bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory activity of polysaccharides isolated from Clerodendrum splendens: Beneficial effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Kouakou Koffi , Schepetkin Igor A , Jun SangMu , Kirpotina Liliya N , Yapi Ahoua , Khramova Daria S , Pascual David W , Ovodov Yury S , Jutila Mark A , Quinn Mark T
Published: June 2013

Background

Extracts of leaves fromClerodendrumhave been used for centuries to treat a variety of medicinal problems in tropical Africa. However, little is known about the high-molecular weight active components conferring therapeutic properties to these extracts.

Methods

Polysaccharides from the leaves ofClerodendrum splendenswere extracted and fractionated by ion exchange and size-exclusion chromatography. Molecular weight determination, sugar analysis, degree of methyl esterification, and other chemical characterization of the fractions were performed. Immunomodulatory activity of the fractions was evaluated by determining their ability to induce monocyte/macrophage nitric oxide (NO), cytokine production, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in C57BL/6 mice, and severity of EAE was monitored in mice treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of the most active polysaccharide fraction. Lymph nodes (LN) and spleen were harvested, and levels of cytokines in supernatants from LN cells and splenocytes challenged with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide were determined.

Results

Fractions containing type II arabinogalactan had potent immunomodulatory activity. Specifically, the high-molecular weight sub-fractionCSP-AU1(average of 38.5 kDa) induced NO and cytokine [interleukin (IL)-1α, -1β, -6, -10, tumor necrosis factor (TNF; designated previously as TNF-α), and granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF)] production by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocyte/macrophages.CSP-AU1-induced secretion of TNF was prevented by Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) antagonist LPS-RS, indicating a role for TLR4 signaling. Treatment withCSP-AU1also induced phosphorylation of a number of MAPKs in human PBMC and activated AP-1/NF-κB.In vivotreatment of mice withCSP-AU1andCSP-NU1resulted in increased serum IL-6, IL-10, TNF, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-1α/CCL3, and MIP-1β/CCL4.CSP-AU1treatment of mice with EAE (50 mg/kg,i.p., daily, 13 days) resulted in significantly reduced disease severity in this experimental model of multiple sclerosis. Levels of IL-13, TNF, interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-17, and GM-CSF were also significantly decreased, whereas transforming growth factor (TGF)-β was increased in LN cells fromCSP-AU1-treated EAE mice.

Conclusions

PolysaccharideCSP-AU1is a potent natural innate immunomodulator with a broad spectrum of agonist activityin vitroand immunosupressive properties after chronic administrationin vivo.
Production of hydroxycinnamoyl anthranilates from glucose in Escherichia coli
Authors: Eudes Aymerick , Juminaga Darmawi , Baidoo Edward E K , Collins F William , Keasling Jay D , Loqué Dominique
Published: June 2013

Background

Oats contain hydroxycinnamoyl anthranilates, also named avenanthramides (Avn), which have beneficial health properties because of their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects. The microbial production of hydroxycinnamoyl anthranilates is an eco-friendly alternative to chemical synthesis or purification from plant sources. We recently demonstrated in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) that coexpression of 4-coumarate: CoA ligase (4CL) from Arabidopsis thaliana and hydroxycinnamoyl/benzoyl-CoA/anthranilate N-hydroxycinnamoyl/benzoyltransferase (HCBT) from Dianthus caryophyllus enabled the biological production of several cinnamoyl anthranilates upon feeding with anthranilate and various cinnamates. Using engineering strategies to overproduce anthranilate and hydroxycinnamates, we describe here an entire pathway for the microbial synthesis of two Avns from glucose in Escherichia coli.

Results

We first showed that coexpression of HCBT and Nt4CL1 from tobacco in the E. coli anthranilate-accumulating strain W3110 trpD9923 allowed the production of Avn D [N-(4′-hydroxycinnamoyl)-anthranilic acid] and Avn F [N-(3′,4′-dihydroxycinnamoyl)-anthranilic acid] upon feeding with p-coumarate and caffeate, respectively. Moreover, additional expression in this strain of a tyrosine ammonia-lyase from Rhodotorula glutinis (Rg TAL) led to the conversion of endogenous tyrosine into p-coumarate and resulted in the production of Avn D from glucose. Second, a 135-fold improvement in Avn D titer was achieved by boosting tyrosine production using two plasmids that express the eleven genes necessary for tyrosine synthesis from erythrose 4-phosphate and phosphoenolpyruvate. Finally, expression of either the p-coumarate 3-hydroxylase Sam5 from Saccharothrix espanensis or the hydroxylase complex HpaBC from E. coli resulted in the endogenous production of caffeate and biosynthesis of Avn F.

Conclusion

We established a biosynthetic pathway for the microbial production of valuable hydroxycinnamoyl anthranilates from an inexpensive carbon source. The proposed pathway will serve as a platform for further engineering toward economical and sustainable bioproduction of these pharmaceuticals and other related aromatic compounds.
Hierarchical level features based trainable segmentation for electron microscopy images
Authors: Wang Shuangling , Cao Guibao , Wei Benzheng , Yin Yilong , Yang Gongping , Li Chunming
Published: June 2013

Background

The neuronal electron microscopy images segmentation is the basic and key step to efficiently build the 3D brain structure and connectivity for a better understanding of central neural system. However, due to the visual complex appearance of neuronal structures, it is challenging to automatically segment membranes from the EM images.

