bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Human Salmonella Infections Linked to Contaminated Dry Dog and Cat Food, 2006–2008
Authors: Behravesh Casey Barton , Ferraro Aimee , Deasy Marshall , Dato Virginia , Moll Mària , Sandt Carol , Rea Nancy K. , Rickert Regan , Marriott Chandra , Warren Kimberly , Urdaneta Veronica , Salehi Ellen , Villamil Elizabeth , Ayers Tracy , Hoekstra R. M. , Austin Jana L. , Ostroff Stephen , Williams Ian T. ,   the Salmonella Schwarzengrund Outbreak Investigation Team
Published: August 2010

OBJECTIVE:

Human Salmonella infections associated with dry pet food have not been previously reported. We investigated such an outbreak of Salmonella Schwarzengrund and primarily affecting young children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Two multistate case-control studies were conducted to determine the source and mode of infections among case-patients with the outbreak strain. Study 1 evaluated household exposures to animals and pet foods, and study 2 examined risk factors for transmission among infant case-patients. Environmental investigations were conducted.

RESULTS:

Seventy-nine case-patients in 21 states were identified; 48% were children aged 2 years or younger. Case-households were significantly more likely than control households to report dog contact (matched odds ratio [mOR]: 3.6) and to have recently purchased manufacturer X brands of dry pet food (mOR: 6.9). Illness among infant case-patients was significantly associated with feeding pets in the kitchen (OR: 4.4). The outbreak strain was isolated from opened bags of dry dog food produced at plant X, fecal specimens from dogs that ate manufacturer X dry dog food, and an environmental sample and unopened bags of dog and cat foods from plant X. More than 23 000 tons of pet foods were recalled. After additional outbreak-linked illnesses were identified during 2008, the company recalled 105 brands of dry pet food and permanently closed plant X.

CONCLUSIONS:

Dry dog and cat foods manufactured at plant X were linked to human illness for a 3-year period. This outbreak highlights the importance of proper handling and storage of pet foods in the home to prevent human illness, especially among young children.
Intranasal Medication Delivery for Children: A Brief Review and Update
Authors: Wolfe Timothy R. , Braude Darren A.
Published: August 2010

With the exception of oral medications, most traditional forms of drug delivery outside the operating suite require an injection with a needle—a process that is painful and anxiety-provoking, risks needle stick injury, and consumes valuable staff time. In addition, intravenous access in pediatrics may be difficult for inexperienced providers. Intranasal medication delivery offers an alternative method of drug delivery that is often as fast in onset as intravenous medication, usually painless, inexpensive, easy to deliver, and effective in a variety of acute pediatric medical conditions. This article briefly reviews the most common uses for intranasal medication delivery in pediatrics: pain control, anxiolysis, and seizure control.
Ti-doped Gallium Phosphide Layers with Concentrations Above the Mott Limit
Authors: Olea Ariza Javier , Pastor David , Toledano-Luque María , Mártil Ignacio , González-Díaz Germán , Ibánez Jordi , Cuscó Ramón , Artús Luis
Published: August 2010

We have studied the Pulsed-Laser Melting (PLM) effects on Ti implanted GaP to form an Intermediate Band (IB). Structural analysis has been carried out by means of Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy (ToF-SIMS), Raman spectroscopy and Glancing Incidence X-Ray Diffraction (GIXRD). After the PLM annealing, Ti concentration is over the Mott limit. Nevertheless, the Raman spectra show a forbidden TO vibrational mode of GaP. This result suggests the formation of crystalline domains with a different orientation in the annealed region regarding to the GaP unannealed substrate. This conclusion has been corroborated by GIXRD measurements. As a result of the polycrystalline lattice, a drop of the mobility is produced.
ToF-SIMS Study of Pulsed Laser Melting Energy Density on Ti Implanted Si for Intermediate Band
Authors: Olea Ariza Javier , Pastor David , Mártil Ignacio , González-Díaz Germán
Published: August 2010

An exhaustive study on the resulting impurity profile in Si samples implanted with Ti with high doses and subsequently Pulsed-Laser Melting (PLM) annealed is presented. Two different effects are shown to be present in the two different stages of the annealing. In the melting stage the box-shaped effect tends to increase the thickness of the implanted layer and to decrease the maximum peak concentration as the energy density of the annealing increases. On the contrary, in the solidifying stage, the snow-plow effect decreases the thickness of the layer and increases the maximum peak concentration as the energy density of the annealing increases. Moreover, as a direct consequence of the snow-plow effect, part of the impurities is expelled from the sample by the surface.
Characteristics of Organic Memory Using Metal Oxide Nano-clusters
Authors: Cheng You-Wei , Chang Tzu-Yueh , Lee Po-Tsung
Published: August 2010

