bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE PREVALENCE OF PAI-1 4G/5G POLYMORPHISM IN WOMEN WITH FETAL LOSS – FIRST DATA FOR A SERBIAN POPULATION / UČESTALOST POLIMORFIZMA PAI-1 4G/5G KOD ŽENA SA SPONTANIM POBAČAJEM - PRVI PODACI ZA SRPSKU POPULACIJU
Authors: Đorđević Valentina , Gvozdenov Maja , Pruner Iva , Kovač Mirjana , Tomić Branko , Stanković Marija , Radojković Dragica
Published: October 2013

Background: Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) is an inhibitor of fibrinolysis. The PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism is associated with elevated plasma levels of PAI-1. Over- expression of PAI-1 and impaired fibrinolysis in homozygous carriers of the 4G/4G PAI polymorphism may lead to abnor- mal placental formation and increased risk of fetal loss (FL). The aim of our study was to determine the frequency of this polymorphism in patients with FL in a Serbian population.

Methods: The study was carried out in a group of 203 women (91 controls and 112 women with FL). The presence of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism was detected by PCR-RFLP analysis.

Results: Slightly increased frequency of the PAI-1 4G/4G genotype was observed in the study group compared to the controls (32.1% vs. 30.8%). The frequency of PAI-1 was highest in women experiencing FL in the second trimester of pregnancy (50%), but this difference was not statistically sig- nificant.

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that PAI-1 4G/4G might be a risk factor for FL occurring in the second trimester of pregnancy. Further studies are required in order to determine the role of PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism in the etiology of FL.
CORD BLOOD SUPEROXIDE DISMUTASE AND GLUTATHIONE PEROXIDASE ACTIVITY IN PREMATURE INFANTS / AKTIVNOST SUPEROKSID-DISMUTAZE I GLUTATION-PEROKSIDAZE KOD PREVREMENO RODENE DECE
Authors: Guržanova-Durnev Liljana , Zisovska Elizabeta , Đošić-Markovska Božidarka
Published: October 2013

Background: Birth involves strong oxidative stress for the infant, implying an increased production of free radicals. The aims of this study were to assess the antioxidant response to oxidative insult at birth, by estimating the superoxide dismu- tase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity in umbilical cord blood, and to evaluate their dependency on the degree of maturation of the newborns.

Methods: In the present study, 60 preterm infants (study group) as well as a full-term healthy reference group (A=53) were included. Additionally, the preterms were divided in 3 groups according to their condition at the end of the 1st week of life: preterm control (B=25), on oxygen support (C= 18), and ventilated group (D= 17).

Results: The obtained results indicate markedly lower antioxidant capacity of the preterm infants: they had significantly lower SOD and GPX activity than the full-term infants (pcO.OOl, for both). Investigated antioxidants also showed significant differences between the groups of preterms. SOD activity was higher in preterms with postnatal respiratory fail- ure compared to preterm control (p<0.001). On the con- trary, GPX activity was decreased in the oxygen supported group (10%) and even more in the ventilated group (28.5%) (p< 0.001, for both). The newborns enzyme activities were also profoundly modulated by the gestational age and birth weight, specifically the GPX.

Conclusions: Because of their deficient and inadequate antioxidant protection, preterm newborns are more suscep- tible to oxidant injury at birth.
Screening of Danish traffic cases for synthetic cannabinoids in whole blood by LC-MS/MS
Authors: Holm Niels Bjerre , Pineda Rebeca Sequera , Andersen David Wederkinck , Rasmussen Brian Schou , Dalsgaard Petur Weihe , Hoegberg Lotte C.G. , Johansen Sys Stybe , Linnet Kristian
Published: October 2013

A target screening method for the detection of 13 synthetic cannabinoids in whole blood was developed and validated. Samples
underwent automated solid-phase extraction, and sample extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-positive electrospray
ionization-tandem mass spectrometry using two transitions in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The limit of detection was between
0.1-2.5 ng/mL for the compounds except HU-210, and extraction recovery ranged from 59 to 78%. The method was used to screen 393
Danish traffic cases from 2012, where the driver was suspected of driving under the influence of drugs. No synthetic cannabinoids were
identified in these samples. Additionally, the method was applied to a clinical intoxication case, and the synthetic cannabinoid AM-
2201 was identified in serum. We conclude that the prevalence of driving under the influence of synthetic cannabinoids in Denmark is
likely to be low, and that synthetic cannabinoids are most likely to be encountered in the clinical setting.
Collective Bargaining, Transfer Rights, and Disadvantaged Schools
Authors: Anzia Sarah F. , Moe Terry M.
Published: October 2013

Collective bargaining is common in American public education, but its consequences are poorly understood. We focus here on key contractual provisions—seniority-based transfer rights—that affect teacher assignments, and we show that these transfer rights operate to burden disadvantaged schools with higher percentages of inexperienced teachers. We also show that this impact is conditional: It is substantial in large districts, where decisions are likely to follow rules, but it is virtually zero in small districts, where decisions tend to be less formal and undesirable outcomes can more easily be avoided. The negative consequences are thus concentrated on precisely those districts and schools—large districts, high-minority schools—that have been the nation’s worst performers and the most difficult to improve.
Effect of Grafting Dates, Methods on Success and Growth of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) Sapling
Authors: Chalise B , Baral DR , Gautam DM , Thapa RB
Published: October 2013

