bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chromosomal instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes of patients with reproductive failure assessed by micronucleus assay
Authors: Milošević-Djordjević Olivera , Stošić Ivana , Grujičić Darko , Zelen Ivanka , Sazdanović Predrag
Published: February 2013

We investigated chromosomal instability in peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) of patients with reproductive failure in respect to age, smoking habits, gender, miscarriages, and semen parameters. The study involved 36 individual cases of reproductive failure (18 men and 18 women) attended at the Clinical Centre of Kragujevac, Serbia, and 30 healthy subjects (15 men and 15 women). Micronuclei (MN) frequency was estimated in PBL using the cytokinesis-block micronucleus (CBMN) assay. The baseline MN frequencies were signifi cantly higher (p=0.031; p<0.001) in male [(9.22 ± 4.70) MN per 1000 BN cells] and female patients [(13.50 ± 2.5) MN per 1000 BN cells] than in male and female healthy controls [(6.27 ± 2.66) MN per 1000 BN cells; (6.80 ± 2.98) MN per 1000 BN cells]. The mean baseline MN frequency did not signifi cantly differ between miscarriage groups and between patients with and without normal values of semen parameters. The correlations between poor sperm concentration (<20x106 mL-1), rapid progressive motility (<25 %), normal morphology (<30 %), and MN frequencies were negative, but not statistically signifi cant. We found that only gender signifi cantly infl uenced the MN rates in analysed patients. There were no signifi cant differences between age groups and between smokers and non-smokers in patients and control samples. We conclude that the increase in baseline MN frequency in PBL of patients with reproductive failure corresponds to the increase in chromosomal damage, which occurs as a result of complex events that cause reproductive disorders.
Identification of Fusarium Species Isolated From Stored Apple Fruit in Croatia / Identifikacija Vrsta Roda Fusarium Izoliranih S Plodova Jabuke Nakon Skladištenja
Authors: Sever Zdravka , Ivić Dario , Kos Tomislav , Miličević Tihomir
Published: February 2013

Several species of the genus Fusarium can cause apple fruit to rot while stored. Since Fusarium taxonomy is very complex and has constantly been revised and updated over the last years, the aim of this study was to identify Fusarium species from rotten apples, based on combined morphological characteristics and molecular data.

We identified 32 Fusarium isolates from rotten apple fruit of cultivars Golden Delicious, Jonagold, Idared, and Pink Lady, stored in Ultra Low Oxygen (ULO) conditions. Fusarium rot was detected in 9.4 % to 33.2 % of naturally infected apples, depending on the cultivar. The symptoms were similar in all four cultivars: a soft circular brown necrosis of different extent, with or without visible sporulation. Fusarium species were identified by the morphology of cultures grown on potato-dextrose agar (PDA) and carnation leaf agar (CLA). Twenty one isolates were identified as Fusarium avenaceum and confirmed as such with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primer pair FA-ITSF and FA-ITSR. F. pseudograminearum,F. semitectum, F. crookwellense, and F. compactum were identified by morphological characteristics. F.avenaceum can produce several mycotoxins and its dominance in Fusarium rot points to the risk of mycotoxin contamination of apple fruit juices and other products for human consumption. Pathogenicity tests showed typical symptoms of Fusarium rot in most of the inoculated wounded apple fruits. In this respect Fusarium avenaceum, as the dominant cause of Fusarium rot in stored apple fruits is a typical wound parasite.
Genetic Variability of Citrinin-Producing Penicillium Citrinum Strains as Occupational Health Hazards in Northern Iran / Genska Varijabilnost Citrinin-Toksinogenih Sojeva Penicillium Citrinum Kao Izvor Opasnosti Za Zdravlje Profesionalno Izloženih Populacija U Sjevernom Iranu
Authors: Khosravi Ali Reza , Sheikhkarami Mojgan , Shokri Hojjatollah , Sabokbar Azar
Published: February 2013

We evaluated the ability of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to type citrinin-producing Penicillium citrinum (P. citrinum) strains recovered from the forest’s air in northern Iran. A total of 12 P.citrinum strains (P1-P12) were characterised by citrinin production and random amplification of polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. All the strains produced citrinin with levels ranging from 1.5 μg mL-1 to 39.6 μg mL-1 (average value: 12.68 μg mL-1). Of 11 primers tested, eight primers produced polymorphic amplification patterns. These primers generated a total of 105 reproducible RAPD bands, averaging to 13.1 bands per primer. Dendrogram for each primer indicating the distance of the strains to each other was constructed. RAPD results showed that the collected strains constituted four different clusters. The first cluster included two isolates (P1 and P3). The second cluster included seven isolates (P2, P4, P5, P6, P7, P8, and P10). The third and fourth clusters included one isolate (P9) and two isolates (P11 and P12), respectively. We concluded that RAPD analysis might be used in providing genotypic characters for toxigenic P. citrinum strains typing in epidemiological investigations and public health related risk assessment.
Altered canonical hedgehog-gli signalling axis in pesticide-induced bone marrow aplasia mouse model
Authors: Chaklader Malay , Das Prosun , Pereira Jacintha Archana , Chaudhuri Samaresh , Law Sujata
Published: February 2013