In this report, electrical properties of an organic memory device with a tri-layer structure, MoO3 nano-clusters layer sandwiched between Alq3 thin films, are investigated. The device using this kind of structure exhibits a large ON/OFF density current ratio over 104, long retention time over 1hr, and an electrically programmable character. The formation of the bistable resistance switching of the device originates from a charge trapping effect of the MoO3 nano-clusters layer. Moreover, current density-voltage (J-V) characteristics of the device are quite different from those of OBDs using MoO3 nano-particles. No negative differential resistance is observed in the J-V curve of the device. This may be due to the distinct surface morphology of the MoO3 layer on the Alq3 thin film.
Tailoring nanopores for efficient sensing of different biomolecules
Authors: AbdelGhani Oukhaled , Bacri Laurent , Bourhis Eric , schiedt Birgetta , Madouri Ali , Patriarche Gilles , Jede R , Guegan J.M. , Guegan Philippe , Auvray Loic , Pelta Juan , Gierak Jacques
Published: August 2010

Highly Focused Ion Beams (FIB) are used to produce in one step large quantities of solid state nanopores drilled in thin dielectric films with high reproducibility and well controlled morphologies. We explore both the production of nanopores of various diameters and study their applicability to different biological molecules such as DNA, or folded and unfolded proteins, and then we compare their transport properties. We also report on the translocation of Fibronectin which an original experiment made possible is using the methodology described in this article.
A first principles investigation of the electronic structure of actinide oxides
Authors: Petit Leon , Svane Axel , Szotek Zdzislawa , Temmerman Walter , Stocks Malcolm
Published: August 2010

The ground state electronic structures of the actinide oxides AO, A2O3 and AO2 (A=U, Np, Pu, Am, Cm, Bk, Cf) are determined from first-principles calculations using the self-interaction corrected local spin-density approximation. Our study reveals a strong link between preferred oxidation number and degree of localization. The ionic nature of the actinide oxides emerges from the fact that those oxides where the ground state is calculated to be metallic do not exist in nature, as the corresponding delocalized f-states favour the accommodation of additional O atoms into the crystal lattice.
Immobilization and Long-term Evolution of Selenate in Portland Cement
Authors: Rojo Isabel , Grive Mireia , Rovira Miquel , Riba Olga , Garcia David , Domènech Cristina , De Pablo Joan
Published: August 2010

The long-term selenate uptake capacity of leached cement was studied by means of a replenishment batch experiment with cement pore water (CPW) doped with selenate. The corresponding blank experiment (without Se) was also done. The systems were studied for 31 cycles (18-days each cycle) to understand the long-term selenate immobilization in leached cement. Results showed that the retention capacity of leached cement exponentially decreases with cycle evolution. Precipitation of ettringite, identified by SEM and XRD, occurred along the experiments. The characterization of the cement solid phases indicated that selenate was only retained in the precipitated ettringite.

Experimental data have been successfully modeled by assuming that selenate incorporates into the precipitating ettringite. Precipitation of ettringite is controlled by the kinetic dissolution of the initially present monocarboaluminate.
Investigation of the thermoelectric properties of the PbTe-SrTe system
Authors: Biswas Kanishka , He Jiaqing , Zhang Qichun , Wang Guoyu , Uher Ctirad , Dravid Vinayak P , Kanatzidis Mercouri
Published: August 2010

PbTe-based materials are promising for efficient heat energy to electricity conversion. We present studies of the thermoelectric properties of the PbTe-SrTe system. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that all the samples crystallize in the rock salt structure without noticeable secondary phase. Na2Te doping of the PbTe-SrTe materials resulting in a positive sign Hall coefficient indicating p-type conduction. Lattice thermal conductivity is significantly decreased with the insertion of SrTe in PbTe lattice. The ZT ∼ 1.3 of these materials is derived from their very low thermal conductivities and reasonably high power factor at 800 K.
Water deficit effect on the accumulation of biomass and artemisinin in annual wormwood(Artemisia annua L., Asteraceae)
Authors: Marchese José A. , Ferreira Jorge F.S. , Rehder Vera L.G. , Rodrigues Osmar
Published: August 2010

Despite the importance of Artemisia annua L. as the only source of the anti-parasitic drug artemisinin, little is known on the effects of biotic and abiotic stress on artemisinin accumulation. Water deficit is the most limiting factor on plant growth, however it can trigger secondary metabolite accumulation, depending on the plant growth stage and intensity. A. annua cultivated in growth chambers was submitted to five water deficit treatments (watered, 14, 38, 62 e 86 hours without irrigation). Water deficits of 38 and 62 hours (Yw = -1.39 and -2.51 MPa, respectively) increased leaf artemisinin content, but only 38 hours led to a significant increase in both leaf and plant artemisinin (29%), with no detriment to plant biomass production. The other treatments had no effect on, or decreased artemisinin accumulation. A. annua plants tolerated well water deficit treatments, including the most severe water deficit applied (Yw -3.97 MPa or 86 hs without irrigation) and recovered their turgor pressure after rehydration. These results suggest that moderate water deficit prior to harvesting the crop may not only reduce time and costs in drying the crop, but can also induce artemisinin accumulation, both of which increase crop profit margins. Results also suggest that artemisinin could be part of A. annua chemical system of defense against water deficit.
Notch 1 Receptor, Delta 1 Ligand and HES 1 Transcription Factor are Expressed in the Lining Epithelium of Periapical Cysts (Preliminary Study)
Authors: Meliou E , Kerezoudis NP , Tosios KI , Kiaris H
Published: August 2010

