddenly developed chest pain on second post MI day and her ECG showed ST elevation in V3-V6. She was taken to Cath lab for rescue PCI. Her coronary angiography studies revealed a linear dissection involving the distal LAD with TIMI 3 distal flow (Fig1). She was conservatively management and was discharged on 7 post MI day. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v9i1.8352 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 pp.59-62
Abstracts Presented at the Conquering Heart Disease in the Himalayan Region International Conference 2-3 November 2012
Authors: Editor The
Published: July 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v9i1.8353 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 pp.65-76
Cases in Abstract Presented at the Conquering Heart Disease in the Himalayan Region International Conference 2-3 November 2012
Authors: Editor The
Published: July 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njh.v9i1.8354 Nepalese Heart Journal Vol.9(1) 2012 pp.77-82
Vouchers, Magnet Schools, Charter Schools, and Options
Authors: Makarewicz Carrie
Published: July 2013

The topic of safe routes to school has been researched since the 1970s, and safe routes to school have been a goal of government programs since 1997. Despite the improvements made because of these efforts, the share of students walking and biking continues to decline. Identified barriers include parents' concerns about safety, the environment, time, and external factors such as traffic, weather, and distance. This research suggests that planners have overlooked two important factors influencing distance: education movements since the 1950s for greater school choice and affordable housing policies. Beyond desegregation, the creation of magnet schools, vouchers, academies, charter schools, and other school options has resulted in growing shares of urban students traveling long distances to school. In Oakland, California, only 49% of students attend school in the neighborhood where they live, and another 10,228 attend 34 charter schools with countywide enrollment. U.S. housing policies have also changed. Construction of public housing has ceased, save for the construction of replacement units. Housing voucher programs are oversubscribed, and individuals with vouchers often change neighborhoods or cities to find a unit. Foreclosures, high prices, and low vacancy rates in cities have also limited housing availability. School and housing policies combined have eroded the economic location theory, in which families balance housing and transportation costs to be near work and good schools. The study uses surveys, time use diaries, and interviews with 70 Oakland parents or caregivers. Results identify the complex choices that affect school travel and offer potential ways for transport, land use, and education planners to coordinate active travel to school.
Comparison of Self-Reported Driving Behaviors and Experiences of Immediate-Uptake and Delayed-Uptake License Holders
Authors: Scott-Parker Bridie , Watson Barry , King Mark J. , Hyde Melissa K.
Published: July 2013

The experiences of immediate-uptake driver's license holders (intermediate licensure at age 17 or 18 years; n = 928) and delayed-uptake driver's license holders (intermediate licensure at age 19 to 20 years, n 5 158) were explored in the Australian state of Queensland, where the graduated driver licensing (GDL) program applies to all novice drivers regardless of age. Drivers who obtained a Provisional 1 (P1; intermediate) license completed surveys exploring their experiences prelicensing and as learners, including the Behavior of Young Novice Drivers Scale (BYNDS) evaluation. Six months later, 351 drivers from this sample (n = 300 immediate-uptake driver's license holders) completed a survey exploring their experiences while driving with a P1 license. Delayed-uptake learners reported significantly more difficulty gaining driving practice, which appeared to be associated with significantly greater engagement in unsupervised driving during the learner period. Although a larger proportion of delayed-uptake novices, particularly males, reported the use of more active punishment avoidance strategies (avoiding police, talking themselves out of a ticket) during the P1 license phase, no significant differences in the BYNDS scores during the learner and P1 license phases were found by license uptake category. Delayed-uptake novices reported more difficulty in meeting GDL requirements and placed themselves at increased risk by driving unsupervised during the learner license phase. Additional efforts, such as mentoring programs, that can support delayed-uptake learners in meeting their GDL obligations merit further consideration to allow this group of novice drivers to gain the full benefits of the GDL program and to reduce their risk of harm in the short term.
Large Genetic Variability in Chickpea for Tolerance to Herbicides Imazethapyr and Metribuzin
Authors: Gaur Pooran , Jukanti Aravind , Samineni Srinivasan , Chaturvedi Sushil , Singh Sarvjeet , Tripathi Shailesh , Singh Inderjit , Singh Guriqbal , Das Tapas , Aski Muraleedhar , Mishra Neelu , Nadarajan Nagasamy , Gowda C.
Published: July 2013

