bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research Genetic diversity of Ottelia acuminata (Hydrocharitaceae) from the Eastern Himalayas, revealed by ISSR markers
Authors: Long Chunlin , Jiang Zhutan , Dao Zhiling
Published: March 2011

Ottelia acuminata (Gagnep.) Dandy (Hydrocharitaceae), an endangered aquatic species, was investigated in the Eastern Himalayas, especially in Yunnan Province of Southwest China. The genetic diversity among seven populations was examined using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) amplification markers. The field survey showed that 43.5% natural populations of O. acuminata have become extinct during the last 30 years. Among 13 remaining wild populations, eight (61.5%) are on the edge of extinction and only five (38.5%) were unaffected. For the study on seven populations based on ten primers, 147 clear and reproducible DNA fragments were generated, of which 144 (97.96%) were polymorphic. Within populations, however, the polymorphic bands (PPB) generated by ISSRs was 53 and occupied 36.05% in population B, and similarly within population J (51 and 34.69%, respectively). The results showed that genetic variation is much higher among populations of O. acuminata than within populations. Analyses of Nei’s gene diversity, genetic distance and Shannon’s index also agreed with these results. The average value of Nei’s gene diversity (h) equaled 0.3710. The coefficient of genetic differentiation (Gst) equaled 0.5487, which means that 54.87% of the total molecular variance existed among populations. Such a high level of divergence present among populations may be caused by the complex topography and separated habitats which effectively restrict gene flow. Moreover, there is a lack of significant association between genetic and geographical distances (r = 0.28889, P > 0.05) in the populations of O. acuminata. Therefore, we proposed an appropriate strategy for conserving the genetic resources of O. acuminata in the Eastern Himalayas; namely, rescuing and conserving the core populations in situ, while selecting and preserving more populations with fewer individuals from each population ex situ. Key-words: Ottelia acuminata, genetic diversity, conservation, Eastern Himalayas, Yunnan Plateau, China DOI: 10.3126/botor.v7i0.4374Botanica Orientalis – Journal of Plant Science (2010) 7: 56-63
Phylogenetics of the plant genera Dracaena and Pleomele (Asparagaceae)
Authors: Lu Pei-Luen , Morden Clifford
Published: March 2011

This research focuses on the biodiversity and the evolutionary history of the world-wide medicinal plant genus, Dracaena, and the plant genus Pleomele. The debate concerning the relationship between Dracaena and Pleomele has continued till date - some botanists continue to include Pleomele within Dracaena but others claimed to separate the two genera. Dracaena is a genus comprising of about 40-100 species world wide, mainly in tropics and subtropics, with the exception of America. Pleomele is a genus that has been circumscribed consisting of 10-50 species in Asia. Till date, its center of biodiversity is unknown. Pleomele is only classified well in Hawaii, but confused with Dracaena in the other parts of Asia. Phylogenetic relationship among the 33 taxa within the Dracaena and Pleomele were reconstructed. DNA sequences from the chloroplast DNA intergenic spacer, trnL-trnF and trnH-psbA were analyzed. A phylogeny was reconstructed using neighbor-joining, maximum parsimony in PAUP*, and likelihood criteria in RAxML, and Bayesian inference in MrBayes. The phylogeny with Agave missionum and Agave attenuata as outgroup taxa indicates that Pleomele is mixed with Dracaena. This study provides the first phylogenetic reconstruction with taxonomic sampling of the Dracaena and Pleomele to resolve their questionable placement. The relationships of the climate change adaptation, biogeography, and conservation with the two plant genera will be further discussed in this study. Some suggestions for the benefits of the biodiversity and natural resource conservation in Himalaya regions will be addressed. One significant contribution of this research will be in promoting molecular taxonomy to solve problems in systematics especially in cases when the classification is in debate. Key-words: Phylogeny; chloroplast DNA; Asparagaceae; Dracaena; Pleomele. DOI: 10.3126/botor.v7i0.4385Botanica Orientalis – Journal of Plant Science (2010) 7: 64-72
Effects of Ir, Sn and Sb in the intermediate Ir1-x-y SnxSbyO2+0.5y layer of Mn-Mo-Sn-O electrocatalyst for hydrogen production
Authors: Bhattarai Jagadeesh
Published: March 2011