Methods

In this paper, we present a fast, efficient segmentation method for neuronal EM images that utilizes hierarchical level features based on supervised learning. Hierarchical level features are designed by combining pixel and superpixel information to describe the EM image. For pixels in a superpixel have similar characteristics, only part of them is automatically selected and used to reduce information redundancy. To each selected pixel, 34 dimensional features are extracted by traditional way. Each superpixel itself is viewed as a unit to extract 35 dimensional features with statistical method. Also, 3 dimensional context level features among multi superpixels are extracted. Above three kinds of features are combined as a feature vector, namely, hierarchical level features to use for segmentation. Random forest is used as classifier and is trained with hierarchical level features to perform segmentation.

Results

In small sample condition and with low-dimensional features, the effectiveness of our method is verified on the data set of ISBI2012 EM Segmentation Challenge, and its rand error, warping error and pixel error attain to 0.106308715, 0.001200104 and 0.079132453, respectively.

Conclusions

Comparing to pixel level or superpixel level features, hierarchical level features have better discrimination ability and the proposed method is promising for membrane segmentation.
Finite-time "Equation missing" control of a switched discrete-time system with average dwell time
Authors: Zhong Qishui , Cheng Jun , Zhong Shouming
Published: June 2013

For switched discrete-time systems, switching behavior always affects the finite-time stability property, which was neglected by most previous research. This paper investigates the problem of

H
∞

control for a switched discrete-time system with average dwell time. Based on the results on finite-time boundned and average dwell time, sufficient conditions for finite-time bounded and finite-time

H
∞

control under arbitrary switching are derived, and the closed-loop system trajectory stays within a prescribed bound. Finally, an example is given to illustrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Necrotizing myositis causes restrictive hypoventilation in a mouse model for human enterovirus 71 infection
Authors: Xiu Jing-hui , Zhu Hao , Xu Yan-feng , Liu Jiang-ning , Xia Xian-zhu , Zhang Lian-feng
Published: June 2013

Background

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) infections are associated with a high prevalence of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children and occasionally cause lethal complications. Most infections are self-limiting. However, resulting complications, including aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, poliomyelitis-like acute flaccid paralysis, and neurological pulmonary edema or hemorrhage, are responsible for the lethal symptoms of EV71 infection, the pathogenesis of which remain to be clarified.

Results

In the present study, 2-week-old Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice were infected with a mouse-adapted EV71 strain. These infected mice demonstrated progressive paralysis and died within 12 days post infection (d.p.i.). EV71, which mainly replicates in skeletal muscle tissues, caused severe necrotizing myositis. Lesions in the central nervous system (CNS) and other tissues were not observed.

Conclusions

Necrotizing myositis of respiratory-related muscles caused severe restrictive hypoventilation and subsequent hypoxia, which could explain the fatality of EV71-infected mice. This finding suggests that, in addition to CNS injury, necrotic myositis may also be responsible for the paralysis and death observed in EV71-infected mice.
Effect of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on the heart in a healthy piglet model
Authors: Shen Juanhong , Yu Wenkui , Shi Jialiang , Chen Qiyi , Hu Yimin , Zhang Juanjuan , Gao Tao , Xi Fengchan , Gong Jianfeng , He Changsheng , Li Ning , Li Jieshou
Published: June 2013

Background

Cardiac function is important for patients treated by venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO), but data about the effect of VV ECMO on the heart in nonneonates is absent. We studied the effect of VV ECMO on cardiac performance, cardiomyocyte and mitochondria in an animal model.

Methods

Twelve farm piglets were randomly assigned into two groups: control group and ECMO group. In the ECMO group, ECMO cannulaes were placed and ECMO was instituted. Hemodynamics was recorded at baseline, 1 hour after induction, and every 4 hours thereafter, to assess the cardiac performance. All animals were monitored for 24 hours and were euthanized and myocardium was harvested. Myocardial histology, ultrastructure of cardiomyocyte and mitochondria were observed, and activities of mitochondrial complexes I-V were measured, to assess the effect to cardiomyocyte and mitochondria.

Results

Hemodynamics were stable in each group of animals throughout the experiment. Interstitial edema, disorderd and dissolved of focal myofilament, morphological deformations of mitochondria were observed in the ECMO group. The activities of mitochondrial complexes were decreased in the ECMO group, and complex I and IV reached significance.