The mechanistic interplay between pesticide exposure and development of marrow aplasia is not yet well established but there are indices that chronic pesticide exposure in some instances causes marrow aplasia like haematopoietic degenerative condition in human beings. Canonical Hedgehog (Hh) signalling has multiple roles in a wide range of developmental processes, including haematopoiesis. The present study was designed to explore the status of four important components of the canonical Hedgehog signalling cascade, the Sonic Hedgehog (Shh), Ptch1, Smo, and Gli1, in a mouse model of chronic pesticide-induced bone marrow aplasia. We used 5 % aqueous mixture of pesticides (chlorpyriphos, prophenophos, cypermethrin, alpha-methrin, and hexaconazole) for inhalation and dermal exposure of 6 hours per day and 5 days a week up to 90 days. Murine bone marrow aplasia related to chronic pesticide treatment was confi rmed primarily by haemogram, bone marrow cellularity, short term bone marrow explant culture for cellular kinetics, bone marrow smear, and fl ow cytometric Lin-Sca-1+C-kit+ extracellular receptor expression pattern. Later, components of hedgehog signalling were analysed in the bone marrow of both control and pesticide-treated aplastic groups of animals. The results depicted pancytopenic feature of peripheral blood, developmental anomaly of neutrophils, depression of primitive stem and progenitor population along with Shh, Ptch1, Smo and Gli1 expression in aplasia group. This investigation suggests that pesticide-induced downregulation of two critically important proteins - Ptch1 and Gli1 - inside the haematopoietic stem and progenitor cell population impairs haematopoietic homeostasis and regeneration mechanism in vivo concurrent with bone marrow aplasia.
Adverse Effects Of Combined Mycotoxins / Štetni Učinci Kombiniranih Mikotoksina
Authors: Šegvić Klarić Maja
Published: February 2013

This article brings an overview of mycotoxin co-occurrence in foods in Croatia and neighbouring countries and experimental data from mycotoxin interaction studies involving Fusarium toxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Only a few studies of combined mycotoxin toxicity have employed a mathematical/ statistical design, while others have used common statistics in order to compare the effects of mycotoxin mixtures with effects of single toxins. So far, most studies have observed additive or synergistic effects, suggesting that these mixtures pose a significant threat to human and animal health
The Effects Of Wild Thyme (Thymus Serpyllum L.) Essential Oil Components Against Ochratoxin-Producing Aspergilli / Majčina Dušica (Thymus Serpyllum L.) I Njezine Komponente Protiv Okratoksikotvornih Vrsta Aspergillusa
Authors: Sokolić-Mihalak Darja , Frece Jadranka , Slavica Anita , Delaš Frane , Pavlović Hrvoje , Markov Ksenija
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of the essential oil of Thymus serpyllum L. and of its components thymol and total phenols (total phenolic content, TPC) extracted from the plant on the growth and mycotoxin production of Aspergillus ochraceus, A. carbonarius, and A. niger. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determined for the essential oil and thymol, and selected concentration of the TPC extract inhibited fungal growth and ochratoxin A biosynthesis by more than 60 %, depending on the conditions and duration of incubation with the fungi. Essential oil showed the strongest inhibitory effect which may have been related to the synergistic or cumulative effects of its components
The relationship between the diamondback moth, climatic factors, cabbage crops and natural enemies in a tropical area
Authors: Sow Gallo , Diarra Karamoko , Arvanitakis Laurence , Bordat Dominique
Published: February 2013

The impact of abiotic and biotic factors (rainfall, temperature, host plant and natural enemies) on population dynamics of the Plutella xylostella L. diamondback moth was investigated. The experiments were conducted during the rainy and dry seasons for two years (June 2009-April 2011) on unsprayed cabbage plots in Malika (Senegal). Every 10 days, 10 cabbages were randomly selected. Plutella xylostella larvae, pupae and parasitoid cocoons were recorded on each plant. Before each sampling, the diameters and ages of plants were recorded. Temperature and rainfall were also recorded during this study. Larvae and pupae of P. xylstella were higher for the dry season than the rainy season. There was a negative correlation between temperature and P. xylostella populations, and a strong relationship between P. xylostella populations and the age of cabbages. Females oviposited on young cabbages where the presence of young larvae was important, whereas older immature stages were mainly found in older cabbage plants. Parasitoid populations were higher for the dry season than the rainy season. High temperatures did not increase the pest populations and parasitism rate. There was no effect found on pest, plants and natural enemies due to rainfall. There was a positive correlation between pest populations and parasitism. Four Hymenoptera species were found: Oomyzus sokolowskii, Apanteles litae, Cotesia plutellae and Brachymeria citrae, but they were not efficient to control the P. xylostella populations. These results are important for understanding the factors that promote or inhibit pest populations and their natural enemies, and therefore essential for effective crop protection.
Re-Os and U-Th-Pb dating of the Rochovce granite and its mineralization (Western Carpathians, Slovakia)
Authors: Kohút Milan , Stein Holly , Uher Pavel , Aimmerman Aaron , Hraško L’ubomír
Published: February 2013