An attempt is made to reduce the use of IrO2 by the IrO2-SnO2-Sb2O5 intermediate layer which is necessary to avoid the growth of insulating titanium oxide on the titanium substrate for oxygen evolution ã-MnO2 type nanocrystalline Mn-Mo-Sn-O/Ir1-x-ySnxSbyO2+0.5y/Ti anodes in 0.5 M NaCl solution of pH 1 at 25°C. These electrodeposited Mn-Mo-Sn-based triple oxide anodes showed about 97.2-98.6 % oxygen evolution efficiency at high current density of 1000 A.m-2 in 0.5 M NaCl solution of pH 1 at 25°C. The high oxygen evolution efficiency of these triple oxide electrocatalysts maintained during prolonged electrolysis and even after the electrolysis for about two months. Key-words: Oxygen evolution efficiency; electrocatalyst; seawater electrolysis; CO2 recycling; XRD DOI: 10.3126/botor.v7i0.4387Botanica Orientalis - Journal of Plant Science (2010) 7: 79-84
Novel Application of Cyclolipopeptide Amphisin: Feasibility Study as Additive to Remediate Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Contaminated Sediments
Authors: Groboillot Anne , Portet-Koltalo Florence , Le Derf Franck , Feuilloley Marc J.G. , Orange Nicole , Duclairoir Poc Cécile
Published: March 2011

To decontaminate dredged harbor sediments by bioremediation or electromigration processes, adding biosurfactants could enhance the bioavailability or mobility of contaminants in an aqueous phase. Pure amphisin from Pseudomonas fluorescens DSS73 displays increased effectiveness in releasing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) strongly adsorbed to sediments when compared to a synthetic anionic surfactant. Amphisin production by the bacteria in the natural environment was also considered. DSS73’s growth is weakened by three model PAHs above saturation, but amphisin is still produced. Estuarine water feeding the dredged material disposal site of a Norman harbor (France) allows both P. fluorescens DSS73 growth and amphisin production.
Neuropeptide Receptors: Novel Targets for HIV/AIDS Therapeutics
Authors: Branch Donald R.
Published: March 2011

The vasoactive intestinal peptide/pituitary adenylyl cyclase-activating polypepetide (VPAC) receptors are important for many physiologic functions, including glucose homeostasis, neuroprotection, memory, gut function, modulation of the immune system and circadian function. In addition, VPAC receptors have been shown to function in vitro to modulate the infection of HIV by a signal transduction pathway that appears to regulate viral integration. In this article, the affects of VPAC stimulation on HIV infection will be reviewed and approaches for the development of HIV/AIDS therapeutics that target these receptors will be described. Novel HIV/AIDS therapeutics are urgently required to stem the continued spread of this disease, particularly in underdeveloped countries. Drug design to inhibit signaling through VPAC1 and stimulate signaling through VPAC2 could lead to alternative therapies for the treatment and/or prevention of HIV/AIDS.
First Quantitative Imaging of Organic Fluorine within Angiogenic Tissues by Particle Induced Gamma-Ray Emission (PIGE) Analysis: First PIGE Organic Fluorine Imaging
Authors: Lavielle Sébastien , Gionnet Karine , Ortega Richard , Devès Guillaume , Kilarski Victor , Wehbe Katia , Bikfalvi Andreas , Déléris Gérard
Published: March 2011

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) allows imaging of the in vivo distribution of biochemical compounds labeled with a radioactive tracer, mainly 18F-FDG (2-deoxy-2-[18F] fluoro-D-glucose). 18F only allows a relatively poor spatial resolution (2-3 mm) which does not allow imaging of small tumors or specific small size tissues, e.g. vasculature. Unfortunately, angiogenesis is a key process in various physiologic and pathologic processes and is, for instance, involved in modern anticancer approaches. Thus ability to visualize angiogenesis could allow early diagnosis and help to monitor the response of cancer to specific chemotherapies. Therefore, indirect analytical techniques are required to assess the localization of fluorinated compounds at a micrometric scale. Multimodality imaging approaches could provide accurate information on the metabolic activity of the target tissue. In this article, PIGE method (Particle Induced Gamma-ray Emission) was used to determine fluorinated tracers by the nuclear reaction of 19F(p,p′γ)19F in tissues. The feasibility of this approach was assessed on polyfluorinated model glucose compounds and novel peptide-based tracer designed for angiogenesis imaging. Our results describe the first mapping of the biodistribution of fluorinated compounds in both vascularized normal tissue and tumor tissue.
Phase Diagrams of the Aqueous Two-Phase Systems of Poly(ethylene glycol)/Sodium Polyacrylate/Salts
Authors: Johansson Hans-Olof , Feitosa Eloi , Junior Adalberto Pessoa
Published: March 2011