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is known to be sensitive to many herbicides and, therefore, choices for using post-emergence herbicides for weed control are limited. The present study was aimed at identifying sources of tolerance to two herbicides with different modes of action (imazethapyr—amino acid synthesis inhibitor; and metribuzin—photosynthesis inhibitor) for use in breeding herbicide tolerant cultivars. Screening of 300 diverse chickpea genotypes (278 accessions from the reference set and 22 breeding lines) revealed large genetic variations for tolerance to herbicides imazethapyr and metribuzin. In general, the sensitivity of the genotypes to metribuzin was higher compared to that for imazethapyr. Several genotypes tolerant to metribuzin (ICC 1205, ICC 1164, ICC 1161, ICC 8195, ICC 11498, ICC 9586, ICC 14402 ICC 283) and imazethapyr (ICC 3239, ICC 7867, ICC 1710, ICC 13441, ICC 13461, ICC 13357, ICC 7668, ICC 13187) were identified, based on average herbicide tolerance scores from two experimental locations each. The herbicide tolerant lines identified in this study will be useful resources for development of herbicide tolerant cultivars and for undertaking genetic and physiological studies on herbicide tolerance in chickpea.
Discrete Integrals Based on Comonotonic Modularity
Authors: Couceiro Miguel , Marichal Jean-Luc
Published: July 2013

It is known that several discrete integrals, including the Choquet and Sugeno integrals, as well as some of their generalizations, are comonotonically modular functions. Based on a recent description of the class of comonotonically modular functions, we axiomatically identify more general families of discrete integrals that are comonotonically modular, including signed Choquet integrals and symmetric signed Choquet integrals, as well as natural extensions of Sugeno integrals.
On Solutions of Holonomic Divided-Difference Equations on Nonuniform Lattices
Authors: Foupouagnigni Mama , Koepf Wolfram , Kenfack-Nangho Maurice , Mboutngam Salifou
Published: July 2013

The main aim of this paper is the development of suitable bases that enable the direct series representation of orthogonal polynomial systems on nonuniform lattices (quadratic lattices of a discrete or a q-discrete variable). We present two bases of this type, the first of which allows one to write solutions of arbitrary divided-difference equations in terms of series representations, extending results given by Sprenger for the q-case. Furthermore, it enables the representation of the Stieltjes function, which has already been used to prove the equivalence between the Pearson equation for a given linear functional and the Riccati equation for the formal Stieltjes function. If the Askey-Wilson polynomials are written in terms of this basis, however, the coefficients turn out to be not q-hypergeometric. Therefore, we present a second basis, which shares several relevant properties with the first one. This basis enables one to generate the defining representation of the Askey-Wilson polynomials directly from their divided-difference equation. For this purpose, the divided-difference equation must be rewritten in terms of suitable divided-difference operators developed in previous work by the first author.
Psychological Detachment in the Relationship between Job Stressors and Strain
Authors: Safstrom My , Hartig Terry
Published: July 2013

We investigated the mediating versus moderating role of psychological detachment in the relationship between job stressors and psychological strain. Our sample consisted of 173 university students invested in challenging programs of advanced professional studies, who could find it difficult to detach from work. Hierarchical regression analyses of cross-sectional survey data affirmed the role of psychological detachment as a mediator in the relationship between job demands and perceived stress. Detachment also mediated the relationship between job demands and satisfaction with life, although the association disappeared when controlling for negative affectivity. Detachment did not mediate relationships between job demands and cognitive failures. Psychological detachment did not moderate any of the investigated relationships. The study contributes to a view of psychological detachment as less subject to individual differences than to the imposition of stressors in the given context.
Exploring the Client–AEC Interface in Building Lifecycle Integration
Authors: Kamara John
Published: July 2013