A field experiment was conducted at National Citrus Research Program (NCRP), Paripatle, Dhankuta to standardize the time and method of grafting and to assess the success and growth of mandarin saplings. Scions taken from ‘Khoku Local’ mandarin were grafted onto one-year-old trifoliate orange seedling rootstocks by shoot tip and veneer methods in eight different dates starting from 29th October, 2009 to 12th February, 2010 at 15 days interval. The grafts were planted inside closed tunnel of jute and plastic sheet at 10×10 cm spacing in 50×60 cm2 experimental plots in two factorial split-plot design with three replications per treatment, containing 30 grafts per plot. The grafting methods were allotted on main-plots and the dates on sub-plots randomly. The success and growth of sapling was significantly affected by the dates while the methods had no effect. Study results showed that the highest success (96.11 %) was found on 13th January, followed by 28th January (91.11%) and the least (51.67%) on 29th October grafting. The mortality of sprouted grafts was the lowest (0.17%) in 29th December grafting, while it was observed higher in earlier and late season grafting. Observation on growth taken at 180 days after grafting in successful grafts showed that 29th October had the highest number of primary branches (2.2); 14th November had the highest number of leaves (48.47) and secondary branches (2.505); 29th December gave the maximum sapling height (32.86 cm); 13th January produced the lowest number of leaves (21.93) per sapling and 28th January produced the lowest number of primary (1.533) and secondary branches (1.172) per sapling. From the study it was revealed that in Dhankuta, the most appropriate time of grafting was 2nd to 4th week of January. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 23-30 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8873
Variability in Groundnut Genotypes for Tolerance to Drought
Authors: Thakur SB , Ghimire SK , Shrestha SM , Chaudhary NK , Mishra B
Published: October 2013

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the world’s most important legumes, both in subsistence and commercial agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Global warming, an increasing threat, is expected to increase the water scarcity in the environment, affecting plant growth and metabolism. Groundnut yield in rain-fed areas has been limited by drought stress because pod yield and other growth parameters have been severely affected. Twenty five groundnut genotypes including four local checks (B-4, Rajashri, Baidehi and Jayanti) were composed and an experiment was conducted during 2010 and 2011at the National Oilseed Research Program (NORP), Nawalpur, Sarlahi, Nepal. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design in three replications. The objective of the study was to determine the genetic variability in different groundnut genotypes to drought tolerance. The analysis of variance indicated highly significant differences for most of plant the characters. Remarkable levels of variability have existed among the groundnut varieties that are essential in groundnut improvement. The genotypes ICGV-99171, ICGV-98089, ICGV-97100, Baidehi, ICGV-00440 and B-4 were observed better for drought tolerance with high pod yield. It is suggested that these genotypes could be grown under regions of limited rainfall and may be used as parents in breeding programmes for developing drought tolerant groundnut cultivars. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 41-50 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8877
Study on Local Uses of Medicinal Plants in Nayabazar, Pyang and Jamuna VDCs of Ilam District
Authors: Parajuli Raghu Ram
Published: October 2013

This paper had documented the indigenous knowledge of local people on the utilization of medicinal plants in Nayabazar, Pyang and Jamuna VDCs of Ilam Distict in Eastern Nepal. People of different castes, Rai, Brahmin, Chhetri, Gurung, Tamang, Limbu, Sherpa, Sunar, Kami, Magar and Newar live in the study area. The study was carried by collecting the information through interaction with people, questionnaire and field observation. Eighty four plant species were found belonging to 43 families and 76 genera from the study. Four species of Pteridophytes, one species of Gymnosperm and 79 species of Angiosperms were recorded . Botanical names, families, local names, life forms, useful parts, concerned ailments and mode of application of plants used as medicine have been listed in tabular form. Herbaceous plants were found dominant over shrubs and trees as the medicinal sources. Cough, asthma, fever, urinary and gastro-intestinal disorders were most common diseases among the people. Plants belonging to the families Asteraceae, Rutaceae and Rosaceae were found more frequently used. Most of the local people are familiar with medicinal plants and they have started cultivation of some the medicinal plants like Swertia chirayita, Lilium nepalense, Berginia ciliata, Taxus wallichiana , Asparagus racemosus and Valeriana jatamansi. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 57-66 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8923
Optimization of Cultural Conditions for Solid State Fermentation of Amylase Production by Aspergillus species
Authors: Gautam Bina , Karki Tika B , Panta Om Prakash
Published: October 2013