Aqueous two-phase systems consisting of polyethylene glycol (PEG), sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA), and a salt have been studied. The effects of the polymer size, salt type (NaCl, Na2SO4, sodium adipate and sodium azelate) and salt concentrations on the position of the binodal curve were investigated. The investigated PEG molecules had a molar mass of 2,000 to 8,000 g/mol, while that of NaPAA was 8,000 g/mol. Experimental phase diagrams, and tie lines and calculated phase diagrams, based on Flory-Huggins theory of polymer solutions are presented. Due to strong enthalpic and entropic balancing forces, the hydrophobicity of the added salt has a strong influence on the position of the binodal, which could be reproduced by model calculations.
Wildfire Detection and Tracking over Greece Using MSG‑SEVIRI Satellite Data
Authors: Sifakis Nicolaos I. , Iossifidis Christos , Kontoes Charalabos , Keramitsoglou Iphigenia
Published: March 2011

Greece is a high risk Mediterranean country with respect to wildfires. This risk has been increasing under the impact of climate change, and in summer 2007 approximately 200,000 ha of vegetated land were burnt. The SEVIRI sensor, on board the Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) geostationary satellite, is the only spaceborne sensor providing five and 15-minute observations of Europe in 12 spectral channels, including a short-wave infrared band sensitive to fire radiative temperature. In August 2007, when the bulk of the destructive wildfires started in Greece, the receiving station, operated by the Institute for Space Applications and Remote Sensing, provided us with a time series of MSG-SEVIRI images. These images were processed in order to test the reliability of a real‑time detection and tracking system and its complementarity to conventional means provided by the Fire Brigade. EUMETSAT’s Active Fire Monitoring (FIR) image processing algorithm for fire detection and monitoring was applied to SEVIRI data, then fine-tuned according to Greek conditions, and evaluated. Alarm announcements from the Fire Brigade’s archives were used as ground truthing data in order to assess detection reliability and system performance. During the examined period, MSG-SEVIRI data successfully detected 82% of the fire events in Greek territory with less than 1% false alarms.
Adaptive Sampling for Learning Gaussian Processes Using Mobile Sensor Networks
Authors: Xu Yunfei , Choi Jongeun
Published: March 2011

This paper presents a novel class of self-organizing sensing agents that adaptively learn an anisotropic, spatio-temporal Gaussian process using noisy measurements and move in order to improve the quality of the estimated covariance function. This approach is based on a class of anisotropic covariance functions of Gaussian processes introduced to model a broad range of spatio-temporal physical phenomena. The covariance function is assumed to be unknown a priori. Hence, it is estimated by the maximum a posteriori probability (MAP) estimator. The prediction of the field of interest is then obtained based on the MAP estimate of the covariance function. An optimal sampling strategy is proposed to minimize the information-theoretic cost function of the Fisher Information Matrix. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness and the adaptability of the proposed scheme.
A phylogenetic basis for species–area relationships among three Pacific Island floras
Authors: Price Jonathan P. , Wagner Warren L.
Published: March 2011

•Premise of the study: The angiosperm floras of the Hawaiian, Society, and Marquesas archipelagoes are remarkably comparable ecologically and evolutionarily, a result of similar geologic history, climate, and isolation.

•Methods: We characterized variation in species richness among islands and whole archipelagoes by analyzing species–area relationships (SARs). By partitioning each flora into putative phylogenetic lineages each derived from a given colonization event, we explored several ways in which speciation contributes to SARs.

•Key results: Specifically, these groups exhibit expected island SARs and a whole archipelago SAR characterized by a steep slope. The number of species added by net cladogenesis increases with area much more quickly than the number contributed by net colonization from outside. In each of the three archipelagoes, most colonists do not speciate, while many species occur in a few diverse colonist lineages. Colonization events that are unique to a given archipelago are in more prone to speciation than lineages with close relatives in the other archipelagoes. Most lineages with relatives in all three archipelagoes have one species in each, suggesting a similar tendency not to diversify. On the other hand, a correlation between lineage size in one archipelago and that of related lineages in other archipelagoes suggests a consistent tendency among diverse groups to speciate extensively. Lineages with multiple species in each archipelago also tend to have far more species in the largest archipelago, the Hawaiian Islands.