Conclusions

VV ECMO therapy is associated with changes of ultrastructure and function of cardiomyocyte and mitochondria, inducing myocardium injury. However, the injury was mild and had no effect on the cardiac performance for healthy piglets.
Optimization and model reduction in the high dimensional parameter space of a budding yeast cell cycle model
Authors: Oguz Cihan , Laomettachit Teeraphan , Chen Katherine C , Watson Layne T , Baumann William T , Tyson John J
Published: June 2013

Background

Parameter estimation from experimental data is critical for mathematical modeling of protein regulatory networks. For realistic networks with dozens of species and reactions, parameter estimation is an especially challenging task. In this study, we present an approach for parameter estimation that is effective in fitting a model of the budding yeast cell cycle (comprising 26 nonlinear ordinary differential equations containing 126 rate constants) to the experimentally observed phenotypes (viable or inviable) of 119 genetic strains carrying mutations of cell cycle genes.

Results

Starting from an initial guess of the parameter values, which correctly captures the phenotypes of only 72 genetic strains, our parameter estimation algorithm quickly improves the success rate of the model to 105–111 of the 119 strains. This success rate is comparable to the best values achieved by a skilled modeler manually choosing parameters over many weeks. The algorithm combines two search and optimization strategies. First, we use Latin hypercube sampling to explore a region surrounding the initial guess. From these samples, we choose ∼20 different sets of parameter values that correctly capture wild type viability. These sets form the starting generation of differential evolution that selects new parameter values that perform better in terms of their success rate in capturing phenotypes. In addition to producing highly successful combinations of parameter values, we analyze the results to determine the parameters that are most critical for matching experimental outcomes and the most competitive strains whose correct outcome with a given parameter vector forces numerous other strains to have incorrect outcomes. These “most critical parameters” and “most competitive strains” provide biological insights into the model. Conversely, the “least critical parameters” and “least competitive strains” suggest ways to reduce the computational complexity of the optimization.

Conclusions

Our approach proves to be a useful tool to help systems biologists fit complex dynamical models to large experimental datasets. In the process of fitting the model to the data, the tool identifies suggestive correlations among aspects of the model and the data.
Specific inhibition of one DNMT1-including complex influences tumor initiation and progression
Authors: Cheray Mathilde , Pacaud Romain , Nadaradjane Arulraj , Vallette François M , Cartron Pierre-François
Published: June 2013

Background

Reactivation of silenced tumor suppressor genes by DNMT inhibitors has provided an alternative approach to cancer therapy. However, DNMT inhibitors have also been shown to induce or enhance tumorigenesis via DNA hypomethylation-induced oncogene activation and chromosomal instability. To develop more specific DNMT inhibitors for efficient cancer therapy, we compared the effects of peptides designed to specifically disrupt the interaction of DNMT1 with different proteins.

Findings

Our data indicated that the use of an unspecific DNMT inhibitor (5aza-2deoxycytidine), a DNMT1 inhibitor (procainamide) or peptides disrupting the DNMT1/PCNA, DNMT1/EZH2, DNMT1/HDAC1, DNMT1/DNMT3b and DNMT1/HP1 interactions promoted or enhanced in vivo tumorigenesis in a mouse glioma model. In contrast, a peptide disrupting the DNMT1/DMAP1 interaction, which per se did not affect tumor growth, sensitized cancer cells to chemotherapy/irradiation-induced cell death. Finally, our data indicated that the peptide disrupting the DNMT1/DMAP1 interaction increased the efficiency of temozolomide treatment.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that the DNMT1/DMAP1 interaction could be an effective anti-cancer target and opens a new avenue for the development of new strategies to design DNMT inhibitors.
Psoriasis vulgaris and familial cancer risk- a population-based study
Authors: Maleszka Romuald , Paszkowska-Szczur Katarzyna , Soczawa Ewa , Boer Magdalena , Różewicka-Czabańska Monika , Wiśniewska Joanna , Mirecka Aneta , Krysztoforska Lidia , Adamski Zygmunt , Lubinski Jan , Dębniak Tadeusz
Published: June 2013

Background

Follow-up studies of psoriasis patients indicate an increased risk in the occurrence of malignancies at different sites of origin. Population stratification and/or complicated interpretation of evidence on the risk of cancer (due to the small number of patients included in most series) lead to inconsistent data. Herein we investigated the risk of occurrence of malignancies at different sites of origin in a series of 517 psoriasis patients and their 1st degree relatives.

Methods

We evaluated the tumour spectrum as well as the age of the patient at diagnosis of cancers in psoriasis families along with the observed and expected frequencies of malignancies. The distribution of 17 common mutations/polymorphisms in 10 known cancer susceptibility genes among psoriasis patients and 517 matched healthy controls were examined. No such study has been published to date.

Results

The statistical comparison of the observed and expected frequencies of cancers revealed a higher than expected occurrence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma among males in psoriasis families when compared to the general population (OR=1.8, 95%CI 1.6-2.1, p=0.002). There was a non-significant tendency towards a younger age of onset and overrepresentation of laryngeal cancer and leukaemia in psoriasis families. We found no major differences in the distribution of cancer susceptibility mutations among our cases and the healthy controls.