The creation and management of buildings over their lifecycle involves the cooperation of many organizations, which broadly fall into a client domain and AEC (architecture, engineering, construction) domain. While this mix of expertise is essential, the ineffective management of the boundaries between these organizations can undermine building lifecycle performance. This paper explores client–AEC interactions at the project development and handover stages, with a view to discovering insights into client–AEC interface management for effective building lifecycle integration (BLI). The concept of boundary objects provided the theoretical framework to discuss findings from two case studies on the project development phase of a private finance initiative project, and the asset development process in a repeat client organization. The findings suggest that there are different emphases in boundary crossing activities at different stages, with boundary roles that relate to decision-making and authority to commit resources being more relevant at the project development stage, whereas the need to explain meanings appear to be more relevant at the handover stage. AEC professionals in client organizations play a crucial role in bridging knowledge boundaries about buildings, but this professional/functional strand to BLI needs to be effectively managed alongside the organizational boundaries, since the authority to resource BLI efforts resides within organizations.
A City for All Citizens: Integrating Children and Youth from Marginalized Populations into City Planning
Authors: Derr Victoria , Chawla Louise , Mintzer Mara , Cushing Debra , Van Vliet Willem
Published: July 2013

Socially just, intergenerational urban spaces should not only accommodate children and adolescents, but engage them as participants in the planning and design of welcoming spaces. With this goal, city agencies in Boulder, Colorado, the Boulder Valley School District, the Children, Youth and Environments Center at the University of Colorado, and a number of community organizations have been working in partnership to integrate young people’s ideas and concerns into the redesign of parks and civic areas and the identification of issues for city planning. Underlying their work is a commitment to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and children’s rights to active citizenship from a young age. This paper describes approaches used to engage with young people and methods of participation, and reflects on lessons learned about how to most effectively involve youth from underrepresented populations and embed diverse youth voices into the culture of city planning.
Live Piloting and Prototyping
Authors: Rizzo Francesca , Cantù Daria
Published: July 2013

This paper presents current trends in service design research concerning large scale projects aimed at generating changes at a local scale. The strategy adopted to achieve this, is to co-design solutions including future users in the development process, prototyping and testing system of products and services before their actual implementation. On the basis of experience achieved in the European Project Life 2.0, this paper discusses which methods and competencies are applied in the development of these projects, eliciting the lessons learnt especially from the piloting phase in which the participatory design (PD) approach plays a major role. In the first part, the topic is introduced jointly with the theoretical background where the user center design and participatory design methods are presented; then the Life 2.0 project development is described; finally the experience is discussed from a service design perspective, eliciting guidelines for piloting and prototyping services in a real context of use. The paper concludes reflecting on the designers’ role and competencies needed in this process.
Relative Entropy Derivative Bounds
Authors: Zegers Pablo , Fuentes Alexis , Alarcón Carlos
Published: July 2013

We show that the derivative of the relative entropy with respect to its parameters is lower and upper bounded. We characterize the conditions under which this derivative can reach zero. We use these results to explain when the minimum relative entropy and the maximum log likelihood approaches can be valid. We show that these approaches naturally activate in the presence of large data sets and that they are inherent properties of any density estimation process involving large numbers of random variables.
Redundancy + Reconfigurability = Recoverability
Authors: Monkman Simon , Schagaev Igor
Published: July 2013