Amylase is an amylolytic enzyme used in food industry which is generally produced by Aspergillus spp. under solid state fermentation. The present study is concerned with the isolation, screening and selection of suitable strains of Aspergillus spp. and optimization of cultural conditions for the biosynthesis of amylase. Rice and wheat brans were used as substrates which are readily available inexpensive raw materials for amylase production. From 85 samples of rice and wheat grains, 55 colonies obtained on potato dextrose agar (PDA) were suspected to be Aspergillus oryzae and only 35 colonies possessed the morphological characteristics similar to that of A. oryzae indicating the isolates were most likely the strains of A. oryzae. Of all the fungal isolates of Aspergillus spps., Asp.31 gave maximum production of amylase (720.782 IUgds-1) in solid state fermentation media. This strain was selected as a parental strain for optimization for cultural conditions. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS- 11.5 program. Of all the substrates (rice bran, wheat bran and their mixture), rice bran was the best for producing amylase of highest activity 611.614 IUgds-1.The highest enzyme activity of 698.749 IUgds-1 was observed at 50% initial moisture level of the substrate. The optimum temperature was 25°C for producing the crude amylase enzyme with amylase activity of 577.757 IUgds-1. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 67-74 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8924
Comparative Study of the Geopolymers Synthesized from Various Types of Construction Wastes
Authors: Pathak Arvind , Jha Vinay Kumar
Published: October 2013

Demolition of old houses and construction of new buildings are in peak in urban sectors which generate a huge amount of construction wastes. These wastes are rich source of alumino-silicate. Geopolymerization can transform a wide range of alumino-silicate materials into building materials with excellent physicochemical properties. Thus, geopolymers have been synthesized from construction wastes such as sand-cement-mixture (SCM), concrete mixture (CM), brick dust (BD), etc using alkali and alkali-silicate as activators. Parameters like alkali concentration (for dissolution of alumino-silicate), ratio of alkali-silicate to construction wastes and curing time were varied to improve the quality of geopolymeric products. The maximum compressive strengths of geopolymeric products obtained from BD, SCM and CM were 60.0, 47.0 and 45.5 MPa respectively. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 81-86 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8926
Cytotoxicity, Total Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Activity of Bergenia purpurascens Rhizome
Authors: Bajracharya Gan B , Maharjan Rokesh
Published: October 2013

This study was aimed to evaluate the cytotoxicity of methanolic extract (ME) and aqueous extract (AE) of the rhizomes of Bergenia purpurascens through the Brine-shrimp bioassay, which revealed that ME possessed cytotoxicity with LC50 = 181.97 ìg/ml value. The plant extracts were also evaluated in vitro for antioxidant activity using different redox [Folin-Ciocalteu (FC) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP)] and radical scavenging [(2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2’-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS)] assays. Both ME and AE possessed antioxidant activity and ME displayed comparatively a greater potential. The total phenolic contents in ME and AE was 1.27 and 0.06 g gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/100 g dry mass (DM), respectively. The FRAP values determined for ME and AE were 15.82 and 2.58 ìmol Fe(II)/100 g DM, respectively. The DPPH radical scavenging effect (IC50) was for ME 19.86 ìg/ml and 295.91 ìg/ml for AE. At 100 ìg/ml concentration, up to 94% inhibition of ABTS+ was observed in 6 min incubation. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 87-94 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8927
The Corrosion Behavior of Sputter?deposited W?xTa Alloys in 0.5 M NaCl Solution
Authors: Bhattarai Jagadeesh , Baral Susil
Published: October 2013

The corrosion behavior of the sputter–deposited amorphous and nanocrystalline W–xTa (x = 8–77) alloys was studied in 0.5 M NaCl solution open to air at 25°C using corrosion tests and electrochemical measurements. Tungsten and tantalum metals act synergistically in enhancing the corrosion resistance of the sputter–deposited W–xTa alloys and hence additions of 23 at. % of tantalum or more to the sputter–deposited W–xTa alloys were found to be effective to achieve significantly high corrosion resistance properties of the alloys than those of alloy– constituting elements. In particular, the corrosion rate of the W–60Ta alloy showed the lowest corrosion rate (that is, 2.0×10-3). The open circuit potential of the alloys shifted noble (positive) direction with immersion time. Addition of tantalum metal in W–xTa alloys is effective for ennoblement of the open circuit corrosion potential of the tungsten metal in 0.5 M NaCl solution open to air at 25°C. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 103-108 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8929
Analysis and Test of Biomass Briquette and Stoves
Authors: Pandey Sudip , Regmi Chiranjivi
Published: October 2013

Biomass such as agricultural and forestry residues are important resources for energy in Nepal. This biomass can be converted into densified soild biofuel by briquetting fuel technology which can address handling, transportation, and storage problems. In addition, it helps to increase a number of applications and enhance its utilization efficiency. The purpose of this study is to quantify the physical and chemical properties of different biomass, such as sawdust, banana stem, rice straw, etc. and combustion in order to investigate clear options. Additionally, it helps to provide the efficiency of stoves available at Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) laboratory. Among the feedstock tested, Mikania micrantha char had highest fixed carbon of 45.92% which clearly shows that it is a good source for biomass briquetting. Out of four stoves tested, Baked Ceramic 4 BHB Stoves had highest efficiency of 33.4% with Banmara briquettes. The study also showed reduced emission of harmful gases ultimately reducing the indoor air pollution. Thus, with the proper densification these fuels can be used as a substitute for the traditional fuels in domestic as well as industrial application in furnaces, boilers and kilns. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 115-120 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8931
Domestic Organic Waste Composting in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur
Authors: Aryal Jagannath , Tamrakar Anand Shova
Published: October 2013