The subsurface Rochovce granite intrusion was emplaced into the contact zone between two principal tectonic units (the Veporic Unit and the Gemeric Unit) of the Central Western Carpathians (CWC), Slovakia. The Cretaceous age of this granite and its Mo-W mineralization is shown using two independent methods: U-Pb on zircon and Re-Os on molybdenite. The studied zircons have a typical homogeneous character with oscillatory zoning and scarce restite cores. SHRIMP U-Pb data provide an age of 81.5 ± 0.7 Ma, whereas restite cores suggest a latest Neoproterozoic-Ediacaran age (~565 Ma) source. Zircon εHf(81) values -5.2 to + 0.2 suggest a lower crustal source, whereas one from the Neoproterozoic core εHf(565)= + 7.4 call for the mantle influenced old precursor. Two molybdenite- bearing samples of very different character affirm a genetic relation between W-Mo mineralization and the Rochovce granite. One sample, a quartz-molybdenite vein from the exocontact (altered quartz-sericite schist of the Ochtiná Formation), provides a Re-Os age of 81.4 ± 0.3 Ma. The second molybdenite occurs as 1-2 mm disseminations in finegrained granite, and provides an age of 81.6 ± 0.3 Ma. Both Re-Os ages are identical within their 2-sigma analytical uncertainty and suggest rapid exhumation as a consequence of post-collisional, orogen-parallel extension and unroofing. The Rochovce granite represents the northernmost occurrence of Cretaceous calc-alkaline magmatism with Mo-W mineralization associated with the Alpine-Balkan-Carpathian-Dinaride metallogenic belt.
Techniques of the Invisible: Cinematic Images of being Addicted
Authors: Rantala Varpu
Published: February 2013

Aims

This study analyses how contemporary American films on “new”, behavioural addictions (sex, gambling and shopping) visualise the inner experience of being addicted.

Design

A close-reading of cinematic techniques (such as cinematography, editing, sound and colour) at the beginning of six films explores how the spectator is invited into an affective engagement with the film, and how being addicted can be visualised through these techniques.

Results

Despite genre differences and various types of addiction problems, the analysed films all employ expressive techniques that resonate with each other. Being addicted is imagined through confessional monologues which provide access into the anomalous inner experience, through a sensualising of the objects of addiction as both enticing and repelling, and through an aesthetics of disconnections and distance. While similar modes recur, the cinematic image of being addicted can also be subversive.

Conclusion

The affective modes of the films emphasise intimacy and exploration of the self, central to the modern strategies of managing addiction problems. However, the cinematic images also enable subversive affective registers of images of addiction as an inner experience.
Preparation of a miniaturised iodide ion selective sensor using polypyrrole and pencil lead: effect of double-coating, electropolymerisation time, and current density
Authors: Gholami Mehrdad , Ghasemi Abdol-Majid , Loghavi Mohammad , Behkami Shima , Ahamdi-Dokht-Faraghe Amaneh
Published: February 2013

Polypyrrole (PPy) is a conducting polymer which can be used for producing different ion-selective electrodes. An iodide-doped (PPy-iodide) was prepared electrochemically by anodic polymerisation of pyrrole in the presence of an iodide ion in an aqueous solution on the surface of a pencil lead. Polymerisation was investigated under galvanostatic conditions. The effects of electropolymerisation conditions on the characteristics of the potential response of the sensor were examined. Concentrations of pyrrole, iodide ions, and conditioning solution plus current density and the time of electropolymerisation were optimised in relation to the slope and linearity of calibration graphs. This electrode showed a Nernstian behaviour of 61.1 mV per decade for I− ion over a wide concentration range from 1.0 × 10−5 M to 1.0 × 10−1 M, with the limit of detection of 9.3 × 10−6 M. The response time of the electrode was from 3–5 s. The selectivity coefficients of the prepared sensors over a wide spectrum of interference anions were also evaluated, revealing that selectivity improves as a result of double-coating with PPy. A similar improvement was observed under lower current density and longer electropolymerisation time. This sensor was applied in the determination of iodide ions using titration potentiometry. This electrode can be used for the determination of iodide in drug preparations.
Seasonal movements of wisents (Bison bonasus L., 1758) in the Bieszczady Mountains (SE Poland)
Authors: Perzanowski Kajetan , Januszczak Maciej , Wołoszyn-Gałęza Aleksandra
Published: February 2013

We studied seasonal movements of wisents (also known as European bison) from the western subpopulation in the Bieszczady Mountains, in forest districts of Baligród, Komańcza, Lesko, and Cisna. The estimation of distance of seasonal movements was based on telemetric bearings of 4 adult animals (1 cow and 3 bulls) in 2002‑2005. We assumed that a maximum distance of movement was a linear extent between 2 most distant locations of an animal recorded in winter and in the following growing season. The maximum distances were 12.8‑18.5 km for the cow, and 5.1‑22.9 km for bulls. Wisent movements were triggered by significant changes in ambient temperature (decrease in late autumn and increase in early spring) and the appearance of first snowfall in autumn.
Effect of variable viscosity on free flow of non-Newtonian power-law fluids along a vertical surface with thermal stratification
Authors: Moorthy M.B.K. , Senthilvadivu K.
Published: February 2013

The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of thermal stratification together with variable viscosity on free convection flow of non- Newtonian fluids along a nonisothermal semi infinite vertical plate embedded in a saturated porous medium. The governing equations of continuity, momentum and energy are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations using similarity transformations and then solved by using the Runge-Kutta-Gill method along with shooting technique. Governing parameters for the problem under study are the variable viscosity, thermal stratification parameter, non-Newtonian parameter and the power-law index parameter.The velocity and temperature distributions are presented and discussed. The Nusselt number is also derived and discussed numerically.
Diagnosis And Monitoring Of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression In Patients With Diabetes Mellitus - A Retrospective Study
Authors: Nicodim Mirela Simona , Aşchie Mariana
Published: February 2013