•Conclusions: The most diverse lineages exhibit a strong response to archipelago area. These diverse, area‐sensitive lineages contribute substantially to the slope of the inter‐archipelago SAR. Regional species pools elsewhere may exhibit similar steep‐sloped SARs; thus, these findings may inform how the behavior of lineages with different responses to increasing shapes these patterns.
Genome‐specific SCAR markers help solve taxonomy issues: A case study with Sinapis arvensis (Brassiceae, Brassicaceae)
Authors: Pankin Artem A. , Khavkin Emil E.
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Traditional taxonomy and nomenclature of Brassiceae (Brassicaceae) species do not reflect their phylogeny. Revision of the species and generic limits supported by extensive molecular data seems crucial.

• Methods and Results: Genome‐specific polymorphisms extracted from non‐coding and coding sequences were used to develop 14 sequence characterized amplified region (SCAR) markers specific for the Brassica B genome. These SCARs were verified against 77 accessions of six U‐triangle Brassica species and used to screen 23 accessions of seven wild Brassiceae species to test for their cross‐species amplification. SCARs were found in all B‐genome Brassica species and also in Sinapis arvensis.

• Conclusions: SCAR markers can be employed for discerning B‐genome chromosomes in Brassica species and S. arvensis to reliably identify B‐genome species and their natural hybrids. The combined molecular evidence supports the suggestion to revise the generic limits of Brassica and Sinapis.
Microsatellite markers in the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Gynostemma pentaphyllum (Cucurbitaceae)
Authors: Liao Hui , Zhao Yao , Zhou Yin , Wang Yuguo , Wang Xiaofan , Lu Fan , Song Zhiping
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were developed for Gynostemma pentaphyllum, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, to investigate its population genetic diversity.

• Methods and Results: Using the Microsatellite Sequence Enrichment protocol, 14 polymorphic primers sets were identified in four Chinese Gynostemma pentaphyllum populations. The primers amplified di‐ and trinucleotide repeats with 1–6 alleles per locus, and the observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 per population.

• Conclusions: These markers will facilitate further studies on genetic structure and gene flow of Gynostemma pentaphyllum populations.
Characterization of microsatellite loci in Yucca brevifolia (Agavaceae) and cross‐amplification in related species
Authors: Flatz Ramona , Yoder Jeremy B. , Lee‐Barnes Edyth , Smith Christopher I.
Published: March 2011

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite primers were characterized in Yucca brevifolia for use in population genetic studies and, particularly, analyses of gene flow between varieties.

• Methods and Results: We characterized 12 microsatellite loci polymorphic in Yucca brevifolia by screening primers that were developed using an SSR‐enriched library or which were previously described in Yucca filamentosa. Genetic analysis of four populations resulted in the mean number of alleles per locus ranging from 10.25 to 14.58 and mean expected heterozygosity from 0.78 to 0.88. Cross‐amplification of all 12 loci was attempted in six additional yucca species.

• Conclusions: These loci should prove useful for population genetic research in Yucca brevifolia, and cross‐amplification of these loci in related species suggests that they may be useful in studies of hybridization and introgression between species.
Rh-Catalyzed rearrangement of vinylcyclopropane to 1,3-diene units attached to N-heterocycles
Authors: Cordero Franca M , Vurchio Carolina , Cicchi Stefano , de Meijere Armin , Brandi Alberto
Published: March 2011

Dienes embedded in quinolizidine and indolizidine structures can be prepared in four steps from cyclic nitrones and bicyclopropylidene. The key intermediates α-spirocyclopropanated N-heterocyclic ketones, generated via a domino 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition/thermal rearrangement sequence, were converted by Wittig methylenation to the corresponding vinylcyclopropanes (VCPs), which underwent rearrangement to 1,3-dienes in the presence of the Wilkinson Rh(I) complex under microwave heating. The previously unexplored Rh(I)-catalyzed opening of the VCP moiety embedded in an azapolycyclic system occurs at high temperature (110–130 °C) to afford the corresponding 1,3-dienes in moderate yield (34–53%).
Role of Regulatory T-Cells in Immunization Strategies Involving a Recombinant Alphavirus Vector System
Authors: Walczak Mateusz , Regts Joke , van Oosterhout Antoon JM , Boon Louis , Wilschut Jan , Nijman Hans W , Daemen Toos
Published: March 2011

Background

Regulatory T-cells (Treg) hamper immune responses elicited by cancer vaccines. Therefore, depletion of Treg is being used to improve the outcome of vaccinations.