Organic waste composting is an important waste management practice that can reduce the volume of municipal solid waste and increase crop productivity. A study was carried out in Madhyapur Thimi, Bhaktapur in order to develop understanding of different methods of composting for sustainable solid waste management practices. Solid waste was collected randomly from 50 households in the area and segregated manually. The biodegradable waste was composted through pile (aerobic), aerobic bin, anaerobic (pit) and vermicomposting process. The physico-chemical and microbial analysis of composts were carried out in laboratory whereas significance of composts on crop productivity was tested in the study area. The study showed that 81.4% of the waste generated was biodegradable. The physico-chemical and microbial analyses of the compost samples showed pH range of 7.6 to 8.2 and moisture content of 54.5% to 69.5% for different composts. The maximum temperature (62°C) was observed in aerobic (pile) composting. The nutrient analysis (oganic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and C: N ratio) of different composts showed that vermicompost was the most among all the composts. The total bacterial and fungal count varied from 3.91 x 104 to 8.05 x 106 cfu/g and 1.30 x 103 to 3.25 x 104 cfu/g respectively. The vermicompost was found rich in microbial population too. The application of vermicompost at 6.25 mt/ha in the study area resulted in increasing in height, diameter and yield of cauliflower by 15.62%, 37.58% and 38.95% respectively over farm yard manure. The height, diameter and yield of cauliflower grown in different composts was found to be significantly different (P<0.05). Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 129-136 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8933
Predicting Total Height from Diameter Using Nonlinear Models in Pinus roxburghii
Authors: Thapa TB , Upadhyaya CP , Timilsina YP , Bhandari SK , Puri L
Published: October 2013

Height of the trees is not only used to estimate the product available from trees and to determine the productive capacity of the particular land but also used in forest management and research activities. In this research, predictability of total height from diameter at breast height for chir-pine (Pinus roxburghii) by using nonlinear models was examined. Total height and diameter at breast height of 180 trees were measured by using Suunto Clinometer and diameter tape respectively. The measured data were subjected to previously developed robust and strong statistical models, and evaluated by using different test statistics. Among those, H = e(-0.276) D0.925 explained the greatest proportion of variations of height (R2adj.=0.910) and minimum root mean square error (RMSE=1.221) and showed desirable behavior of flexibility and robustness. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 147-152 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8935
Censored Negative Exponential Distribution as a Mixed Distribution and Derivation of Its Moments
Authors: Shrestha Srijan Lal
Published: October 2013

Censored negative exponential distribution is treated as a mixed type distribution having two distinct types of components. These components give arise to continuous as well as discrete random variables. Moments (mean and variance) are derived for the doubly censored, right censored, and left censored negative exponential distributions (NEDs) along with separations of continuous and discrete components and their respective means and variances. Moments obtained for the censored NEDs are then compared to the corresponding values of the uncensored NEDs and the changes in the proportions of the moments due to censoring are examined and assessed. Plots of moments of the censored distributions including a three dimensional scatter plot are presented considering different hypothetical values at which censoring may occur. These distributions are widely applied in fitting and modeling failure time data in survival and reliability analyses. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 167-176 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8937
Adult Density of Culex quinquefasciatus Say, Filarial Vector in Thapa Gaun, Jhaukhel and Lama Tole, Nagarkot VDC, Bhaktapur District
Authors: Byanju Reena , Gautam Ishan , Aryal Manchita , KC Aradhana , Shrestha Hum Narayan , Dhimal Meghnath
Published: October 2013

A six month long entomological study on the adult density of Culex quinquefasciatus Say, the principal vector of filariasis was conducted during April to September 2011 at Thapa Gaun, Jhaukhel and Lama Tole, Nagarkot VDCs of Bhaktapur district. The study resulted 916 (882 female and 34 male) C. quinquefasciatus out of the total collected mosquitoes (3040). The population density was found to be highest in Thapa Gaun (26.09) while indoor density was relatively higher than the outdoor density for both the sites which were significantly related. Monthwise densities were insignificantly related with July showing the highest density while the density in human residence and cattle shed were insignificantly related for Jhaukhel site and was significantly related with Nagarkot site. Morning and evening population densities were significantly related for both sites while no significant relationship was observed between the density of the vector and temperature and variation in temperature and humidity in the study area. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology Vol. 14, No. 1 (2013) 185-194 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njst.v14i1.8939
Developing Safety Management Tools for State Departments of Transportation
Authors: Chung Koohong , Grembek Offer , Lee Jinwoo , Choi Keechoo
Published: October 2013

Two safety management tools have recently been developed for the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). One is the continuous risk profile (CRP) approach, which is a network screening procedure, and the other is the California Safety Analyst (CASA), a web-based application designed to assist state safety engineers in conducting safety investigations and in documenting their findings. This paper provides a qualitative description of the two tools and summarizes feedback from more than 100 Caltrans safety engineers who attended demonstrations of the web-based application. Findings from both empirical analysis and the survey indicate that CRP can significantly reduce the false positive rate and that CASA can greatly improve the efficiency of traffic safety investigations. However, misunderstandings remain about the relationship between the CRP approach, other methods explained in the Highway Safety Manual, and different safety management tools. The misunderstandings create challenges for the deployment of CRP and CASA in California.
Oral Health Problems of Diabetic Patients
Authors: Mahbub S , Ferdouse S , Zaman MH
Published: October 2013