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest an increased risk of Hodgkin’s lymphoma for male members of psoriasis families. Further studies are needed to confirm the findings and to evaluate whether or not the application of cancer surveillance protocols for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukaemia and laryngeal cancer are justified in these families.
Safety of serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists in patients undergoing surgery and chemotherapy: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Tricco Andrea C , Soobiah Charlene , Antony Jesmin , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Moher David , Hutton Brian , Straus Sharon E
Published: June 2013

Background

Serotonin (5-HT3) receptor antagonists are a class of antiemetic medications often used to prevent nausea and vomiting among patients undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy or surgery. However, recent studies suggest that these agents might be associated with increased cardiac harm. To examine this further, we are proposing to conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis on the comparative safety of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists among patients undergoing chemotherapy or surgery.

Methods/Design

Studies reporting one or more safety outcomes of interest for 5-HT3 receptor antagonists compared with each other, placebo, and/or other anti-emetic agents (for example, benzamides, phenothiazines, butyrophenones, antihistamines, and anticholinergics) among children and adult patients undergoing surgery or chemotherapy will be included. Our primary outcome of interest is arrhythmia. Our secondary outcomes include cardiac death, QT prolongation, PR prolongation, all-cause mortality, nausea, and vomiting. We will include experimental studies, quasi-experimental studies (namely controlled before-after and interrupted time series), and observational studies (namely cohort studies). We will not limit inclusion by publication status, time period, duration of follow-up or language of dissemination.

Electronic databases (for example, MEDLINE, EMBASE) will be searched from inception onwards. These main searches will be supplemented by searching for difficult to locate and unpublished studies, such as dissertations, and governmental reports. The eligibility criteria will be pilot-tested and subsequently used to screen the literature search results by two reviewers in duplicate. A similar process will be followed for full-text screening, data abstraction, and risk of bias/methodological quality appraisal. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool will be used to appraise experimental and quasi-experimental studies, and cohort studies will be assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. If the data allows, random effects meta-analysis and a network (that is, mixed treatment comparisons) meta-analysis will be conducted. All analyses will be conducted separately for different study designs, patient populations (for example, children and adults), and reason for administering 5-HT3 receptor antagonists (for example, post-surgery and chemotherapy).

Discussion

Our results will help inform patients, clinicians, and health policy-makers about the potential safety concerns, as well as the comparative safety, of using these antiemetic agents.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registry number:CRD42013003564
Safety, effectiveness, and cost of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors versus intermediate acting insulin for type 2 diabetes: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Tricco Andrea C , Antony Jesmin , Soobiah Charlene , Hemmelgarn Brenda , Moher David , Hutton Brian , Yu Catherine H , Majumdar Sumit R , Straus Sharon E
Published: June 2013

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results from insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. T2DM treatment is a step-wise approach beginning with lifestyle modifications (for example, diet, exercise), followed by the addition of oral hypoglycemic agents (for example, metformin). Patients who do not respond to first-line therapy are offered second-line therapy (for example, sulfonylureas). Third-line therapy may include insulin and/or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors.

It is unclear whether DPP-4 inhibitors are safer and more effective than intermediate acting insulin for third-line management of T2DM. As such, our objective is to evaluate the comparative effectiveness, safety and cost-effectiveness of DPP-4 inhibitors versus intermediate acting insulin for T2DM patients who have failed both first- and second-line diabetes treatments.

Design/Methods

Electronic searches of MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, and grey literature (for example, trial registries, public health websites) will be conducted to identify studies examining DPP-4 inhibitors compared with each other, intermediate acting insulin, no treatment, or placebo for adults with T2DM. The outcomes of interest include glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C) (primary outcome), as well as emergency department visits, physician visits, hospital admissions, weight gain, quality of life, microvascular complications, macrovascular complications, all-cause mortality, and cost (secondary outcomes). Randomized clinical trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, non-RCTs, controlled before-after, interrupted time series, cohort studies, and cost studies reporting data on these outcomes will be included. Eligibility will not be restricted by publication status, language of dissemination, duration of study follow-up, or time period of study conduct.

Two reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts resulting from the literature search, as well as potentially relevant full-text articles, in duplicate. Data will be abstracted and quality will be appraised by two team members independently. Conflicts at all levels of screening and abstraction will be resolved through team discussion.

Our results will be described narratively. Random effects meta-analysis and network meta-analysis will be conducted, if feasible and appropriate.

Discussion

Our systematic review results can be used to determine the most effective, safe and cost-effective third-line strategies for managing T2DM. This information will be of great use to health policy-makers and clinicians, as well as patients living with T2DM and their families.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registry number: CRD42013003624
Health insurance mediation of the Mexican American non-Hispanic white disparity on early breast cancer diagnosis
Authors: Haji-Jama Sundus , Gorey Kevin M , Luginaah Isaac N , Balagurusamy Madhan K , Hamm Caroline
Published: June 2013