An approach to consider computers and connected computer systems using structural, time, and information redundancies is proposed. An application of redundancy for reconfigurability and recoverability of computers and connected computer systems is discussed, gaining performance, reliability, and power-saving in operation. A paradigm of recoverability is introduced and, if followed, shifts connected computer systems toward real-time applications. Use of redundancy for connected computers is analysed in terms of recoverability, where two supportive algorithms of forward and backward tracing are proposed and explained. As an example, growth of mission reliability is formulated.
Middleware Architectures for the Smart Grid: Survey and Challenges in the Foreseeable Future
Authors: Martínez José-Fernán , Rodríguez-Molina Jesús , Castillejo Pedro , De Diego Rubén
Published: July 2013

The traditional power grid is just a one-way supplier that gets no feedback data about the energy delivered, what tariffs could be the most suitable ones for customers, the shifting daily needs of electricity in a facility, etc. Therefore, it is only natural that efforts are being invested in improving power grid behavior and turning it into a Smart Grid. However, to this end, several components have to be either upgraded or created from scratch. Among the new components required, middleware appears as a critical one, for it will abstract all the diversity of the used devices for power transmission (smart meters, embedded systems, etc.) and will provide the application layer with a homogeneous interface involving power production and consumption management data that were not able to be provided before. Additionally, middleware is expected to guarantee that updates to the current metering infrastructure (changes in service or hardware availability) or any added legacy measuring appliance will get acknowledged for any future request. Finally, semantic features are of major importance to tackle scalability and interoperability issues. A survey on the most prominent middleware architectures for Smart Grids is presented in this paper, along with an evaluation of their features and their strong points and weaknesses.
Managing Understory Vegetation for Maintaining Productivity in Black Spruce Forests: A Synthesis within a Multi-Scale Research Model
Authors: Thiffault Nelson , Fenton Nicole , Munson Alison , Hébert François , Fournier Richard , Valeria Osvaldo , Bradley Robert , Bergeron Yves , Grondin Pierre , Paré David , Joanisse Gilles
Published: July 2013

Sustainable management of boreal ecosystems involves the establishment of vigorous tree regeneration after harvest. However, two groups of understory plants influence regeneration success in eastern boreal Canada. Ericaceous shrubs are recognized to rapidly dominate susceptible boreal sites after harvest. Such dominance reduces recruitment and causes stagnant conifer growth, lasting decades on some sites. Additionally, peat accumulation due to Sphagnum growth after harvest forces the roots of regenerating conifers out of the relatively nutrient rich and warm mineral soil into the relatively nutrient poor and cool organic layer, with drastic effects on growth. Shifts from once productive black spruce forests to ericaceous heaths or paludified forests affect forest productivity and biodiversity. Under natural disturbance dynamics, fires severe enough to substantially reduce the organic layer thickness and affect ground cover species are required to establish a productive regeneration layer on such sites. We succinctly review how understory vegetation influences black spruce ecosystem dynamics in eastern boreal Canada, and present a multi-scale research model to understand, limit the loss and restore productive and diverse ecosystems in this region. Our model integrates knowledge of plant-level mechanisms in the development of silvicultural tools to sustain productivity. Fundamental knowledge is integrated at stand, landscape, regional and provincial levels to understand the distribution and dynamics of ericaceous shrubs and paludification processes and to support tactical and strategic forest management. The model can be adapted and applied to other natural resource management problems, in other biomes.
Spatially-Explicit Simulation Modeling of Ecological Response to Climate Change: Methodological Considerations in Predicting Shifting Population Dynamics of Infectious Disease Vectors
Authors: Dhingra Radhika , Jimenez Violeta , Chang Howard , Gambhir Manoj , Fu Joshua , Liu Yang , Remais Justin
Published: July 2013