The worldwide estimated prevalence of Diabetes Mellitus is 4.6% in 20-79 year aged population. In 1985, an estimated 30 million people worldwide had diabetes. The World Health Organization warns diabetes will reach epidemic with 300 million by 2025.The prevalence of diabetes is the highest in developed countries but developing countries are expected to have the largest increase in next decade.1 Uncontrolled diabetes leads to soreness, ulcers, infections and tooth decay and decrease oral health status.3 Objective: To assess oral health status among the diabetic patients in dental department of BIRDEM. Methods: It was a cross sectional type of descriptive study conducted among 110 patients for 6 months period. Data were collected using questionnaire and oral examination checklist. SPSS software was used for data analysis. Results: Males were 61.8% and 32.7% were in 40-50 years age group, post-graduate educated were 47.3%, 40.9% were employed in job and  monthly family income was taka >20000. The highest 31.8% were diabetic for 3-10 years and 47.3% were under control.  Regularly 85.5% patients checked blood sugar and followed the advice. Oral hypoglycemic was taken by 60.9% patients and followed diabetic diet 76.4%. Dental health problems developed in 44.5% diabetes patients, 41.8% developed Gum Swelling, 22.7% Bleeding during brushing teeth, 16.4% Bad breath, 16.4% had Pain and 2.7% having loosening their teeth. Both grade 3 gingivitis and grade 2 periodontitis were found in 34.5%. Maximum 48.2% visited dental surgeon. Conclusion: Regular dental care is particularly important for people with diabetes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v3i2.16610 Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education Vol.3(2) 2013: 29-35
Ultrastructural Analysis of Nanogold-Labeled Cell Surface Microvilli in Liquid by Atmospheric Scanning Electron Microscopy and Their Relevance in Cell Adhesion
Authors: Murai Toshiyuki , Sato Mari , Nishiyama Hidetoshi , Suga Mitsuo , Sato Chikara
Published: October 2013

The adhesion of leukocytes circulating in the blood to vascular endothelium is critical for their trafficking in the vasculature, and CD44 is an important cell surface receptor for rolling adhesion. In this study, we demonstrate the correlative observation of CD44 distribution at the lymphocyte cell surface in liquid by fluorescence optical microscopy and immuno-electron microscopy using an atmospheric scanning electron microscope (ASEM). The ultrastructure of the cell surface was clearly imaged by ASEM using positively charged Nanogold particles. ASEM analysis demonstrated microvilli projections around the cell surface and the localization of CD44 on the microvilli. Treatment of cells with cytochalasin D resulted in a loss of the microvilli projections and concomitantly abrogated CD44-mediated adhesion to its ligand hyaluronan. These results suggest the functional relevance of microvilli in CD44-mediated rolling adhesion under shear flow.
Incorporating Topography into Landscape Continuity Analysis—Hong Kong Island as a Case Study
Authors: Levin Noam , Singer Matan , Lai Poh
Published: October 2013

The increase in population and the expansion of built-up areas into natural and agricultural areas results in more than just loss of open spaces surrounding cities. Reduced accessibility to nature, visual intrusion of buildings into natural viewsheds, and changes in runoff requires us to assess these impacts on open spaces. Our aim in this paper was to examine and demonstrate how topography can be incorporated into modeling and analyzing environmental impacts of cities. Taking Hong Kong Island as a case study, we used historical topographic maps to map changes in the built-up areas between 1930 and 2006. We analyzed changes in three variables representing different kinds of human impacts: landscape continuity, visibility of built-up areas, and runoff from built-up areas. We show that consideration of topography (both natural and artificial) is critical to understand spatial patterns of land use and of human impacts on open spaces. The methods employed here can be applied to examine and visualize the potential effects of future and proposed development plans.
Structural Response of Polyethylene Foam-Based Sandwich Panels Subjected to Edgewise Compression
Authors: Boccaccio Antonio , Casavola Caterina , Lamberti Luciano , Pappalettere Carmine
Published: October 2013

This study analyzes the mechanical behavior of low density polyethylene foam core sandwich panels subjected to edgewise compression. In order to monitor panel response to buckling, strains generated in the facesheets and overall out-of-plane deformations are measured with strain gages and projection moiré, respectively. A finite element (FE) model simulating the experimental test is developed. Numerical results are compared with moiré measurements. After having been validated against experimental evidence, the FE model is parameterized, and a trade study is carried out to investigate to what extent the structural response of the panel depends on the sandwich wall construction and facesheet/core interface defects. The projection moiré set-up utilized in this research is able to capture the sudden and very localized buckling phenomena occurring under edgewise compression of foam-based sandwich panels. Results of parametric FE analyses indicate that, if the total thickness of the sandwich wall is fixed, including thicker facesheets in the laminate yields a larger deflection of the panel that becomes more sensitive to buckling. Furthermore, the mechanical response of the foam sandwich panel is found to be rather insensitive to the level of waviness of core-facesheet interfaces.
Pollutant Emission Validation of a Heavy-Duty Gas Turbine Burner by CFD Modeling
Authors: Meloni Roberto
Published: October 2013