We examined health insurance mediation of the Mexican American (MA) non-Hispanic white (NHW) disparity on early breast cancer diagnosis. Based on social capital and barrio advantage theories, we hypothesized a 3-way ethnicity by poverty by health insurance interaction, that is, that 2-way poverty by health insurance interaction effects would differ between ethnic groups. We secondarily analyzed registry data for 303 MA and 3,611 NHW women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1996 and 2000 who were originally followed until 2011. Predictors of early, node negative (NN) disease at diagnosis were analyzed. Socioeconomic data were obtained from the 2000 census to categorize neighborhood poverty: high (30% or more of the census tract households were poor), middle (5% to 29% poor) and low (less than 5% poor). Barrios were neighborhoods where 50% or more of the residents were MA. Primary health insurers were Medicaid, Medicare, private or none. MA women were 13% less likely to be diagnosed early with NN disease (RR = 0.87), but this MA-NHW disparity was completely mediated by the main and interacting effects of health insurance. Advantages of health insurance were largest in low poverty neighborhoods among NHW women (RR = 1.20) while among MA women they were, paradoxically, largest in high poverty, MA barrios (RR = 1.45). Advantages of being privately insured were observed for all. Medicare seemed additionally instrumental for NHW women and Medicaid for MA women. These findings are consistent with the theory that more facilitative social and economic capital is available to MA women in barrios and to NHW women in more affluent neighborhoods. It is there that each respective group of women is probably best able to absorb the indirect and direct, but uncovered, costs of breast cancer screening and diagnosis.
Clinicopathological features and immunohistochemical detection of antigens in acute experimental Streptococcus agalactiae infection in red tilapia (Oreochromis spp.)
Authors: Abdullah Syuhaidah , Omar Noraini , Yusoff Sabri Mohd , Obukwho Emikpe Benjamin , Nwunuji Tanko Polycarp , Hanan Latifah , Samad Jamil
Published: June 2013

This study investigates the clinicopathological features of acute experimental streptococcosis in red tilapia using various routes of infection; intraperitoneal (IP), immersion (IM) and immersion cut (IC). Twenty four red tilapia in duplicates were inoculated intraperitoneally with 109 CFU/ml of S. agalactiae while another sets: intact, one with sharp cut at the tail end were exposed to bacterial inoculums 109 CFU/ml diluted in water while two groups of control fish were similarly manipulated. Clinical signs were recorded; samples from the gills, brain, eyes and kidneys were also taken for bacterial isolation and histopathology. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were employed to detect the antigen. The diseased fish showed skin, fin haemorrhages and exophthalmia with obvious signs in IP at 2 hpc followed by IC and IM at 4 hpc. The lesions were noticed earlier in the kidney and most severe in IP. IHC detected antigen as early as PCR and isolation with intense staining in blood vessel lumen and wall, macrophages in choroid, focal haemorrhage in the renal interstitium and meninges especially in IP followed by IC and IM. The immunolocalisation of the antigen described for the first time further explain the pathogenesis of streptococcosis in red tilapia.
Cross-borehole flow profiling—delineating subsurface flow paths within a geophysically defined aquifer framework
Authors: Paillet Frederick
Published: June 2013

An extensive geophysical tool box is available with which to construct models of subsurface flow paths in complex aquifers using a combination of surface and borehole methods. These methods include electromagnetic and seismic sounding from the surface and downhole-imaging methods based on acoustic, optical, and electrical properties of rocks surrounding the borehole. However, such methods are inherently limited in hydrogeophysics because of the need to measure properties such as rock alteration or local fracture density that are indirectly related to subsurface flow rather than directly sampling the hydraulic parameters (permeability, storage coefficient, and hydraulic head) of subsurface flow paths. High-resolution borehole flow profiles provide an opportunity to relate geophysical characterization to hydraulic properties as an integral part of the standard geophysical logging program. Single-borehole flow analysis provides information on the hydraulic properties of flow paths in the limited region immediately adjacent to the borehole. Cross-borehole methods, where flow is measured in one borehole while an adjacent borehole is stressed, characterize the large-scale flow paths that connect the individual flow zones identified in individual boreholes.
Strategies for characterization of fractured rock using cross-borehole electrical tomography
Authors: Robinson Judith , Slater Lee , Johnson Timothy , Binley Andrew
Published: June 2013

There is an increasing need to characterize fractured rock systems and to monitor the movement of fluids in these systems. Fractured rock aquifers are increasingly exploited for water resources, and are subject to contamination from industrial activities at the Earth's surface. Deep rock repositories of hazardous waste must be carefully characterized in terms of fracture transport characteristics. More recently, there has been a surge in technologies designed to increase permeability of shale reservoirs by creating fractures to promote fluid removal. However, fractured rock systems present unique challenges for characterization and monitoring technologies. Fracturing typically generates highly heterogeneous and anisotropic systems, making the evaluation of the distribution of physical properties from sparse subsurface measurements particularly problematic. Geophysical imaging technologies are increasingly applied in an effort to overcome the limitations of sparsely located direct observations of subsurface properties. However, the application of geophysical technologies to fractured rock systems presents challenges for imaging as appropriate regularization model constraints for complex, heterogeneous systems are hard to define without additional subsurface information.
GEOPHYSICS BRIGHT SPOTS
Authors: Stockwell John W.
Published: June 2013