The study was retrospective and the purpose was to assess how screening and monitoring of chronic kidney disease are performed in patients with diabetes mellitus, in terms of routine medical practice. The study was performed on a sample of 127 patients with diabetes mellitus who died during hospitalization, between 2006-2010. Data were collected from autopsy reports and from clinical medical records of patients with diabetes mellitus, aiming for 5 years prior to death. The main cause of death was represented by cardiovascular events (61.4% of patients). Most of the patients associate high blood pressure and dyslipidemia. To diagnosis and monitoring the development of chronic kidney disease were performed albuminuria measurements (0.6 determinations / patient / year) and serum creatinine measurements (0.41 determinations / patient / year). 91.8% of patients with diabetes duration greater than 1 year had at least one determination of albuminuria within five years. Most patients in the study group associated multiple cardiovascular risk factors. Investigations for diagnosis and monitoring the development of diabetic kidney disease are performed less frequently than recommendations and the causes are multiple.
Duration of Use of Computer as Risk Factor for Developing Back Pain among Indian Office Going Women
Authors: Varte Lalhmunlien Robert , Rawat Shweta , Singh Inderjeet , Majumdar Dhurjati
Published: February 2013

Introduction: The study was designed to investigate back pain among working women in one of the largest Research and Development Organization in India and identify occupational factors associated with lower back pain by means of a survey of female employees. Methods: This study investigated the relative risk of whether different age groups, job types, body mass index (BMI), years or service, screen viewing distance, self perception of comfort level and duration of use of computer have a bearing on the occurrence of back pain and if such risk factors aggravate cases of back pain. Results: In the unadjusted table, there was a statistically significant chance of developing backpain as the age increases (odds ratio) OR 1.56, 95% (confidence interval) CI (1.030 - 2.372), however, after adjusting for the other co-variates, this chance was not of significance. Job types, body mass index (BMI) >30 (OR >1 (0.802-1.877), years of service and screen distance OR >1 (0.96-1.745) all showed a positive association with back pain though the p values were not of statistically significance.  In the adjusted table, for those who use the computer daily at the workplace for more than 6 hours, there was a statistically significant association for this group of developing back pain as compared to the first group i.e. those who work for 0-2 hours, as shown by OR 1.79, (1.123 - 2.864).Conclusion: The present study indicated that backpain is present in as much as about 25.3% of the study population. For those who use the computer >6 hours daily, there was a statistically significant chance of developing backpain.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ajms.v3i1.5567 Asian Journal of Medical Sciences 3(2012) 6-12
Thermomechanical treatments and surface treatments to enhance the mechanical properties and fatigue performance of recycled cp-Ti
Authors: Mhaede Mansour , Wagner Lothar , Ibrahim Khaled
Published: February 2013

Recycled commercially pure Ti having different Fe and O contents was rotary swaged at 700°C in order to break down the coarse as-cast microstructures. After swaging, materials were annealed at various temperatures to study potential coarsening of the recrystallized α-grains. While marked grain growth occurred in material A with low Fe and O contents after annealing for 1 hour at temperatures as low as 500°C, the grain size in material B with higher Fe and O contents hardly increased even after a 1 hour exposure at temperatures as high as 800°C. Yield stress, tensile strengformatth and high cycle fatigue strength in both as-cast and annealed conditions of material B were significantly higher than in the corresponding conditions of material A, presumably owing to more marked solid solution hardening and fine grain size strengthening of material B. In addition, precipitation hardening by fine Fe containing oxide particles may also contribute to the higher strength level of material B. Shot peening and roller-burnishing were found to drastically enhance the high cycle fatigue strengths relative to the electrolytically polished baseline conditions.
Probe Data Sampling Guidelines for Characterizing Arterial Travel Time
Authors: Ernst Joseph M. , Day Christopher M. , Krogmeier James V. , Bullock Darcy M.
Published: February 2013

Probe data are emerging as an important source for characterizing transportation systems. Travel time distributions have traditionally been characterized by the mean and standard deviation. These statistics work well to characterize uncongested freeway systems, which have travel time distributions that are approximately normal. When congested conditions or interrupted-flow facilities are encountered, the travel time distributions become more complex. Recently some additional travel time reliability indexes have been developed to quantify these travel time distribution characteristics. This study develops mathematical techniques for determining the sample size required for estimating the underlying travel time distributions that can be used for assessing changes in travel time distributions associated with operational changes of traffic signal controller offsets. The example provided shows that while gross changes in offsets require approximately 7 probe vehicle samples per study interval, subtle changes in offsets require approximately 80 probe vehicle data samples per study interval. Although these guidelines were developed for evaluating offset changes, the mathematical framework can be applied for evaluating the impact of other parameters, such as split times and cycle lengths. Further research on applying these mathematical techniques to a broader cross section of traffic conditions is warranted to assess their transferability to oversaturated conditions and freeways.
Using Photovoice with At-risk Youth: In a Community-based Cooking Program
Authors: Thomas Heather Clarke , Irwin Jennifer D.
Published: February 2013

Purpose: We examined the facilitators of and barriers to participants’ application of cooking skills beyond Cook It Up!, a pilot community-based cooking program targeting at-risk youth aged 13 to 18.

Methods: Photovoice is a qualitative research method using still-picture cameras to document participants’ health and community realities. Four participants photographed items they perceived as facilitators of or barriers to the application of cooking skills. At a facilitated discussion group, youth discussed why they took certain pictures and how the photos best exemplified facilitators and barriers. Participants agreed upon the themes arising from the dialogue. Data trustworthiness tools were used to ensure that themes arising from the dialogue truly represented participants’ perspectives.