Poikilothermic disease vectors can respond to altered climates through spatial changes in both population size and phenology. Quantitative descriptors to characterize, analyze and visualize these dynamic responses are lacking, particularly across large spatial domains. In order to demonstrate the value of a spatially explicit, dynamic modeling approach, we assessed spatial changes in the population dynamics of Ixodes scapularis, the Lyme disease vector, using a temperature-forced population model simulated across a grid of 4 × 4 km cells covering the eastern United States, using both modeled (Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) 3.2.1) baseline/current (2001–2004) and projected (Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 4.5 and RCP 8.5; 2057–2059) climate data. Ten dynamic population features (DPFs) were derived from simulated populations and analyzed spatially to characterize the regional population response to current and future climate across the domain. Each DPF under the current climate was assessed for its ability to discriminate observed Lyme disease risk and known vector presence/absence, using data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Peak vector population and month of peak vector population were the DPFs that performed best as predictors of current Lyme disease risk. When examined under baseline and projected climate scenarios, the spatial and temporal distributions of DPFs shift and the seasonal cycle of key questing life stages is compressed under some scenarios. Our results demonstrate the utility of spatial characterization, analysis and visualization of dynamic population responses—including altered phenology—of disease vectors to altered climate.
Impacts of pr-10a Overexpression at the Molecular and the Phenotypic Level
Authors: Vaas Lea , Marheine Maja , Sikorski Johannes , Göker Markus , Schumacher Heinz-Martin
Published: July 2013

Biotechnological approaches using genetic modifications such as homologous gene overexpression can be used to decode gene functions under well-defined circumstances. However, only the recording of the resulting phenotypes allows inferences about the impact of the modification on the organisms’ evolutionary, ecological or economic performance. We here compare a potato wild-type cell line with two genetically engineered cell cultures homologously overexpressing Pathogenesis Related Protein 10a (pr-10a). A detailed analysis of the relative gene-expression patterns of pr-10a and its regulators sebf and pti4 over time provides insights into the molecular response of heterotrophic cells to distinct osmotic and salt-stress conditions. Furthermore, this system serves as an exemplar for the tracing of respiration kinetics as a faster and more sensitive alternative to the laborious and time-consuming recording of growth curves. The utility and characteristics of the resulting data type and the requirements for its appropriate analysis are figured out. It is demonstrated how this novel type of phenotypic information together with the gene-expression-data provides valuable insights into the effect of genetic modifications on the behaviour of cells on both the molecular and the macroscopic level.
Serum Oxidant and Antioxidant Status Following an All-Out 21-km Run in Adolescent Runners Undergoing Professional Training—A One-Year Prospective Trial
Authors: Tong Tom , Kong Zhaowei , Lin Hua , Lippi Giuseppe , Zhang Haifeng , Nie Jinlei
Published: July 2013

This study investigated the 1-year longitudinal effect of professional training in adolescent runners on redox balance during intense endurance exercise. Changes in selected serum oxidant and antioxidant status in response to a 21-km running time trial in 10 runners (15.5 ± 1.3 years) undergoing professional training were evaluated twice in 12 months (pre- and post-evaluation). Venous blood samples were collected immediately before and 4-h following the 21-km run for analysis of serum concentrations of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), xanthine oxidase (XO), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC). In pre-evaluation trial, serum TBARS and SOD decreased after the 21-km run (p < 0.05) while XO, GSH, CAT and TAOC were unchanged. In post-evaluation trial, serum TBARS and SOD decreased, whereas XO and CAT increased post-exercise (p < 0.05). Furthermore, pre-exercise serum T-AOC, post-exercise serum XO, CAT, T-AOC (p < 0.05), and GSH (p = 0.057) appeared to be higher than the corresponding pre-evaluation values. The current findings suggest that a professional training regime in adolescent runners is not likely to jeopardize the development of their antioxidant defense. However, uncertainties in the maintenance of redox balance in runners facing increased exercise-induced oxidative stress as a consequence of training-induced enhancement of exercise capacity await further elucidation.
Characterization of a Gene Encoding Clathrin Heavy Chain in Maize Up-Regulated by Salicylic Acid, Abscisic Acid and High Boron Supply
Authors: Zeng Mu-Heng , Liu Sheng-Hong , Yang Miao-Xian , Zhang Ya-Jun , Liang Jia-Yong , Wan Xiao-Rong , Liang Hong
Published: July 2013