My first column as Associate Editor for Geophysics Bright Spots highlights several papers in the July–August issue that deal with issues as diverse as multiple suppression, seismic deghosting, migration and modeling, as well as E&M methods, and automated horizon picking.
Visible Light-mediated Direct Arylation of Arenes and Heteroarenes Using Diaryliodonium Salts in the Presence and Absence of a Photocatalyst
Authors: Tobisu Mamoru , Furukawa Takayuki , Chatani Naoto
Published: June 2013

Diaryliodonium salts have been used as aryl radical sources under visible light-mediated photoredox catalysis. Benzene and a range of heteroarenes are arylated with Ar2I+ in the presence of [Ir(ppy)2(bpy)]PF6 upon irradiation with visible light. When pyrroles are used, the arylation proceeds in the absence of a photoredox catalyst. Both processes are initiated by photoinduced single-electron-transfer to Ar2I+, generating aryl radicals.
Health behavior of patients after myocardial infarction
Authors: Szymańska Jolanta , Pietryka-Michałowska Elżbieta , Rudnicka-Drożak Ewa , Walewska Anna
Published: June 2013

Secondary prevention for patients after myocardial in farction in addition to pharmacotherapy includes life style modification. Patients should strengthen their health, eliminating the negative health behaviors. The aim of the study was to analyze the health behavior of patients after myocardial infarction. The study included 268 patients. The research tool was a questionnaire developed by the authors. The analysis included changes in daily life of patients, paying attention to diet, attitudes towards smoking, physical activity and caring for health manifested in self- monitoring of blood pressure, regular visits to the doctor and taking medication regularly. The influence of gender, age, place of residence, education level on the declared changes, was studied. The results were statistically analyzed. It has been found that in the event of myocardial infarction, which a serious illness is, the patient’s behavior and involvement in creating a healthy life style changes. Patients attach more attention to eating habits, physical activity, and cessation of smoking. These declarations of ten refer to people in middle age, whereas young people do not under take such efforts, especially against cigarette smoking. Majority of them self-monitor blood pressure, keep the files of measurements, systematically take medicines and visit the doc tor as well as de vote more time to rest and recreation. Complex, multi-specialized, and long-term care of patients after myocardial infarction is the most op ti mal model of preventive and therapeutic procedure in these patients. Qualified medical personnel with the active participation of patient’s family members should carry it out.
Determination of oleanolic and ursolic acid in bilberries (Vaccinium myrtillus L.)
Authors: Wójciak-Kosior Magdalena , Marek Renata , Sokołowska-Krzaczek Anna , Pietrzak Wioletta , Sowa Ireneusz , Kocjan Ryszard
Published: June 2013

Vaccinium myrtillus (Ericaceae) is used in therapy of various illnesses. Oleanolic and ursolic acids are bioactive triterpenes, which can influence the biological activity of this plant. High-performance thin layer chromatography combined with densitometry was used to determine the content of these compounds in ethanolic extracts from the leaves and fruits of Vaccinum myrtillus L. The samples of extracts were treated of 1% iodine solution in chloroform and next separated on HPTLC Si 60 F254 plates using mixture of toluene-petroleum ether-diethyl ether 15:15:10 (v/v) as a mobile phase. After drying, the plates were sprayed with 10% (v/v) H2SO4 in ethanol and heated for 2-3 minutes at the temperature of 120°C. The quantification was carried out by densitometric scanning in flurescence/reflectance mode at λ = 400 nm. The determined contents of oleanolic and ursolic acid were 0.18 mg/g and 0.33 mg/g of dry herb in fruits and 1.16 mg/g and 0.28 mg/g in leaves of Vaccinium myrtillus, respectively.
Prevalence of viruses HBV, HCV and HIV in blood donors at the Regional Centre of Blood Donation and Blood Treatment in Poznan in the years 2008-2010
Authors: Kaźmierczak Michał , Polz-Dacewicz Małgorzata
Published: June 2013

Currently we may observe increasing demand for blood and its components as well as blood derivatives. Technological progress in viral diagnostics and the use of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) rendered the blood safety. However, there still exists a risk connected with pathogen transmission via blood from donor during window period or being a carrier of microorganism, for which routine diagnostics are not performed. Therefore, constant education of blood donors concerning ways of pathogens transmission is required. In order to direct efficiently educational effort, it is necessary to know the risk groups of donors. The above analysis concerned donors who donated blood and its components at RCKiK in Poznań between 2008 and 2010. Donors were characterized according to sex and age; in addition, the number of detected HBV, HCV and HIV infections was determined. Analyses showed that the most numerous group (approx. 50%) of donors were young people aged 18-29 years. Men constituted as many as 73% of donors. The most frequently detected viruses were HBV (52% of cases) and HCV (45% of cases). HBV and HIV viruses were more frequently detected in men, whereas HCV in women. More than a half (51%) of infections was found in the age group 18- 24 years. It was unfortunately impossible to display specific trends due to short term of analyzed results.
The antibacterial activity of allyl derivatives of thiosemicarbazide, N1-thiocarbamylamidrazone, 1,2,4-triazole-5-thione, 1,3,4-(thiadiazol-2-yl) amine and derivatives of bicyclic systems: 1,2,4-triazole[3,4-b]1,3-thiazine, 1,2,4-triazole[3,2-b]1,3-thiazine, 1,3,4-thiadiazole[3,2-a]pyrimidine, thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazol
Authors: Strzemecka Leokadia , Kosikowska Urszula , Malm Anna
Published: June 2013