Methods

We studied whether an alphavirus vector-based immunotherapeutic vaccine changes the number and/or activity of Treg and if Treg depletion improves the efficacy of this vaccine against tumours. The vaccine is based on a Semliki Forest virus (SFV). The recombinant SFV replicon particles encode a fusion protein of E6 and E7 from human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 (SFVeE6,7).

Results

We demonstrated that SFVeE6,7 immunization did not change Treg levels and their suppressive activity. Depletion of Treg in mice, using the novel anti-folate receptor 4 antibody, did not enhance the immune response induced by SFVeE6,7 immunization. Both the priming and the proliferation phases of the HPV-specific response elicited with SFVeE6,7 were not affected by the immune-suppressive activity of Treg. Moreover, Treg depletion did not improve the therapeutic antitumour response of SFVeE6,7 in a murine tumour model.

Conclusions

The efficacy of the SFVeE6,7 vaccine was not hampered by Treg. Therefore, SFVeE6,7 seems a very promising candidate for the treatment of HPV-induced disease, as it may not require additional immune interventions to modulate Treg activity.
A survey of hand-washing facilities in the outpatient department of a tertiary care teaching hospital in India
Authors: Devnani Mahesh , Kumar Rajiv , Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Gupta Anil Kumar
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Inadequate hand-washing facilities have been reported as a barrier to hand washing. This study aimed to evaluate the availability and accessibility of hand-washing facilities and supplies of hand-washing agents in the outpatient department (OPD) complex of a tertiary care teaching hospital. Methodology: A checklist containing 13 variables was prepared and all rooms of direct patient care in the OPD were assessed on one occasion.  Results: Out of 211 rooms surveyed, a hand-washing facility was available in 209 (99.05%) rooms. Among these, 206 (98.56%) sinks were easily accessible and were placed close to users. Almost all sinks (99.5%) had hand-operated taps. Thirty-five (16.75%) sinks had no soap stand, and at 21 (10.5%) sinks, soap stands were found to be broken. At 14 (6.70%) sinks, soap bars were not available, while an antiseptic agent was available at 6 (2.87%) sinks. Four (1.91%) sinks had no towel stand, and at 8 (3.83%) sinks the towel stands were broken. At 43 (20.57%) sinks no towel was available, and at 23 (11%) sinks the towels provided were dirty. No sink drain was found to be blocked. No sink had hand-washing instructions displayed demonstrating the correct technique of hand washing. Conclusion: Physical facilities required for hand washing were adequate though not perfect. There is a need to shift from hand-operated taps to non-manual taps and from cloth towels to paper towels. Hospital managers in developing countries should continuously strive to provide the best possible hand-washing facilities within their financial resources.
Fatal 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in a bone marrow transplant recipient
Authors: Abdo Anselmo , Alfonso Carlos , Diaz Guillermo , Wilford Mario , Rocha Maykel , Verdecia Niurka
Published: March 2011

Conditions characterized by immunosuppression have been recently reported as risk factors for severe novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) infection during the current 2009 pandemic.  We report clinical and virological findings, antiviral therapy, and post-mortem study of S-OIV in an adult bone marrow transplant recipient. The viral genome was amplified by real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from a nasopharyngeal swab specimen. The patient developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and eventually succumbed with a severe pulmonary haemorrhage. To the best of our knowledge, the entire clinical/therapy management and pathological examination in a transplant recipient infected with the S-OIV has not been previously documented. The fatal ending in this bone marrow transplant recipient supports recommendations that call for education measures, S-OIV vaccination, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment in the transplant population.
Random PCR and ultracentrifugation increases sensitivity and throughput of VIDISCA for screening of pathogens in clinical specimens
Authors: Tan Le Van , Van Doorn H. Rogier , Van der Hoek Lia , Minh Hien Vo , F. Jebbink Maarten , Quang Ha Do , Farrar Jeremy , Van Vinh Chau Nguyen , D. de Jong Menno
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Virus discovery based on cDNA-AFLP (VIDISCA) is a sequence-independent virus discovery method that was recently developed and successfully used to characterize unknown viruses in cell cultures. Its applicability, however, is limited by its low sensitivity. Methodology: We evaluated whether the introduction of prior amplification of target sequences by random PCR (rPCR) increases the sensitivity of this method to improve its use on clinical specimens. In addition, ultracentrifugation was added to the protocol to allow for pooling of multiple samples, thereby increasing analytical throughput of the VIDSCA. Results: We showed that rPCR enhanced the sensitivity of VIDISCA by 100-fold for two out of four viruses in different clinical samples, and that the ultracentrifugation step allowed for analyzing samples of large volumes (4 ml) and simultaneous processing of multiple (~40) clinical specimens. Conclusions: We conclude that this modified VIDISCA protocol is a relatively easy method to use for screening of large numbers of clinical samples that are suspected to contain previously unrecognized pathogens, in settings where ultradeep sequencing platforms are not available.
Prevalence of enterotoxigenic and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in pigs slaughtered in Mato Grosso, Brazil
Authors: Martins Rodrigo Prado , Da Silva Maria Cristina , Dutra Valeria , Nakazato Luciano , Leite Domingos da Silva
Published: March 2011