Periapical cyst is a chronic inflammatory disorder of periradicular tissues. The precise pathological mechanisms involved in periapical cyst enlargement remain unclear. Notch signaling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway with a regulatory role in cell fate decisions during development and in carcinogenesis. To date, there are no published data available on the expression of Notch signaling components in periapical cysts or any other jaw cyst. In this immunohistochemical study we have examined the expression of the receptor Notch 1, the ligand Delta 1 and the transcription factor HES 1 in the epithelium of well defined periapical cysts. Immunostaining reaction of Notch 1, Delta 1 and HES 1 was observed in the cytoplasm and/or the cytoplasmic membrane and occasionally in the nucleus in the majority of epithelial cells of all periapical cysts. The present observations indicate that Notch pathway is active in the epithelium of periapical cysts. It can be speculated that activation of epithelial cells of periapical cysts is associated with activation of Notch pathway and imply involvement of this pathway in periapical cyst growth and expansion.
On the Meaning of Feedback Parameter, Transient Climate Response, and the Greenhouse Effect: Basic Considerations and the Discussion of Uncertainties
Authors: Kramm Gerhard , Dlugi Ralph
Published: August 2010

In this paper we discuss the meaning of feedback parameter, greenhouse effect and transient climate response usually related to the globally averaged energy balance model of Schneider and Mass. After scrutinizing this model and the corresponding planetary radiation balance we state that (a) this globally averaged energy balance model is flawed by unsuitable physical considerations, (b) the planetary radiation balance for the Earth in the absence of an atmosphere is fraught by the inappropriate assumption of a uniform surface temperature, the so-called radiative equilibrium temperature of about 255 K, and (c) the effect of the radiative anthropogenic forcing, considered as a perturbation to the natural system, is much smaller than the uncertainty involved in the solution of the model of Schneider and Mass. This uncertainty is mainly related to the empirical constants suggested by various authors and used for predicting the emission of infrared radiation by the Earth's skin. Furthermore, after inserting the absorption of solar radiation by atmospheric constituents and the exchange of sensible and latent heat between the Earth and the atmosphere into the model of Schneider and Mass the surface temperatures become appreciably lesser than the radiative equilibrium temperature. Moreover, both the model of Schneider and Mass and the Dines-type two-layer energy balance model for the Earthatmosphere system, containing the planetary radiation balance for the Earth in the absence of an atmosphere as an asymptotic solution, do not provide evidence for the existence of the so-called atmospheric greenhouse effect if realistic empirical data are used.
Improvement of Mesoscale Forecasts of Monsoon Depressions Through Assimilation of QuikSCAT Wind Data: Two Case Studies Over India
Authors: Sinha P. K. , Chandrasekar A.
Published: August 2010

Monsoon depressions form during the Southwest Indian Monsoon over the Bay of Bengal and provide copious rainfall over the eastern and central parts of the country. Since these depressions form over sea, a region of data scarcity, satellite data provides only source of information of the meteorological system. Furthermore, for short-range prediction, it is extremely important to have accurate initial conditions for better model performance. In this study, effects of three dimensional variational (3DVAR) assimilation of the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT) data is used in the simulation of two monsoon depressions (MDs) that formed during 2-5 September and 27-30 September 2006 using the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) modeling system. The National Center for Environmental Prediction - Global Forecast (NCEP-GFS) fields were used for the initial and lateral boundary conditions. Two model runs were employed in this study; first a control (CTRL) or a base run without any data assimilation and another a 3DVAR run in which QuikSCAT data was assimilated using the 3DVAR assimilation. The model results from both runs were compared with one another as well as with Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) observations and Global Analysis (GFS-ANL) fields. The results of the time and area averaged vertical profile of relative vorticity over monsoon depressions indicate that the 3DVAR run is in closer agreement with GFS-ANL as compared to the CTRL run. Furthermore, the well-known temperature structure of a monsoon depression (cold core at low levels and warm core at upper levels) is better simulated by the 3DVAR run. While there is a clear and marked positive impact of ingesting the QuikSCAT data in terms of simulated precipitation for the depression that formed during 27-30 September 2006, improvement in the simulated rainfall due to QuikSCAT assimilation is slight for the other depression that formed during 2-5 September 2006. Consistent with the above observations, there is a clear improvement in the quantitative measures of the skill scores with lower bias, lower false alarms and higher probability of detection for almost all rainfall thresholds for the model runs which have assimilated the QuikSCAT observations.
Emerging Markets for Great Design
Authors: Wylde Margaret , Hunter Susan
Published: August 2010

Emerging markets for great design are growing with the aging of the Baby Boomer
generation. As the population ages, a higher proportion of people in the U.S., other industrial nations,
and even in developing nations will become consumers for innovative products that address their daily
living needs without emphasizing disability or loss of ability to chronic illnesses, accident, or changes
in life stage. To develop products and environments that address this demographic shift, it is necessary
to project the size of the potential market and identify the key components of successful products and
environments. Moreover, just because a product or environment is easier to use, helps someone, and has
a strong recognizable brand, it will not necessarily be purchased unless it meets other important needs
of consumers - both rational (e.g. value, reliability, customer support) and emotional (e.g. aesthetics and
cultural appropriateness). Beautifully designed products and environments make people feel good,
putting them in an open frame of mind to be creative and find solutions to the problems they face, an
especial important part of aging well. This article looks at the dynamics of growing markets and uses a
national survey about home buying preferences as a case study to understand the levels of appreciation
for good design appeals.
Advancing Universal Design through Evidence Based Practice: Residential Environments
Authors: Levine Danise , L. Maisel Jordana
Published: August 2010