Results: Four major themes emerged as facilitators: aptitude, food literacy, local and fresh ingredients, and connectedness. Access to unhealthy foods was the only barrier that participants identified. Participants and researchers decided to advocate for the sustainability of community-based cooking programs offered for high school credit. Participants’ photos would enhance advocacy efforts with education stakeholders.

Conclusions: Cook It Up! provided youth with cooking techniques for healthy, economical, homemade meals, but proof was needed of the transferability of skills outside the program environment. Youth in this study identified important facilitators that enabled the continued use of their cooking skills, and one barrier. Findings underscore the importance of communitybased cooking programs tailored to at-risk youth.
Prenatal Diagnosis (PND)
Authors: Khan Md Mahbub Ul Karim
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13855 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 1-2
Severe Flexion contracture of the Finger of a 16 Years Old Boy
Authors: Haque Md Anwarul , Haque Md Emdadul
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13864 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 51-55
Asymptomatic presentation of Vallecular Cyst in an Adult
Authors: Biswas Binoy Krishna , Khan Manjurul Karim , Ansari Nasma Parvin , Khan Md Abul Kalam Azad , Hasan Rajibul
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13865 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 56-58
Harelquin fetus: a rare presentation
Authors: Quddush ASM Rushul , Hasan Mahmud Javed , Rowshan Afsana , Rahman Masudar , Rayan Junna , Sattar Shamima , Khan Mahbul Ul Karim , Islam Md Nazrul
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13866 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 59-62
Gastroschisis in Northern Australia. Is the experience transferable?
Authors: Whitehall J , Kandasamy Y , Stalewski H
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cbmj.v1i2.13868 Community Based Medical Journal Vol.1(2) 2012 69-71
Increasing Melanoma—Too Many Skin Cell Damages or Too Few Repairs?
Authors: Hallberg Örjan , Johansson Olle
Published: February 2013

Skin melanoma rates have been increasing for a long time in many Western countries. The object of this study was to apply modern problem-solving theory normally used to clear industrial problems to search for roots and causes of this medical question. Increasing cancer rates can be due to too many cell damage incidents or to too few repairs. So far, it has been assumed that the melanoma epidemic mainly is caused by increasing sun tanning habits. In order to explore this problem in more detail, we used cancer statistics from several countries over time and space. Detailed analysis of data obtained and a model study to evaluate the effects from increased damages or decreased repairs clearly indicate that the main reason behind the melanoma problem is a disturbed immune system. The possibility to introduce efficient corrective actions is apparent.
Solvent-Included Ternary Charge-Transfer Salt (BEDT-TTF)2GaCl4(C6H5Cl)0.5, (BEDT-TTF = Bis(ethyelenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene)
Authors: Zhang Bin , Zhang Yan
Published: February 2013

The synthesis, crystal structure, and conductivity of a solvent-included ternary charge-transfer salt (BEDT-TTF)2GaCl4(C6H5Cl)0.5 (1) is described and interpreted. Electrochemical oxidation of neutral bis(ethyelenedithio)-tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF) in the presence of (Me4N)Ga(C2O4)Cl2 in a mixture of C6H5Cl and C2H5OH yields crystals of 1. Compound 1 crystallized as a monoclinic C 2/c space group with cell parameters: a = 47.0615(4) Å, b = 6.7895(1) Å, c = 31.6297(4) Å, β = 132.064(1)°, V = 7503.0(2) Å3, Z = 8 at 293 K and a = 46.4767(5) Å, b = 6.7398(1) Å, c = 31.0778(4) Å, β = 131.630(1)°, V = 7267.4(2) Å3, Z = 8 at 120 K. The formal charge of the donor molecule was assigned as +0.5 from bond lengths in the TTF core. The donor molecules stack with C―···S contacts along the c direction and side-to-side S…S contacts along the b direction to form a two-dimensional donor layer on the bc plane. In the anion sheet, C6H5Cl chain is sandwiched by two GaCl4− chains with Cl…Cl contacts. Compound 1 shows semiconductive behavior with Ea = 124 meV between room-temperature and 150 K and σ300K = 1 S·cm−1.
Hydrate Formation/Dissociation in (Natural Gas + Water + Diesel Oil) Emulsion Systems
Authors: Xiang Chang-Sheng , Peng Bao-Zi , Liu Huang , Sun Chang-Yu , Chen Guang-Jin , Sun Bao-Jiang
Published: February 2013

Hydrate formation/dissociation of natural gas in (diesel oil + water) emulsion systems containing 3 wt% anti-agglomerant were performed for five water cuts: 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 vol%. The natural gas solubilities in the emulsion systems were also examined. The experimental results showed that the solubility of natural gas in emulsion systems increases almost linearly with the increase of pressure, and decreases with the increase of water cut. There exists an initial slow hydrate formation stage for systems with lower water cut, while rapid hydrate formation takes place and the process of the gas-liquid dissolution equilibrium at higher water cut does not appear in the pressure curve. The gas consumption amount due to hydrate formation at high water cut is significantly higher than that at low water cut. Fractional distillation for natural gas components also exists during the hydrate formation process. The experiments on hydrate dissociation showed that the dissociation rate and the amount of dissociated gas increase with the increase of water cut. The variations of temperature in the process of natural gas hydrate formation and dissociation in emulsion systems were also examined.
Pioneering GML Deployment for NSDI — Case Study of USTIGER/GML
Authors: Guo Lingling
Published: February 2013