Clathrin, a three-legged triskelion composed of three clathrin heavy chains (CHCs) and three light chains (CLCs), plays a critical role in clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME) in eukaryotic cells. In this study, the genes ZmCHC1 and ZmCHC2 encoding clathrin heavy chain in maize were cloned and characterized for the first time in monocots. ZmCHC1 encodes a 1693-amino acid-protein including 29 exons and 28 introns, and ZmCHC2 encodes a 1746-amino acid-protein including 28 exons and 27 introns. The high similarities of gene structure, protein sequences and 3D models among ZmCHC1, and Arabidopsis AtCHC1 and AtCHC2 suggest their similar functions in CME. ZmCHC1 gene is predominantly expressed in maize roots instead of ubiquitous expression of ZmCHC2. Consistent with a typical predicted salicylic acid (SA)-responsive element and four predicted ABA-responsive elements (ABREs) in the promoter sequence of ZmCHC1, the expression of ZmCHC1 instead of ZmCHC2 in maize roots is significantly up-regulated by SA or ABA, suggesting that ZmCHC1 gene may be involved in the SA signaling pathway in maize defense responses. The expressions of ZmCHC1 and ZmCHC2 genes in maize are down-regulated by azide or cold treatment, further revealing the energy requirement of CME and suggesting that CME in plants is sensitive to low temperatures.
3-Chloro-4-(5-methoxy-1H-indol-3-yl)cyclobut-3-ene-1,2-dione
Authors: Lande Duc , Messal Marleen , Reimann Vincent , Renger Caren , Rurka Constanze , Schoemaker Jana , Schröder Nadin , Grünefeld Johann
Published: July 2013

The indole ring system is a prominent partial structure of several protein kinase inhibitor families. The title compound is the first example of a 5-substituted indolyl squaryl chloride with free indole nitrogen. It has been synthesized by reaction of 5-methoxyindole with squaric acid dichloride in diethyl ether and its IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, MS, UV and HPLC data are presented. This compound may prove to be a rather useful building block for the preparation of various derivatives for biological studies.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Barettin
Authors: Lind Karianne , Hansen Espen , Østerud Bjarne , Eilertsen Karl-Erik , Bayer Annette , Engqvist Magnus , Leszczak Kinga , Jørgensen Trond , Andersen Jeanette
Published: July 2013

In this paper, we present novel bioactivity for barettin isolated from the marine sponge Geodia barretti. We found that barettin showed strong antioxidant activity in biochemical assays as well as in a lipid peroxidation cell assay. A de-brominated synthetic analogue of barettin did not show the same activity in the antioxidant cell assay, indicating that bromine is important for cellular activity. Barettin was also able to inhibit the secretion of the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNFα from LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells. This combination of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities could indicate that barettin has an atheroprotective effect and may therefore be an interesting product to prevent development of atherosclerosis.
Aniquinazolines A–D, Four New Quinazolinone Alkaloids from Marine-Derived Endophytic Fungus Aspergillus nidulans
Authors: An Chun-Yan , Li Xiao-Ming , Li Chun-Shun , Wang Ming-Hui , Xu Gang-Ming , Wang Bin-Gui
Published: July 2013

Four new quinazolinone alkaloids, namely, aniquinazolines A–D (1–4), were isolated and identified from the culture of Aspergillus nidulans MA-143, an endophytic fungus obtained from the leaves of marine mangrove plant Rhizophora stylosa. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by spectroscopic analysis, and their absolute configurations were determined on the basis of chiral HPLC analysis of the acidic hydrolysates. The structure for 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. All these compounds were examined for antibacterial and cytotoxic activity as well as brine shrimp (Artemia salina) lethality.
Searching for Stable SinCn Clusters: Combination of Stochastic Potential Surface Search and Pseudopotential Plane-Wave Car-Parinello Simulated Annealing Simulations
Authors: Duan Xiaofeng , Burggraf Larry , Huang Lingyu
Published: July 2013