The ideal 21st Century Community for aging in place will have affordable and appropriate
housing, supportive community features and services, and a range of mobility options, which together
facilitate personal independence and enable all individuals to engage in work, civic, and social life as
they choose. How do we get from vision to reality? This chapter focuses on housing and reviews
current housing problems, research, and the state of the science of universal design in housing. Are
current practices compatible with universal design? One thing we know is that over the past few
decades housing preferences have changed. This can be attributed to many factors, although changes in
population demographics, legislation, and economic conditions have had the most significant impact.
These contributing factors drive the housing industry; the success of the housing market is based on
how well it responds to consumers’ needs. Often slow to respond to people’s changing needs and
preferences, the housing market now appears to be adopting new strategies and policies leading to more
innovative practices and designs.
Advancing Universal Design through EBP: Work Environments
Authors: Milchus Karen
Published: August 2010

People with disabilities must often rely on workplace accommodations in the form of
universal design, or in its absence, assistive technology, in order to be able to participate in the
workplace. Regulatory guidelines that specify how spaces or products can be designed to be
“accessible” have helped us move toward more universally designed work environments.
Unfortunately, these guidelines may still not address all of the access needs of a particular employee. In
addition, there is limited research on universal design and assistive technology accommodations that
can be used to guide practice to meet the needs of these individual employees. This chapter reviews
how research on workplace accommodations is leading to evidence upon which practice might be
based. The base of evidence available, however, needs to be expanded to include research subjects with
a wider range of disabilities and to include a greater variety of accommodations. In addition, research
efforts must begin to focus more on accommodation outcomes.
Contributors
Authors: L. Maisel Jordana
Published: August 2010

Full text available
Accessibility in Urban Areas for Citizens with Impairments: Using GIS to Map and Measure Accessibility in Swedish Cities
Authors: Svensson Johan
Published: August 2010

Since, the design of our cities tends to constrain people with impairment from performing
their daily activities, removing barriers and making public space accessible for everyone is becoming a
human rights-issue. However, efficiently improving accessibility requires knowledge about the location
of obstacles in the urban environment and how these affect accessibility. Using GIS-models to map and
measure accessibility, this study aims at providing new knowledge about the spatial distribution of
accessibility for impaired persons in seven Swedish cities. Based on field surveys, detailed digital
models of the pedestrian and public transport networks were created for each city. These models were
used to evaluate the possibility for vision and mobility impaired citizens to reach different destinations.
The results reveal how different types of flaws in the pedestrian network cause interruptions or force
travellers to detours in the travel chain between home and destination, thus restricting accessibility. The
results show where it is possible to live and independently perform daily activities as an impaired
citizen and how travelling times and distances vary between impaired and other citizens. In conclusion,
the study shows how planners, by using GIS-models, can easily enhance their knowledge about how
flaws in the design of their cities affect accessibility for impaired citizens.
Legislation, Anthropometry, and Education: The Southeast Asian Experience
Authors: Whybrow Samantha , Abdul Rahim Asiah , Sharma Vikas , Gupta Shivani , Millikan Lyndal , Bridge Catherine
Published: August 2010

This chapter outlines the current experiences of Malaysia, India, and Sri Lanka in moving
towards a more accessible built environment. In all three countries there is a growing awareness of
disability and ageing. This is important, as the Southeast Asian experience of disability is markedly
different to that of developed nations such as Australia, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Responding to local and regional needs, while contributing and developing to larger ‘community of
inclusive practice’, stems from a desire to share and a growing recognition that the constant reinventing
of the wheel and lack of knowledge synthesis hampers everyone. Nevertheless, countries like India, Sri
Lanka, and Malaysia struggle to implement western accessibility norms. Further, the widespread
adoption of accessibility standards based on standard wheelchair design presents additional challenges,
as there is a mismatch with local assistive technologies and a limited understanding of regional
disability populations in terms of their functional and anthropometric profiles. The sharing of successes,
insights, and knowledge in relation to Asia–Pacific reconstruction and accessibility innovation,
particularly in regard to local materials, standards, and construction practices is both timely and
important.
Moving Forward
Authors: L. Maisel Jordana
Published: August 2010

The Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center on Universal Design and the Built
Environment (RERC-UD) State of the Science Conference explored the contributions of universal
design to the independence and participation of individuals throughout their lifespan. It reviewed the
latest research and practice of universal design in housing, work environment, and public spaces from
cold regions like Toronto, Canada to developing countries like Sri Lanka and Malaysia. After a number
of presentations on the latest research in universal design, a series of questions were posed to an
assembled group of leading experts and interested stakeholders. Utilizing prepared questions, facilitated
discussions identified and prioritized strategies, resources, and opportunities for applying evidencebased
practice within and across these various domains. The following reflects a summary of these
discussions. Understanding these issues and solving these questions remain critical to advancing the
field and ensuring the creation of a 21st century community that supports the needs and preferences of
an ageing and increasingly diversifying population.
Index
Authors: L. Maisel Jordana
Published: August 2010