The National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) is defined as the technologies, policies and people necessary to promote sharing of geospatial data throughout all levels of government, the private and non-profit sectors and the academic community. The US Census Bureau is the federal agency lead for administrative units data, one of the seven data themes identified by the NSDI framework. The administrative unit is a unit with administrative responsibilities. These units are organized as nodes/lines/areas feature data. The OpenGIS Geography Markup Language (GML) is the XML grammar to express the geographic features. This study at the US Census Bureau investigates how the general-purpose GML standard could be leveraged and extended to describe the most comprehensive geographic dataset with national coverage in the US. Challenges and problems in dealing with data volume, GML document structure, GML schema design and GML document naming are analyzed, followed by proposed solutions proven for feasibility. Our results show that one key point in making a successful GML deployment for NSDI is to reflect the characteristics of the geographic data through a carefully designed GML schema, structure and organization. The lessons learned may be useful to others transforming NSDI framework data and other large geospatial datasets into GML structures.
Theoretical Research on Thermal Shock Resistance of Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics Focusing on the Adjustment of Stress Reduction Factor
Authors: Li Dengjian , Li Weiguo , Li Dingyu , Shi Yushan , Fang Daining
Published: February 2013

The thermal shock resistance of ceramics depends on not only the mechanical and thermal properties of materials, but also the external constraint and thermal condition. So, in order to study the actual situation in its service process, a temperature-dependent thermal shock resistance model for ultra-high temperature ceramics considering the effects of the thermal environment and external constraint was established based on the existing theory. The present work mainly focused on the adjustment of the stress reduction factor according to different thermal shock situations. The influences of external constraint on both critical rupture temperature difference and the second thermal shock resistance parameter in either case of rapid heating or cooling conditions had been studied based on this model. The results show the necessity of adjustment of the stress reduction factor in different thermal shock situations and the limitations of the applicable range of the second thermal shock resistance parameter. Furthermore, the model was validated by the finite element method.
Xyloketal B Exhibits Its Antioxidant Activity through Induction of HO-1 in Vascular Endothelial Cells and Zebrafish
Authors: Li Zhen-Xing , Chen Jian-Wen , Yuan Feng , Huang Yun-Ying , Zhao Li-Yan , Li Jie , Su Huan-Xing , Liu Jie , Pang Ji-Yan , Lin Yong-Cheng , Lu Xi-Lin , Pei Zhong , Wang Guan-Lei , Guan Yong-Yuan
Published: February 2013

We previously reported that a novel marine compound, xyloketal B, has strong antioxidative actions in different models of cardiovascular diseases. Induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), an important endogenous antioxidant enzyme, has been considered as a potential therapeutic strategy for cardiovascular diseases. We here investigated whether xyloketal B exhibits its antioxidant activity through induction of HO-1. In human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), xyloketal B significantly induced HO-1 gene expression and translocation of the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The protection of xyloketal B against angiotensin II-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production could be abrogated by the HO-1 specific inhibitor, tin protoporphyrin-IX (SnPP). Consistently, the suppressive effects of xyloketal B on NADPH oxidase activity could be reversed by SnPP in zebrafish embryos. In addition, xyloketal B induced Akt and Erk1/2 phosphorylation in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Furthermore, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and Erk1/2 inhibitor U0126 suppressed the induction of HO-1 and translocation of Nrf-2 by xyloketal B, whereas P38 inhibitor SB203580 did not. In conclusion, xyloketal B can induce HO-1 expression via PI3K/Akt/Nrf-2 pathways, and the induction of HO-1 is mainly responsible for the antioxidant and antiapoptotic actions of xyloketal B.
Isolation and Expression of a cDNA Encoding Methylmalonic Aciduria Type A Protein from Euglena gracilis Z
Authors: Yabuta Yukinori , Takamatsu Ryota , Kasagaki Satoshi , Watanabe Fumio
Published: February 2013

In animals, cobalamin (Cbl) is a cofactor for methionine synthase and methylmalonyl-CoA mutase (MCM), which utilizes methylcobalamin and 5′-deoxyadenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl), respectively. The cblA complementation class of inborn errors of Cbl metabolism in humans is one of three known disorders that affect AdoCbl synthesis. The gene responsible for cblA has been identified in humans (MMAA) as well as its homolog (meaB) in Methylobacterium extorquens. Recently, it has been reported that human MMAA plays an important role in the protection and reactivation of MCM in vitro. However, the physiological function of MMAA is largely unknown. In the present study, we isolated the cDNA encoding MMAA from Euglena gracilis Z, a photosynthetic flagellate. The deduced amino acid sequence of the cDNA shows 79%, 79%, 79% and 80% similarity to human, mouse, Danio rerio MMAAs and M. extorquens MeaB, respectively. The level of the MCM transcript was higher in Cbl-deficient cultures of E. gracilis than in those supplemented with Cbl. In contrast, no significant differences were observed in the levels of the MMAA transcript under the same two conditions. No significant difference in MCM activity was observed between Escherichia coli that expressed either MCM together with MMAA or expressed MCM alone.
Enthalpy/Entropy Contributions to Conformational KIEs: Theoretical Predictions and Comparison with Experiment
Authors: Fong Aaron , Meyer Matthew , O'Leary Daniel
Published: February 2013