To find low energy SinCn structures out of hundreds to thousands of isomers we have developed a general method to search for stable isomeric structures that combines Stochastic Potential Surface Search and Pseudopotential Plane-Wave Density Functional Theory Car-Parinello Molecular Dynamics simulated annealing (PSPW-CPMD-SA). We enhanced the Sunders stochastic search method to generate random cluster structures used as seed structures for PSPW-CPMD-SA simulations. This method ensures that each SA simulation samples a different potential surface region to find the regional minimum structure. By iterations of this automated, parallel process on a high performance computer we located hundreds to more than a thousand stable isomers for each SinCn cluster. Among these, five to 10 of the lowest energy isomers were further optimized using B3LYP/cc-pVTZ method. We applied this method to SinCn (n = 4–12) clusters and found the lowest energy structures, most not previously reported. By analyzing the bonding patterns of low energy structures of each SinCn cluster, we observed that carbon segregations tend to form condensed conjugated rings while Si connects to unsaturated bonds at the periphery of the carbon segregation as single atoms or clusters when n is small and when n is large a silicon network spans over the carbon segregation region.
Synthesis of Microspherical LiFePO4-Carbon Composites for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Linghui , Cai Dandan , Wang Haihui , Titirici Maria-Magdalena
Published: July 2013

This paper reports an “all in one” procedure to produce mesoporous, micro-spherical LiFePO4 composed of agglomerated crystalline nanoparticles. Each nanoparticle is individually coated with a thin glucose-derived carbon layer. The main advantage of the as-synthesized materials is their good performance at high charge-discharge rates. The nanoparticles and the mesoporosity guarantee a short bulk diffusion distance for both lithium ions and electrons, as well as additional active sites for the charge transfer reactions. At the same time, the thin interconnected carbon coating provides a conductive framework capable of delivering electrons to the nanostructured LiFePO4.
DNA-Promoted Auto-Assembly of Gold Nanoparticles: Effect of the DNA Sequence on the Stability of the Assemblies
Authors: Doyen Matthieu , Bartik Kristin , Bruylants Gilles
Published: July 2013

The use of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oligonucleotides has proven to be a powerful and versatile strategy to assemble nanomaterials into two (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) superlattices. With the aim of contributing to the elucidation of the factors that affect the stability of this type of superlattices, the assembly of gold nanoparticles grafted with different DNA oligonucleotides was characterized by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy as a function of temperature. After establishing an appropriate methodology the effect of (i) the length of the grafted oligonucleotides; (ii) the length of their complementary parts and also of (iii) the simultaneous grafting of different oligonucleotides was investigated. Our results indicate that the electrostatic repulsion between the particles and the cooperativity of the assembly process play crucial roles in the stability of the assemblies while the grafting density of the oligonucleotide strands seems to have little influence.
Bridging Ridge-to-Reef Patches: Seamless Classification of the Coast Using Very High Resolution Satellite
Authors: Collin Antoine , Archambault Philippe , Planes Serge
Published: July 2013