Full text available
Institutional Work in the Transformation of an Organizational Field: The Interplay of Boundary Work and Practice Work
Authors: Zietsma Charlene , Lawrence Thomas B.
Published: August 2010

We draw on an in-depth longitudinal analysis of conflict over harvesting practices and decision authority in the British Columbia coastal forest industry to understand the role of institutional work in the transformation of organizational fields. We examine the work of actors to create, maintain, and disrupt the practices that are considered legitimate within a field (practice work) and the boundaries between sets of individuals and groups (boundary work), and the interplay of these two forms of institutional work in effecting change. We find that actors' boundary work and practice work operate in recursive configurations that underpin cycles of institutional innovation, conflict, stability, and restabilization. We also find that transitions between these cycles are triggered by combinations of three conditions: (1) the state of the boundaries, (2) the state of practices, and (3) the existence of actors with the capacity to undertake the boundary and practice work of a different institutional process. These findings contribute to untangling the paradox of embedded agency—how those subject to the institutions in a field can effect changes in them. We also contribute to an understanding of the processes and mechanisms that drive changes in the institutional lifecycle.
Modeling of formation of precipitate-free zone
Authors: Svoboda Jiří , Maier Gerhard
Published: August 2010

Formation of precipitate-free zones due to the growth of intergranular precipitates on account of intragranular precipitates in the nearest vicinity of the grain boundary represents a significant degradation of the material. The loss of strength of the material in the precipitate-free zone allows propagation of cracks in the zones and causes embrittlement of the material. Based on application of the thermodynamic extremal principle a robust model is derived, which allows the description of the kinetics of formation of the precipitate-free zone. Several simulations based on the model are performed and the results are discussed.
Damage modelling for simulation of process chain from forming to crash
Authors: Andrieux Florence , Sun Dong-Zhi
Published: August 2010

The objective of this work is the characterisation and modelling of the influence of triaxiality and deformation history on the damage behaviour of components manufactured by deep drawing. An evaluation chain including material characterisation, numerical simulation and verification was conducted. The influence of triaxiality and pre-deformation on damage behaviour of a TRIP steel was characterised with different specimen tests, such as shear, uniaxial and biaxial tension. Phenomenological and micromechanical damage models taking into account shear fracture and fracture induced by void nucleation, growth and coalescence (dimple rupture) were developed. Both damage models describe the influence of triaxiality on damage development under a broad range of loading conditions. Validation tests on an automobile component under a loading close to reality were performed and successfully simulated with pre-strains and pre-damage mapped from a forming model to the crash model.
Silica surface modified by aliphatic amines as effective copper complexing agents
Authors: Kurczewska Joanna , Schroeder Grzegorz
Published: August 2010

Silica surface was modified with four aliphatic acyclic amines differing in the number of nitrogen donor atoms and the chain length. The structures of the four systems were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Three of the systems studied were found to show excellent scavenging of copper ions and relatively weaker of nickel ions from the water solutions. The complexing abilities were monitored by ultraviolet and visible measurements. Standard colorimetric methods of element determination were used to observe the absorbance decrease at the maximum wavelength in the presence of the compounds studied. The influence of pH of the aqueous solution, the amount of modified silica, the stirring time and the selectivity with respect to other metal ions was investigated.
Effect of deformation routes on the evolution of strain states and texture during asymmetrical cold rolling and subsequent annealing in interstitial-free steel
Authors: Pyon Young-Bum , Lee Kye-Man , Huh Moo-Young , Engler Olaf
Published: August 2010

Asymmetrical rolling was carried out in an interstitial-free steel with different velocities of upper and lower rolls. In order to analyze the effect of change in strain histories on the evolution of textures during asymmetrical cold rolling and subsequent annealing, asymmetrical rolling was performed either reversibly or unidirectionally. The two different asymmetrical rolling routes were accompanied by the formation of different cold rolling textures. The strain state during asymmetrical rolling was determined by the finite element method and verified by macro-texture analysis and texture modeling. Weakening and randomization of textures occurred during recrystallization annealing, which was interpreted by the absence of preferred nucleation in specific orientations.
Intercropping of hybrid maize with short duration vegetables at hill valleys of Bandarban
Authors: Uddin M Jamal , Quayyum MA , Salahuddin KM
Published: August 2010