3D numerical combustion simulation in a can burner fed with methane was carried out in order to evaluate pollutant emissions and the temperature field. As a case study, the General Electric Frame 6001B system was considered. The numerical investigation has been performed using the CFD code named ACE+ Multiphysics (by Esi-Group). The model was validated against the experimental data provided by Cofely GDF SUEZ and related to a real power plant. To completely investigate the stability of the model, several operating conditions were taken into account, at both nominal and partial load. In particular, the influence on emissions of some important parameters, such as air temperature at compressor intake and steam to fuel mass ratio, have been evaluated. The flamelet model and Zeldovich’s mechanism were employed for combustion modeling and NOx emissions, respectively. With regard to CO estimation, an innovative approach was used to compute the Rizk and Mongia relationship through a user-defined function. Numerical results showed good agreement with experimental data in most of the cases: the best results were obtained in the NOx prediction, while unburned fuel was slightly overestimated.
Reporter Dyes Demonstrate Functional Expression of Multidrug Resistance Proteins in the Marine Flatworm Macrostomum lignano: The Sponge-Derived Dye Ageladine A Is Not a Substrate of These Transporters
Authors: Tietje Kristin , Rivera-Ingraham Georgina , Petters Charlotte , Abele Doris , Dringen Ralf , Bickmeyer Ulf
Published: October 2013

The marine plathyhelminth Macrostomum lignano was recently isolated from Adriatic shore sediments where it experiences a wide variety of environmental challenges, ranging from hypoxia and reoxygenation, feeding on toxic algae, to exposure to anthropogenic contaminants. As multidrug resistance transporters constitute the first line of defense against toxins and toxicants we have studied the presence of such transporters in M. lignano in living animals by applying optical methods and pharmacological inhibitors that had been developed for mammalian cells. Application of the MDR1 inhibitor Verapamil or of the MRP1 inhibitors MK571 or Probenecid increased the intracellular fluorescence of the reporter dyes Fura-2 am, Calcein am, Fluo-3 am in the worms, but did not affect their staining with the dyes Rhodamine B, CMFDA or Ageladine A. The marine sponge alkaloid Ageladine A remained intracellularly trapped for several days in the worms, suggesting that it does not serve as substrate of multidrug resistance exporters. In addition, Ageladine A did not affect multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)-mediated dye export from M. lignano or the MRP1-mediated glutathione (GSH) export from cultured rat brain astrocytes. The data obtained demonstrate that life-imaging is a useful tool to address physiological drug export from intact marine transparent flatworms by using multiphoton scanning microscopy.
Off-the-Vine Ripening of Tomato Fruit Causes Alteration in the Primary Metabolite Composition
Authors: Sorrequieta Augusto , Abriata Luciano , Boggio Silvana , Valle Estela
Published: October 2013

The influence of postharvest fruit ripening in the composition of metabolites, transcripts and enzymes in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is poorly understood. The goal of this work was to study the changes in the metabolite composition of the tomato fruit ripened off-the-vine using the cultivar Micro-Tom as model system. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) was used for analysis of the metabolic profile of tomato fruits ripened on- and off-the-vine. Significant differences under both ripening conditions were observed principally in the contents of fructose, glucose, aspartate and glutamate. Transcript levels and enzyme activities of -amino butyrate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.19) and glutamate decarboxylase (EC 4.1.1.15) showed differences in fruits ripened under these two conditions. These data indicate that the contents of metabolites involved in primary metabolism, and conferring the palatable properties of fruits, are altered when fruits are ripened off-the-vine.
Apoptosis Sensitization by Euphorbia Factor L1 in ABCB1-Mediated Multidrug Resistant K562/ADR Cells
Authors: Zhang Jian-Ye , Lin Min-Ting , Yi Tao , Tang Yi-Na , Fan Lan-Lan , He Xi-Cheng , Zhao Zhong-Zhen , Chen Hu-Biao
Published: October 2013

In this article, reversal activities of Euphorbia factor L1 (EFL1) against ABCB1-mediated multidrug resistance (MDR) and apoptosis sensitization in K562/ADR cells are reported. EFL1 decreased the IC50 values of anticancer agents in K562/ADR cells over-expressing ABCB1. However, EFL1 did not affect the IC50 values of anticancer agents in sensitive K562 cells. Additionally, EFL1 increased the intracellular accumulation of rhodamine 123 and doxorubicin in K562/ADR cells without affecting their accumulation in K562 cells. Furthermore, EFL1 sensitized the apoptosis triggered by vincristine in K562/ADR cells via mitochondrial pathway, as confirmed by Annexin V-FITC/PI detection and western blot. At the same time, EFL1 did not influence the apoptosis induced by vincristine in K562 cells. Western blot results showed that EFL1 did not affect the phosphorylation level of AKT and ERK in K562 and K562/ADR cells. Finally, EFL1 did not down-regulate protein expression of ABCB1.
Astragaloside IV Stimulates Angiogenesis and Increases Nitric Oxide Accumulation via JAK2/STAT3 and ERK1/2 Pathway
Authors: Wang Shi-Guang , Xu Yan , Chen Jian-Dong , Yang Chuan-Hua , Chen Xiao-Hu
Published: October 2013

Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), one of the major active constituents of Astragalus membranaceus in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been widely used to treat ischemic diseases. However, the potential mechanism is this action is unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that AS-IV might promote angiogenesis through multiple signaling pathways. Our data indicate that AS-IV treatment promotes umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) proliferation, migration, and tube formation. AS-IV treatment also activates JAK2/STAT3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, and up-regulates endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression and nitric oxide (NO) production. AS-IV-induced angiogenesis in HUVECs is significantly blocked by specific kinase inhibitors. Our study indicated that AS-IV is a key regulator of NO and angiogenesis through the JAK2/STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways, which provides a mechanistic basis for the potential use of this compound in the treatment of clinical ischemic diseases.
Simultaneous Determination of Dopamine, Serotonin and Ascorbic Acid at a Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Carbon-Spheres
Authors: Zhou Jianqing , Sheng Meili , Jiang Xueyue , Wu Guozhi , Gao Feng
Published: October 2013

A novel glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modiﬁed with carbon-spheres has been fabricated through a simple casting procedure. The modified GCE displays high selectivity and excellent electrochemical catalytic activities towards dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), and ascorbic acid (AA). In the co-existence system, the peak separations between AA and DA, DA and 5-HT, and AA and 5-HT are large up to 230, 180, and 410 mV, respectively. Differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) has been employed to simultaneously detect DA, 5-HT, and AA, and the linear calibration curves for DA, 5-HT, and AA are obtained in the range of 20.0–150.0 μM, 40.0–750.0 μM and 300.0–2,000.0 μM with detection limits (S/N = 3) of 2.0 μM, 0.7 μM and 0.6 μM, respectively. The proposed electrode has been applied to detect DA, 5-HT, and AA in real samples using standard addition method with satisfactory results.
Oligopeptide M13 Phage Display in Pathogen Research
Authors: Kügler Jonas , Zantow Jonas , Meyer Torsten , Hust Michael
Published: October 2013

Phage display has become an established, widely used method for selection of peptides, antibodies or alternative scaffolds. The use of phage display for the selection of antigens from genomic or cDNA libraries of pathogens which is an alternative to the classical way of identifying immunogenic proteins is not well-known. In recent years several new applications for oligopeptide phage display in disease related fields have been developed which has led to the identification of various new antigens. These novel identified immunogenic proteins provide new insights into host pathogen interactions and can be used for the development of new diagnostic tests and vaccines. In this review we focus on the M13 oligopeptide phage display system for pathogen research but will also give examples for lambda phage display and for applications in other disease related fields. In addition, a detailed technical work flow for the identification of immunogenic oligopeptides using the pHORF system is given. The described identification of immunogenic proteins of pathogens using oligopeptide phage display can be linked to antibody phage display resulting in a vaccine pipeline.
Preparation of electrochemically active silicon nanotubes in highly ordered arrays
Authors: Grünzel Tobias , Lee Young Joo , Kuepper Karsten , Bachmann Julien
Published: October 2013

Silicon as the negative electrode material of lithium ion batteries has a very large capacity, the exploitation of which is impeded by the volume changes taking place upon electrochemical cycling. A Si electrode displaying a controlled porosity could circumvent the difficulty. In this perspective, we present a preparative method that yields ordered arrays of electrochemically competent silicon nanotubes. The method is based on the atomic layer deposition of silicon dioxide onto the pore walls of an anodic alumina template, followed by a thermal reduction with lithium vapor. This thermal reduction is quantitative, homogeneous over macroscopic samples, and it yields amorphous silicon and lithium oxide, at the exclusion of any lithium silicides. The reaction is characterized by spectroscopic ellipsometry for thin silica films, and by nuclear magnetic resonance and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for nanoporous samples. After removal of the lithium oxide byproduct, the silicon nanotubes can be contacted electrically. In a lithium ion electrolyte, they then display the electrochemical waves also observed for other bulk or nanostructured silicon systems. The method established here paves the way for systematic investigations of how the electrochemical properties (capacity, charge/discharge rates, cyclability) of nanoporous silicon negative lithium ion battery electrode materials depend on the geometry.
Gold(I)-catalyzed hydroarylation reaction of aryl (3-iodoprop-2-yn-1-yl) ethers: synthesis of 3-iodo-2H-chromene derivatives
Authors: Morán-Poladura Pablo , Rubio Eduardo , González José M
Published: October 2013