Previous theoretical studies of Mislow’s doubly-bridged biphenyl ketone 1 and dihydrodimethylphenanthrene 2 have determined significant entropic contributions to their normal (1) and inverse (2) conformational kinetic isotope effects (CKIEs). To broaden our investigation, we have used density functional methods to characterize the potential energy surfaces and vibrational frequencies for ground and transition structures of additional systems with measured CKIEs, including [2.2]-metaparacyclophane-d (3), 1,1'-binaphthyl (4), 2,2'-dibromo-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4,4'-dicarboxylic acid (5), and the 2-(N,N,N-trimethyl)-2'-(N,N-dimethyl)-diaminobiphenyl cation (6). We have also computed CKIEs in a number of systems whose experimental CKIEs are unknown. These include analogs of 1 in which the C=O groups have been replaced with CH2 (7), O (8), and S (9) atoms and ring-expanded variants of 2 containing CH2 (10), O (11), S (12), or C=O (13) groups. Vibrational entropy contributes to the CKIEs in all of these systems with the exception of cyclophane 3, whose isotope effect is predicted to be purely enthalpic in origin and whose Bigeleisen-Mayer ZPE term is equivalent to ΔΔ H‡. There is variable correspondence between these terms in the other molecules studied, thus identifying additional examples of systems in which the Bigeleisen-Mayer formalism does not correlate with ΔH/ΔS dissections.
Heterogeneity of the Abnormal Prion Protein (PrPSc) of the Chandler Scrapie Strain
Authors: Kasai Kazuo , Iwamaru Yoshifumi , Masujin Kentaro , Imamura Morikazu , Mohri Shirou , Yokoyama Takashi
Published: February 2013

The pathological prion protein, PrPSc, displays various sizes of aggregates. In this study, we investigated the conformation, aggregation stability and proteinase K (PK)-sensitivity of small and large PrPSc aggregates of mouse-adapted prion strains. We showed that small PrPSc aggregates, previously thought to be PK-sensitive, are resistant to PK digestion. Furthermore, we showed that small PrPSc aggregates of the Chandler scrapie strain have greater resistance to PK digestion and aggregation-denaturation than large PrPSc aggregates of this strain. We conclude that this strain consists of heterogeneous PrPSc.
Progress in the Development of CdZnTe Unipolar Detectors for Different Anode Geometries and Data Corrections
Authors: Zhang Qiushi , Zhang Congzhe , Lu Yanye , Yang Kun , Ren Qiushi
Published: February 2013

CdZnTe detectors have been under development for the past two decades, providing good stopping power for gamma rays, lightweight camera heads and improved energy resolution. However, the performance of this type of detector is limited primarily by incomplete charge collection problems resulting from charge carriers trapping. This paper is a review of the progress in the development of CdZnTe unipolar detectors with some data correction techniques for improving performance of the detectors. We will first briefly review the relevant theories. Thereafter, two aspects of the techniques for overcoming the hole trapping issue are summarized, including irradiation direction configuration and pulse shape correction methods. CdZnTe detectors of different geometries are discussed in detail, covering the principal of the electrode geometry design, the design and performance characteristics, some detector prototypes development and special correction techniques to improve the energy resolution. Finally, the state of art development of 3-D position sensing and Compton imaging technique are also discussed. Spectroscopic performance of CdZnTe semiconductor detector will be greatly improved even to approach the statistical limit on energy resolution with the combination of some of these techniques.
Hardware Implementation of Lorenz Circuit Systems for Secure Chaotic Communication Applications
Authors: Chen Hsin-Chieh , Liau Ben-Yi , Hou Yi-You
Published: February 2013

This paper presents the synchronization between the master and slave Lorenz chaotic systems by slide mode controller (SMC)-based technique. A proportional-integral (PI) switching surface is proposed to simplify the task of assigning the performance of the closed-loop error system in sliding mode. Then, extending the concept of equivalent control and using some basic electronic components, a secure communication system is constructed. Experimental results show the feasibility of synchronizing two Lorenz circuits via the proposed SMC.
High Throughput Molecular Confirmation of β-Thalassemia Mutations Using Novel TaqMan Probes
Authors: Kho Siew , Chua Kek , George Elizabeth , Tan Jin
Published: February 2013

β-Thalassemia is a public health problem where 4.5% of Malaysians are β-thalassemia carriers. The genetic disorder is caused by defects in the β-globin gene complex which lead to reduced or complete absence of β-globin chain synthesis. Five TaqMan genotyping assays were designed and developed to detect the common β-thalassemia mutations in Malaysian Malays. The assays were evaluated with 219 "blinded" DNA samples and the results showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. The in-house designed TaqMan genotyping assays were found to be cost- and time-effective for characterization of β-thalassemia mutations in the Malaysian population.
Asymmetric Diels–Alder reaction with >C=P– functionality of the 2-phosphaindolizine-η1-P-aluminium(O-menthoxy) dichloride complex: experimental and theoretical results
Authors: Jangid Rajendra K , Sogani Nidhi , Gupta Neelima , Bansal Raj Kumar , Hopffgarten Moritz von , Frenking Gernot
Published: February 2013