The experiment was conducted at farmer’s field in Bandarban sadar areas daring rabi season 2004-05 and 2005-06 to find out the feasibility and profitability of growing short duration vegetables i.e., Potato (var. Heera,), lalsak (var. Red king,), spinach (var. local), and French bean (var. BARI Jharseem-2) with hybrid maize (var. Pacfic-11). The grain yield of sole maize was 9.65 t/ha whereas yield reduction was found in intercrop situation The maize equivalent yield showed that maize + spinach produced significantly higher yield (15.62 t/ha) followed by maize + lalsak (14.48 t/ha) and maize + potato (13.93 t/ha). Maize + spinach recorded the highest gross margin (Tk. 86,257/ha), but higher benefit cost ratio and marginal rate of return was accounted from maize + lalsak combination. The lowest gross margin was obtained from sole maize. It revealed that the combination of maize with lalsak or spinach were more compatible and profitable intercropping system in hill valleys of Bandarban areas. Key Words: Intercropping; hybrid maize; short duration vegetables; profitable; hill valleys. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i1.5753Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(1) : 51-57, March 2009
Evaluation of growth and yield of selected hybrid and inbred rice varieties grown in net-house during transplanted aman season
Authors: Islam M SH , Bhuiya MSU , Gomosta AR , Sarkar AR , Hussain MM
Published: August 2010

Pot experiments were conducted during T. aman 2001 and 2002 (wet season) at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) in net house. Hybrid variety Sonarbangla-1 and inbred modern variety BRRI dhan-31 were used in both the seasons and BRRI hybrid dhan-l was used in 2002. The main objective of the experiments was to compare the growth and yield behaviour of hybrid and inbred rice varieties under controlled condition. In 2001, BRRI dhan-3l had about 10-15% higher plant height, very similar tillers/plant, 15-25% higher leaf area at all days after transplanting (DAT) compared to Sonarbangla-1. Sonarbangla- 1 had about 40% higher dry matter production at 25 DAT but had very similar dry matter production at 50 and 75 DAT, 4-11% higher rooting depth at all DATs, about 22% higher root dry weight at 25 DAT, but 5-10% lower root dry weight at 50 and 75 DAT compared to BRRI dhan-31. The photosynthetic rate was higher (20 μ mol m-2/sec-1) in BRRI dhan-3l at 35 DAT (maximum tillering stage) but at 65 DAT, Sonarbangla-l had higher photosynthetic rate of 19.5 μ mol m-2 sec-1. BRRI dhan-3l had higher panicles/plant than Sonarbangla-1, but Sonarbangla-1 had higher number of grains/panicle, 1000-grain weight and grain yield than BRRI dhan-31. In 2002, BRRI dhan-31 had the highest plant height at 25 DAT, but at 75 DAT, BRRI hybrid dhan-l had the highest plant height. Sonarbangla-1 had the largest leaf area at 25 and 50 DAT followed by BRRI dhan-31, but at 75 DAT, BRRI dhan-31 had the largest leaf area. The highest shoot dry matter was observed in BRRI dhan-31 followed by Sonarbangla-1 at all DATs. Sonarbangla-1 had the highest rooting depth and root dry weight at all DATs. BRRI dhan-31 gave the highest number of panicles/plant followed by Sonarbangla-I, BRRI hybrid dhan-l had the highest grains/panicle followed by BRRI dhan-31 and Sonarbangla-I had the highest 1000-grain weight followed by BRRI dhan-31. The highest amount of grains/plant (34.6 g) was obtained from BRRI dhan-31. Key Words: Shoot dry matter; root dry weight; leaf area; photosynthesis; grain yield. DOI: 10.3329/bjar.v34i1.5755Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 34(1) : 67-73, March 2009
Development and Implementation of Image-based Algorithms for Measurement of Deformations in Material Testing
Authors: Barazzetti Luigi , Scaioni Marco
Published: August 2010

This paper presents the development and implementation of three image-based methods used to detect and measure the displacements of a vast number of points in the case of laboratory testing on construction materials. Starting from the needs of structural engineers, three ad hoc tools for crack measurement in fibre-reinforced specimens and 2D or 3D deformation analysis through digital images were implemented and tested. These tools make use of advanced image processing algorithms and can integrate or even substitute some traditional sensors employed today in most laboratories. In addition, the automation provided by the implemented software, the limited cost of the instruments and the possibility to operate with an indefinite number of points offer new and more extensive analysis in the field of material testing. Several comparisons with other traditional sensors widely adopted inside most laboratories were carried out in order to demonstrate the accuracy of the implemented software. Implementation details, simulations and real applications are reported and discussed in this paper.
The Role of Formal and Informal Forces in Shaping Consumption and Implications for Sustainable Society: Part II
Authors: Power Kate , Mont Oksana
Published: August 2010

Looking at consumption from a societal perspective, we can see that purchasing and behavior decisions are influenced by many factors, not the least which are what the people around us and in the media are doing. Other factors include economic influences, the marketing of products and technological innovations, and regulations governing consumption. This article, Part II, argues that in order to understand consumption, we need to move beyond the dominant (economic) understanding of consumers and consumer behavior, and think about the origins of our preferences, needs, and desires. A thorough understanding of consumption is informed by the contributions of sociologists, psychologists, anthropologists, and behavioral scientists, who study the socio-cultural, social, and psychological contexts in which consumer behavior is embedded. These disciplines offer rich and complex explanations of human behavior, which in turn illuminate the discussion on how consumer behavior can be made more sustainable.
Multiple Roles of Staphylococcus aureus Enterotoxins: Pathogenicity, Superantigenic Activity, and Correlation to Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Ortega Elena , Abriouel Hikmate , Lucas Rosario , Gálvez Antonio
Published: August 2010