An efficient entry to the preparation of elusive 4-unsubstituted-3-iodo-2H-chromenes has been accomplished as result of a catalytic cyclization. Thus, upon exposition of [(3-iodoprop-2-yn-1-yl)oxy]arenes to IPrAuNTf2 (3 mol %), in 1,4-dioxane at 100 °C, the desired heterocyclic motif is readily assembled. This process nicely tolerates a variety of functional groups and, interestingly, it is compatible with the presence of strong electron-withdrawing groups attached to the arene. The overall transformation can be termed as a new example of a migratory cycloisomerization and, formally, it involves well-blended 1,2-iodine shift and hydroarylation steps.
APPLICATION OF A NEW RAPID TRANSIT NETWORK DESIGN MODEL TO BUS RAPID TRANSIT NETWORK DESIGN: CASE STUDY ISFAHAN METROPOLITAN AREA
Authors: Kermanshahi Shahab , Shafahi Yousef , Bagherian Mehdi
Published: October 2013

The problem of Rapid Transit Network Design (RTND) is studied in this paper. Due to the noticeable contribution of rapid transit lines in public transportation network of large urban areas, this problem is interesting to the transportation specialists. On the other hand, the success stories of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems in different countries have motivated us to study BRT network planning. BRT systems can be developed with less investment costs and construction time in comparison with rail-based systems. Therefore, planning Bus Rapid Transit lines, either to develop a new rapid transit network or extend a current one can be an interesting research topic. This problem, like other network design problems is difficult to solve for large scale networks. In this study, a mixed-integer mathematical model that addresses the Transit Network Design Problem (TNDP) is presented. The objective function of the model is maximization of trip coverage. To solve the model, an algorithm is proposed and implemented in C# environment. The main modules of the algorithm are the following: (1) routes generation, (2) search tree, (3) solution evaluation, and (4) inference. In Route Generation module, the candidate transit route set is determined. Afterwards, the Search Tree module provides a strategy which guarantees that all feasible combinations can be considered in the search process. To evaluate the performance of each transit route combination, a transit assignment algorithm is used in the Solution Evaluation part. Finally, the intelligence core of the search process, that is called Inference, helps the algorithm to find parts of the search space which cannot contain the optimal solution. The algorithm is tested on a real size network, i.e., the extension of the Greater Isfahan rapid transit network with BRT routes. The output of the algorithm is the set of BRT routes that maximizes the daily trip coverage index while satisfying the budget constraint. By solving the case study problem, it is shown that our proposed model and algorithm are capable of tackling real size rapid transit network design problems.
A DYNAMIC DATA-DRIVEN APPLICATION SIMULATION MODEL FOR OIL SPILL EMERGENCY DECISION IN PORT WATER AREA
Authors: Zeng Qingcheng , Zhang Qian , Yang Zhongzhen
Published: October 2013

In order to solve the difficulty in simulation and prediction the evolution of oil spill incidents in port water area caused by system complexity and environment variety, a simulation model based on Dynamic Data-Driven Application System (DDDAS) was developed. By assimilating real-time data, simulation model can update its initial condition and solutions, and modify its parameters. Firstly, the framework for DDDAS-based simulation model was designed. Then the method for mapping of real-time data to simulation model, the method for recovery of initial data for DDDAS, and the algorithms to simulate the behavior of oil spill were studied. Finally, numerical tests were provided to illustrate the validity of the proposed model. Results indicate that the DDDAS-based simulation method can improve the prediction accuracy of oil spill incidents.
A METHODOLOGY FOR MODELLING TRAFFIC RELATED EMISSIONS IN SUBURBAN AREAS
Authors: Toşa Cristian , Antov Dago , Köllő Gavril , Rõuk Harri , Rannala Marek
Published: October 2013

A methodology that integrates a computer program COPERT III for calculation of traffic emissions estimates, and a transportation modelling software CUBE VOYAGER was used to assess pollutant emissions for a suburban area, as a support for future transport planning strategies to be applied for any developing road network. COPERT III is used to obtain the carbon monoxide emission factors by accounting for the car fleet composition, characteristics and average speed. An aggregated emission parametric equation was determined and used further on for estimating network carbon monoxide emissions based upon the output of macroscopic traffic characteristics enabled by traffic simulation software, CUBE VOYAGER. The methodology and modelling results are applied here for Floreşti, a satellite town of Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
INFLUENCE OF WHEEL AXLE STIFFNESS CHARACTER TO THE WHEEL/RAIL DYNAMIC CONTACT ON THE STRAIGHT TRACK
Authors: Ma Weihua , Xu Zhiqiang , Luo Shihui , Song Rongrong
Published: October 2013

The influence of the wheel axle bending stiffness to the wheel/rail contact dynamic force and wheelset vertical vibration of the linear metro vehicle on a straight track was investigated. Based on a vehicle dynamic model and two kinds of elastic wheelset models, a comparison was carried out between the wheelset vertical vibration and the wheel/rail vertical force. Simulation results showed that the wheelset vibration and the wheel/rail vertical force of the elastic wheelset model were different with that of the rigid wheelset model; this was due to the BM3000 type wheelset not having high enough bending stiffness. In contrast, the result of the elastic wheelset model of the wheelset of the Beijing metro railway vehicle was quite similar to the results of the rigid model since a larger bending stiffness was used. Consequently, the wheelset vibration and wheel/rail vertical force can be decreased by increasing the wheel axle bending stiffness which will improve wheel/rail dynamic contact conditions.