The structure and functioning of coral reef coastal zones are currently coping with an increasing variety of threats, thereby altering the coastal spatial patterns at an accelerated pace. Understanding and predicting the evolution of these highly valuable coastal ecosystems require reliable and frequent mapping and monitoring of both inhabited terrestrial and marine areas at the individual tree and coral colony spatial scale. The very high spatial resolution (VHR) mapping that was recently spearheaded by WorldView-2 (WV2) sensor with 2 m and 0.5 m multispectral (MS) and panchromatic (Pan) bands has the potential to address this burning issue. The objective of this study was to classify nine terrestrial and twelve marine patch classes with respect to spatial resolution enhancement and coast integrity using eight bands of the WV2 sensor on a coastal zone of Moorea Island, French Polynesia. The contribution of the novel WV2 spectral bands towards classification accuracy at 2 m and 0.5 m were tested using traditional and innovative Pan-sharpening techniques. The land and water classes were examined both separately and combinedly. All spectral combinations that were built only with the novel WV2 bands systematically increased the overall classification accuracy of the standard four band classification. The overall best contribution was attributed to the coastal-red edge-near infrared (NIR) 2 combination (Kappagain = 0.0287), which significantly increased the fleshy and encrusting algae (User’s Accuracygain = 18.18%) class. However, the addition of the yellow-NIR2 combination dramatically impacted the hard coral/algae patches class (Producer’s Accuracyloss = −20.88%). Enhancement of the spatial resolution reduced the standard classification accuracy, depending on the Pan-sharpening technique. The proposed composite method (local maximum) provided better overall results than the commonly used sensor method (systematic). However, the sensor technique produced the highest contribution to the hard coral thicket (PAgain = 30.36%) class with the coastal-red edge-NIR2 combination. Partitioning the coast into its terrestrial and aquatic components lowered the overall standard classification accuracy, while strongly enhancing the hard coral bommie class with the coastal-NIR2 combination (UAgain = 40%) and the green-coastal Normalized Difference Ratio (UAgain = 11.06%). VHR spaceborne remote sensing has the potential to gain substantial innovative insights into the evolution of tropical coastal ecosystems from local to regional scales, to predict the influence of anthropogenic and climate changes and to help design optimized management and conservation frameworks.
In-Plane Resonant Nano-Electro-Mechanical Sensors: A Comprehensive Study on Design, Fabrication and Characterization Challenges
Authors: Hassani Faezeh , Tsuchiya Yoshishige , Mizuta Hiroshi
Published: July 2013

The newly proposed in-plane resonant nano-electro-mechanical (IP R-NEM) sensor, that includes a doubly clamped suspended beam and two side electrodes, achieved a mass sensitivity of less than zepto g/Hz based on analytical and numerical analyses. The high frequency characterization and numerical/analytical studies of the fabricated sensor show that the high vacuum measurement environment will ease the resonance detection using the capacitance detection technique if only the thermoelsatic damping plays a dominant role for the total quality factor of the sensor. The usage of the intrinsic junction-less field-effect-transistor (JL FET) for the resonance detection of the sensor provides a more practical detection method for this sensor. As the second proposed sensor, the introduction of the monolithically integrated in-plane MOSFET with the suspended beam provides another solution for the ease of resonance frequency detection with similar operation to the junction-less transistor in the IP R-NEM sensor. The challenging fabrication technology for the in-plane resonant suspended gate field-effect-transistor (IP RSG-FET) sensor results in some post processing and simulation steps to fully explore and improve the direct current (DC) characteristics of the sensor for the consequent high frequency measurement. The results of modeling and characterization in this research provide a realistic guideline for these potential ultra-sensitive NEM sensors.
Electric Field and Current Transport Mechanisms in Schottky CdTe X-ray Detectors under Perturbing Optical Radiation
Authors: Cola Adriano , Farella Isabella
Published: July 2013

Schottky CdTe X-ray detectors exhibit excellent spectroscopic performance but suffer from instabilities. Hence it is of extreme relevance to investigate their electrical properties. A systematic study of the electric field distribution and the current flowing in such detectors under optical perturbations is presented here. The detector response is explored by varying experimental parameters, such as voltage, temperature, and radiation wavelength. The strongest perturbation is observed under 850 nm irradiation, bulk carrier recombination becoming effective there. Cathode and anode irradiations evidence the crucial role of the contacts, the cathode being Ohmic and the anode blocking. In particular, under irradiation of the cathode, charge injection occurs and peculiar kinks, typical of trap filling, are observed both in the current-voltage characteristic and during transients. The simultaneous access to the electric field and the current highlights the correlation between free and fixed charges, and unveils carrier transport/collection mechanisms otherwise hidden.