Heat-stable enterotoxins are the most notable virulence factors associated with Staphylococcus aureus, a common pathogen associated with serious community and hospital acquired diseases. Staphylococcal enterotoxins (SEs) cause toxic shock-like syndromes and have been implicated in food poisoning. But SEs also act as superantigens that stimulate T-cell proliferation, and a high correlation between these activities has been detected. Most of the nosocomial S. aureus infections are caused by methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains, and those resistant to quinolones or multiresistant to other antibiotics are emerging, leaving a limited choice for their control. This review focuses on these diverse roles of SE, their possible correlations and the influence in disease progression and therapy.
Gene-Specific Repression of Proinflammatory Cytokines in Stimulated Human Macrophages by Nuclear IκBα
Authors: Ghosh Chandra C. , Ramaswami Sitharam , Juvekar Ashish , Vu Hai-Yen , Galdieri Luciano , Davidson Dennis , Vancurova Ivana
Published: August 2010

We have previously shown that increased nuclear accumulation of IκBα inhibits NF-κB activity and induces apoptosis in human leukocytes. In this study, we wanted to explore the possibility that the nucleocytoplasmic distribution of IκBα can be used as a therapeutic target for the regulation of NF-κB–dependent cytokine synthesis. Treatment of LPS-stimulated human U937 macrophages with an inhibitor of chromosome region maintenance 1-dependent nuclear export, leptomycin B, resulted in the increased nuclear accumulation of IκBα and inhibition of NF-κB DNA binding activity, caused by the nuclear IκBα-p65 NF-κB interaction. Surprisingly, however, whereas mRNA expression and cellular release of TNF-α, the β form of pro-IL-1 (IL-1β), and IL-6 were inhibited by the leptomycin B-induced nuclear IκBα, IL-8 mRNA expression and cellular release were not significantly affected. Analysis of in vivo recruitment of p65 NF-κB to NF-κB–regulated promoters by chromatin immunoprecipitation in U937 cells and human PBMCs indicated that although the p65 recruitment to TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 promoters was inhibited by the nuclear IκBα, p65 recruitment to IL-8 promoter was not repressed. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analyses using IκBα and S536 phosphospecific p65 NF-κB Abs demonstrated that although the newly synthesized IκBα induced by postinduction repression is recruited to TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 promoters but not to the IL-8 promoter, S536-phosphorylated p65 is recruited to IL-8 promoter, but not to TNF-α, IL-1β, or IL-6 promoters. Together, these data indicate that the inhibition of NF-κB–dependent transcription by nuclear IκBα in LPS-stimulated macrophages is gene specific and depends on the S536 phosphorylation status of the recruited p65 NF-κB.
TCR-Dependent Translational Control of GATA-3 Enhances Th2 Differentiation
Authors: Cook Kevin D. , Miller Jim
Published: August 2010

The differentiation of CD4+ T cells into the Th2 subset is controlled by the transcription factor GATA-3. GATA-3 is both necessary and sufficient for Th2 differentiation and works through the induction of chromatin remodeling at the Th2 effector cytokine loci. We show in this study that IL-4 stimulation induces GATA-3 mRNA upregulation, but the level of GATA-3 protein induced is insufficient for Th2 differentiation. The levels of GATA-3 protein and Th2 differentiation are enhanced by concomitant TCR signaling through the PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway. The PI3K-mediated increase in GATA-3 protein occurs without increasing the GATA-3 mRNA level. Rather, TCR signaling through PI3K specifically enhances the translation rate of GATA-3 without affecting the protein stability. Importantly, this role of TCR signaling is independent of the effects of TCR signaling in T cell survival and expansion. Thus, TCR signaling through PI3K may play a critical role in Th2 differentiation by the specific enhancement of GATA-3 translation.
Separate Roles for Antigen Recognition and Lymph Node Inflammation in CD8+ Memory T Cell Formation
Authors: Fransen Marieke F. , van Stipdonk Marianne J. , Sluijter Marjolein , Schoenberger Stephen P. , Melief Cornelis J. , Offringa Rienk
Published: August 2010

Priming of naive CD8+ T cells by pathogens or vaccines generally involves their interaction with Ag-loaded dendritic cells (DCs) in the context of an inflamed lymph node. Lymph node activation fosters DC and T cell encounters and subsequently provides newly primed T cells with nurturing conditions. We dissected these two aspects by infusing in vitro primed CD8+ T cells into naive recipient mice harboring a single activated lymph node and comparing the fate of these T cells with those infused into control recipients. Brief (20 h) in vitro priming empowered the T cells to expand in vivo without further Ag stimulation. This primary response was not affected by the presence or absence of a nonspecifically activated lymph node. In contrast, in vivo antigenic challenge after contraction of the primary response resulted in significantly stronger secondary T cell responses in mice harboring activated lymph nodes, demonstrating that the availability of an activated lymph node supported the generation of T cell memory in an Ag-unrelated manner. The presence of an activated lymph node during the expansion and contraction phase of the primary response did not endow T cells with an instructional program for increased survival or secondary expansion, but primarily served to conserve increased numbers of T cells.
A Synthetic Peptide Vaccine Directed against the 2β2–2β3 Loop of Domain 2 of Protective Antigen Protects Rabbits from Inhalation Anthrax
Authors: Oscherwitz Jon , Yu Fen , Cease Kemp B.
Published: August 2010