The 1-acyl(aroil)-4-(allyl)cinnamyl-thiosemicarbazides (1-9), N1-allyl(cinnamyl)-thiocarbamyl-N3-phenyl-amidrazones (10-12), allyl derivatives of 1,2,4-triazole-5-thione (13- 23), 1,3,4-(thiadiazol-2-yl) amine (24-29), derivatives of bicyclic systems: 1,2,4-triazole[3,4-b]1,3-thiazine (30-34), 1,2,4-triazole[3,2-b]1,3-thiazine (35), 1,3,4-thiadiazole[3,2-a]pyrimidine (36, 37), hydrazide derivatives of substituted benzoic acid (38, 39), 3,4-disubstituted-3,4,5,6-tetrahydropyrimidine-2-thione-(2-thiol) (40) and thiazolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazole (41- 43) were screened for their in vitro activity against the reference strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The compounds (11, 12, 20, 37) showed moderate activity against Gram-positive bacterial species with MIC = 31.25 – 62.5 µg/mL and may be of value for searching new derivatives showing better antimicrobial activity. The structure-activity relationship has been discussed.
Viral safety of blood and its components in modern blood donation – a review
Authors: Kaźmierczak Michał , Polz-Dacewicz Małgorzata
Published: June 2013

Today, we can observe that blood transfusion is carried out with greater care, which helps to prevent a number of infections in patients. Thus, emphasis is put on non-specific prophylaxis together with regular vaccinations. It is important to stress that blood transfusion is currently developing due to the following proceedings: careful selection of donors, serologic examinations, molecular investigations that check HBV, HCV, HIV, syphilis markers, providing periods for growing plasma and cryoprecipitate, leucoproduction, and common inactivation of patogens in blood components. Nowadays, higher risk of infection can be observed in many non-medical cases (body piercing, tattoos, travelling to hot and exotic countries, regular beauty treatments, etc.). Furthermore, newly selected microorganisms and mutations of popular strains are considered a challenge for contemporary virology, too.
The influence of starch hydrolysates on properties of suspensions
Authors: Belniak Piotr , Świąder Katarzyna , Zimmer Łukasz , Szumiło Michał , Kasperek Regina , Poleszak Ewa
Published: June 2013

Using modified starch in suspensions is commonly practiced in food, pharmaceutical and other industries [3, 6]. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of starch hydrolysates, received according to our prescription, on properties of suspensions. Prepared suspensions Z01 – Z05 with PR, as the model drug, were examined for physical tests. The addition of 20 % SH2 or SH4, as suspending agent, increased the stability of preparations (0.04 cm/day and 0.05 cm/day, respectively). Drug release test according to extraction method was conducted during 24 hours. The ethanol used in acceptor medium increased the amounts of released progesterone. The received results confirm an opportunity of using starch hydrolysates as cheap and safe agents modifying physical properties of suspensions.
Assessing Variability of in Vivo Tissue Raman Spectra
Authors: Pence Isaac J. , Vargis Elizabeth , Mahadevan-Jansen Anita
Published: June 2013

Raman spectroscopy (RS) has received increasing attention as a potential tool for clinical diagnostics. However, the unknown comparability of multiple tissue RS systems remains a major issue for technique standardization and future multisystem trials. In this study, we evaluated potential factors affecting data collection and interpretation, utilizing the skin as an example tissue. The effects of contact pressure and probe angle were characterized as potential user-induced variability sources. Similarly, instrumentation-induced variability sources of system stability and system-dependent response were also analyzed on skin and a nonvolatile biological tissue analog. Physiologically induced variations were studied on multiple tissue locations and patients. The effect of variability sources on spectral line shape and dispersion was analyzed with analysis-of-variance methods, and a new metric for comparing spectral dispersion was defined. In this study, in vivo measurements were made on multiple sites of skin from five healthy volunteers, with four stand-alone fiber optic probe–based tissue RS systems. System stability and controlled user-induced variables had no effects on obtained spectra. By contrast, instrumentation and anatomical location of measurement were significant sources of variability. These findings establish the comparability of tissue Raman spectra obtained by unique systems. Furthermore, we suggest steps for further procedural and instrumentation standardization prior to broad clinical applications of the technique.
Solid Phase–Enhanced Photothermal Lensing with Mesoporous Polymethacrylate Matrices for Optical-Sensing Chemical Analysis
Authors: Nedosekin Dmitry A. , Saranchina Nadezhda V. , Sukhanov Aleksey V. , Gavrilenko Nataliya A. , Mikheev Ivan V. , Proskurnin Mikhail A.
Published: June 2013