The Diels–Alder reaction of the 2-phosphaindolizine-η1-P-aluminium(O-menthoxy) dichloride complex with dimethylbutadiene was investigated experimentally and computationally. The >C=P– functionality of the complex reacts with 2,3-dimethylbutadiene with complete diastereoselectivity to afford [2 + 4] cycloadducts. Calculation of the model substrate, 3-methoxycarbonyl-1-methyl-2-phosphaindolizine-P-aluminium(O-menthoxy) dichloride (7a), at the DFT (B3LYP/6-31+G*) level reveals that the O-menthoxy moiety blocks the Re face of the >C=P– functionality, due to which the activation barrier of the Diels–Alder reaction of 7a with 1,3-butadiene, involving its attack from the Si face, is lower. It is found that in this case, the exo approach of the diene is slightly preferred over the endo approach.
Le Qatar : une volonté au prisme de l'histoire
Authors: Lavandier Jérôme
Published: February 2013

L’activisme dont fait actuellement preuve le Qatar sur la scène internationale peut de prime abord paraître surprenant. L’étude du processus historique de la reconnaissance du peuple qatarien et de la création de l’État du Qatar permet de mieux comprendre les ressorts de l’identité qatarienne. Pris entre les Ottomans, les Britanniques, les Saoudiens et les autres émirats arabes, il aura fallu environ un siècle à la tribu des Al-Thani pour asseoir son pouvoir sur la péninsule et affirmer la différence du Qatar dans le paysage politique du Golfe persique. Cette longue entreprise familiale pour obtenir l’indépendance du pays permet d’expliquer, pour partie, l’originalité des positions et initiatives qatariennes telles qu’elles s’expriment aujourd’hui.
L'émirat « hyperactif » : une analyse de la politique d'internationalisation du Qatar
Authors: Lazar Mehdi
Published: February 2013

Le Qatar est en train de devenir l’un des pays les plus influents du monde arabe. Très visible grâce à sa chaîne de télévision, à ses larges investissements financiers dans le sport, l’industrie ou la finance, l’émirat l’est aussi depuis deux ans par son basculement dans une diplomatie d’engagement. C’est également la diversité de son activité internationale qui frappe : l’émirat à la perle sera, par exemple, l’hôte de la Coupe du monde de football 2022, il a construit des musées de classe mondiale et accueille depuis 2010 une antenne d’HEC Paris. Ainsi, cette « hyperactivité » autant que ses ambitions politiques et diplomatiques interrogent. Car si diplomatiquement l’émirat s’est construit une réputation de solide médiateur, il semble avoir dorénavant d’autres ambitions comme le confirme son implication dans les dossiers libyen et syrien.
Sports et relations internationales : l'offensive du Qatar
Authors: Abis Sébastien
Published: February 2013

Par ses dimensions internationales, financières, culturelles et médiatiques, l’industrie du football apparaît comme le secteur sportif prioritaire pour le Qatar. Cet article révèle les traits majeurs de cette dynamique et décrypte ses soubassements. Quelques hypothèses de scénarios sont proposées afin d’apporter une analyse prospective sur les futurs possibles de cette politique sportive développée par Doha.
La question kurde en Turquie : retour aux années 1990 ?
Authors: Özcan Yilmaz
Published: February 2013

Cet article analyse le nouveau contexte de violence au Kurdistan de Turquie. Il soutient que les éléments de la compréhension de ce contexte sont à chercher dans l’évolution de la question kurde en Turquie depuis l’arrivée au pouvoir de l’AKP et insiste sur les va-et-vient d’AKP entre une « gestion sécuritaire » et la promesse d’une « nouvelle gestion » de la question kurde. Il montre que l’objectif de l’AKP d’une solution politique de la question kurde a renforcé la légitimité des demandes du PKK et l’a transformé en un interlocuteur incontournable. Il souligne que la décision de l’AKP de ne pas faire des réformes susceptibles d’aller dans le sens de la reconnaissance de ce statut l’amène à conditionner les réformes nécessaires pour une solution politique du conflit au désarmement ou à l’anéantissement du PKK qui, convaincu que l’« ouverture kurde » est la preuve de l’efficacité de sa lutte armée, intensifie ses attaques afin de pousser le gouvernement à reconnaître son statut d’interlocuteur.
La politique commerciale européenne et les pays en développement
Authors: Trépant Inès
Published: February 2013

Pour lutter contre la crise économique, l’Union européenne a placé la libéralisation du commerce international au cœur de sa stratégie « Europe 2020 ». La levée de toutes les barrières commerciales, à l’importation comme à l’exportation, qui risquent de freiner la compétitivité des entreprises européennes, est dès lors devenue l’une de ses principales préoccupations. L’Union européenne affirme vouloir concilier cette relance de son économie avec sa vocation de coopération au développement et avec l’éradication de la pauvreté dans les pays tiers. Selon elle, l’ouverture du commerce international est source de croissance et de bien-être pour tous. Or, un tel postulat ne va pas de soi pour tous les acteurs. Bien plus, il ignore les risques que comporte la libéralisation en cas d’échanges entre partenaires inégaux. Pour certains États moins avancés, notamment ceux d’Afrique, la conservation de droits de douane apparaît comme une nécessité vitale face à la politique commerciale offensive de l’Europe. Inès Trépant analyse la conviction qu’affiche la Commission européenne de pouvoir, par les mêmes mécanismes, respecter son agenda économique et œuvrer au développement des pays pauvres. Elle souligne les contradictions qui traversent la politique extérieure de l’Union européenne en termes de conciliation de ses objectifs économiques, sociaux et environnementaux.