The current vaccines for anthrax in the United States and United Kingdom are efficacious in the two most accepted animal models of inhalation anthrax, nonhuman primates and rabbits, but require extensive immunization protocols. We previously demonstrated that a linear determinant in domain 2 of Bacillus anthracis protective Ag (PA) is a potentially important target for an epitope-specific vaccine for anthrax, as Abs specific for this site, referred to as the loop-neutralizing determinant (LND), neutralize lethal toxin in vitro, yet are virtually absent in PA-immunized rabbits. In this study, we evaluated the immunogenicity and protective efficacy in rabbits of multiple antigenic peptides (MAPs) consisting of aa 304–319 from the LND of PA colinearly synthesized at the C terminus (T-B MAP) or N terminus (B-T MAP) with a heterologous T cell epitope from Plasmodium falciparum. Immunogenicity studies demonstrated that both MAPs elicited toxin-neutralizing Ab in rabbits. To evaluate the MAPs as potential anthrax vaccines, we immunized groups of rabbits (n = 7) with each MAP in Freund’s adjuvant and then exposed all rabbits to a 200-LD50 challenge with aerosolized spores of B. anthracis Ames strain. All seven rabbits immunized with the B-T MAP and 89% (six of seven) of rabbits immunized with the T-B MAP survived the spore challenge. Corollary studies with reference sera from human vaccinees immunized with rPA or anthrax vaccine absorbed and nonhuman primates immunized with PA revealed no detectable Ab with specificity for the LND. We conclude that a synthetic peptide vaccine targeting the LND would be a potentially efficacious vaccine for anthrax.
Development and evaluation of the aerosol dynamic and gas phase chemistry model ADCHEM
Authors: Roldin P. , Swietlicki E. , Schurgers G. , Arneth A. , Lehtinen K. E. J. , Boy M. , Kulmala M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The aim of this work was to develop a model ideally suited for detailed studies on aerosol dynamics, gas and particle phase chemistry within urban plumes, from local scale (1×1 km2) to regional or global scale. This article describes and evaluates the trajectory model for Aerosol Dynamics, gas and particle phase CHEMistry and radiative transfer (ADCHEM), which has been developed and used at Lund University since 2007. The model treats both vertical and horizontal dispersion perpendicular to an air mass trajectory (2-space dimensions), which is not treated in Lagrangian box-models (0-space dimensions). The Lagrangian approach enables a more detailed representation of the aerosol dynamics, gas and particle phase chemistry and a finer spatial and temporal resolution compared to that of available regional 3D-CTMs. These features make it among others ideally suited for urban plume studies. The aerosol dynamics model includes Brownian coagulation, dry deposition, wet deposition, in-cloud processing, condensation, evaporation, primary particle emissions and homogeneous nucleation. The gas phase chemistry model calculates the gas phase concentrations of 63 different species, using 119 different chemical reactions. Daily isoprene and monoterpene emissions from European forests were simulated separately with the vegetation model LPJ-GUESS, and included as input to ADCHEM. ADCHEM was used to simulate the ageing of the urban plumes from the city of Malmö in Southern Sweden (280 000 inhabitants). Several sensitivity tests were performed concerning the number of size bins, size structure method, coupled or uncoupled condensation, the volatility basis set (VBS) or traditional 2-product model for secondary organic aerosol formation, different aerosol dynamic processes and vertical and horizontal mixing. The simulations show that the full-stationary size structure gives accurate results with little numerical diffusion when more than 50 size bins are used between 1.5 and 2500 nm, while the moving-center method is preferable when only a few size bins are selected. The particle number size distribution in the center of the urban plume from Malmö is mainly affected by dry deposition, coagulation and condensation, and is relatively insensitive to moderate variations in the vertical and horizontal mixing, as long as the mixing height is relatively uniform. The modeled PM2.5 was dominated by organics, nitrate, sulfate and ammonium. If treating the condensation of HNO3 and NH3 as a coupled process (pH independent) the model gave lower nitrate PM2.5 values than if considering uncoupled condensation. However, both methods gave similar and significant temporal variation in the particulate nitrate content, primarily due to fluctuation in the relative humidity.
Preparation of Heterocyclic Amines by an Oxidative Amination of Zinc Organometallics Mediated by CuI: A New Oxidative Cycloamination for the Preparation of Annulated Indole Derivatives
Authors: Kienle Marcel , Wagner Andreas J. , Dunst Cora , Knochel Paul
Published: August 2010

Functionalized heterocyclic zinc reagents are easily aminated by an oxidative amination reaction of zinc amidocuprates prepared from various lithium amides. For the oxidation step, PhI(OAc)2 proved to be the best reagent. The required heterocyclic zinc organometallics can be prepared either by direct metalation, by magnesium insertion in the presence of ZnCl2, or by transmetalation of a suitable magnesium reagent. Furthermore, we report a new ring‐closing reaction involving an intramolecular oxidative amination reaction. This reaction allows the preparation of tetracyclic heterocycles containing furan, thiophene, or indole rings.