Procedures for the photothermal lens determination of metals and organic compounds, on the basis of solid-phase mesoporous optical-sensing materials (polymethacrylate [PMA]) matrices with immobilized reagents, were developed. These procedures combine (i) selective and efficient preconcentration of trace substances to be analyzed in specially designed and synthesized transparent mesoporous PMA plates; (ii) sensitive determination with the reliable and traceable photometric reactions previously developed for classical spectrophotometry; and (iii) the sensitivity enhancement of photothermal lens detection in polymers, which provides at least a ten-fold increase in sensitivity compared with solutions due to polymer thermo-optical properties (solid phase–enhanced thermal lensing). It is shown that the overall sensitivity of photothermal lens measurements in PMA matrices is two orders higher than photometric absorbance measurements for the same excitation source power, which is in good agreement with the expected theoretical sensitivity. Changes in the preparation of transparent PMA plates and analytical procedures for photothermal measurements compared with spectrophotometry are discussed. PMA matrices modified with various analytical reagents were applied to trace determination of Hg(II), Fe(II), Ag(I), Cu(II), and ascorbic acid, with subnanomolar to nanomolar limits of detection.
Automated Analysis of Carbon in Powdered Geological and Environmental Samples by Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Sparkes Robert , Hovius Niels , Galy Albert , Kumar R. Vasant , Liu James T.
Published: June 2013

Raman spectroscopy can be used to assess the structure of naturally occurring carbonaceous materials (CM), which exist in a wide range of crystal structures. The sources of these geological and environmental materials include rocks, soils, river sediments, and marine sediment cores, all of which can contain carbonaceous material ranging from highly crystalline graphite to amorphous-like organic compounds. In order to fully characterize a geological sample and its intrinsic heterogeneity, several spectra must be collected and analyzed in a precise and repeatable manner. Here, we describe a suitable processing and analysis technique. We show that short-period ball-mill grinding does not introduce structural changes to semi-graphitized material and allows for easy collection of Raman spectra from the resulting powder. Two automated peak-fitting procedures are defined that allow for rapid processing of large datasets. For very disordered CM, Lorentzian profiles are fitted to five characteristic peaks, for highly graphitized material, three Voigt profiles are fitted. Peak area ratios and peak width measurements are used to classify each spectrum and allow easy comparison between samples. By applying this technique to samples collected in Taiwan after Typhoon Morakot, sources of carbon to offshore sediments have been identified. Carbon eroded from different areas of Taiwan can be seen mixed and deposited in the offshore flood sediments, and both graphite and amorphous-like carbon have been recycled from terrestrial to marine deposits. The practicality of this application illustrates the potential for this technique to be deployed to sediment-sourcing problems in a wide range of geological settings.
Determination of the Internal Pressure of Fluid Inclusions by Using Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Yuping , Zheng Haifei , Sun Qiang , Li Jiankang , Chen Zhenghui
Published: June 2013

In situ Raman spectroscopic measurements of H2O–NaCl systems with three different salinities (0, 5.0, and 10.0 wt% NaCl) in the region of O–H stretching vibration were obtained at pressures up to 1800 MPa and temperatures from 298 to 453 K, with a hydrothermal diamond-anvil cell. The peak position was determined by fitting the obtained O–H stretching band with one Gaussian component. At a given temperature, the shift of the band decreased systematically with increasing pressure, and the data show a good linear relationship. For systems of different salinity, the slopes of the isotherms seem to be independent of temperature under the conditions investigated. With increasing salinity, the slope of the isotherm gradually increases. The relationships measured for the shift of the O–H stretching band with temperature, salinity, and pressure can be used to determine the internal pressure and isochore of fluid inclusions as well as the formation temperature and pressure of host minerals.
Walking the wateryscape: Exploring the liminal
Authors: Keating Richard , Portman Kel , Robertson Iain
Published: June 2013

At the heart of this article is a piece of participatory research around art walking practice. Presented as a pair on interleaved trialogues, the aim is to capture the experience of participation and the array of interactions, debates and perspectives uncovered whilst walking the wateryscape and subsequently. Undertaken as a piece of performative and transversal writing, the aim here is to open up, but refuse to resolve, questions of ways of representing the wet, of emotional and communal resilience and of the position of an art walking practice in representing marginalized and watery, human and non-human voices. In resisting closure and in foregrounding the ‘always in the making’ nature of walking practice (growing knowledge by following a path), the article faces the unresolved future of a people yet to come. The assertion is that walking the liminal is both an unsettling and unsettled practice that is only emphasized when the walk is performed in the wateryscape.
Recovering home: Hurricane Katrina survivors rebuild homes in a digital community
Authors: Coaplen Carrie Jo
Published: June 2013

This article responds to the following questions: how are homes and a sense of community recreated through Hurricane Digital Memory Bank (HDMB) writing for Hurricane Katrina survivors, and perhaps more importantly how does the act of writing demonstrate a facilitated recovery from trauma? Specifically, the article explains the HDMB’s mission and my use of its ‘stories’. This article also conceptualizes writing about home and definitions of place as they relate to home, but focuses most of its theoretical attention on trauma, writing and healing. The article also introduces and explains my theory of relocution and how it bears on the research. Finally, this article shares writings about home posted on the HDMB by Katrina survivors and connects them explicitly with trauma and writing theory concerned with recovery or healing.