Introduction: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) strains in pigs slaughtered in abattoirs located in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Methodology: Intestinal samples from 74 animals were aseptically dissected and lumen content was plated on MacConkey agar. Confluent colonies from each plate were screened for the presence of ETEC and STEC strains by PCR assays. Results: It was verified that the prevalence of STEC and ETEC carriers was 1.35% and 9.46% respectively. One (1.35%) of the 74 samples tested was positive for the stx2 gene, and seven (9.46%) for st1, of which two (2.70%) were also positive for lt1. Conclusion: The results provided represent a benchmark for future research on pathogenic E. coli of porcine origin in Mato Grosso.
Two unique presentations of Achromobacter xylosoxidans infections in clinical settings
Authors: Eshwara Vandana Kalwaje , Mukhopadhyay Chiranjay , Mohan Savitha , Prakash Rajath , Pai Ganesh
Published: March 2011

Two rare and unique infections of Achromobacter xylosoxidans are described. The first case is a novel presentation of acute necrotising pancreatitis leading to a pancreatic pseudocyst, which was treated successfully in an immunocompetent male. The second case describes a local wound infection of metastatic ductal carcinoma of the breast; the patient consequently succumbed from a pre-existing co-morbid condition. Vigilant and efficient microbiological workup and surveillance are needed to diagnose infections by this rare pathogen in clinical settings.
A perspective of the epidemiology of malaria and anaemia and their impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes in Sudan
Authors: Adam Ishag , Elhassan Elhassan M , Haggaz Abd Elrahium D , Ali Abdel Aziem A , Adam Gamal K
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Both malaria and anaemia have adverse effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes. Thus there is an urgent need to investigate the co-epidemiology of malaria and anaemia and their combined impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes in the different regions of Sudan Methodology: Various cross-sectional and case control studies conducted during the years 2003-2010 to investigate the epidemiology of malaria and anaemia and their impact on maternal and perinatal outcomes in different regions of Sudan were compared. Results: While 13.7% of antenatal attendants in New Halfa had peripheral microscopically detected Plasmodium falciparum malaria, placental malaria (using histological examinations) was prevalent in 32.0-40% and 19.5% of parturient women in New Halfa and Gadarif Hospitals, respectively. Malaria was a risk factor for anaemia in New Halfa and for stillbirths in Omdurman Maternity Hospital. Anaemia was present in 52.5%, 62.6% and 80.2% of pregnant women in Medani, New Halfa, and Gadarif Hospitals, respectively. In Gadarif, 57.3% of pregnant women had a folate deficiency, while 1% had a vitamin B12, deficiency. In Medani, zinc and copper deficiencies were detected in 45.0% and 4% of pregnant women, respectively. Anaemia was a risk factor for low birth weight in Al-Fashir, for fetal anaemia in New Halfa, and for stillbirth in Kassala Hospital. Conclusion: More care should be taken to ensure proper nutrition and malaria prevention such as bed nets and intermittent preventive treatments to avoid these diseases and their effects on maternal and perinatal outcomes.
Microarray analysis of virulence gene profiles in Salmonella serovars from food/food animal environment
Authors: Zou Wen , Al-Khaldi Sufian F , Branham William S , Han Tao , Fuscoe James C , Han Jing , Foley Steven L , Xu Joshua , Fang Hong , Cerniglia Carl E , Nayak Rajesh
Published: March 2011

Introduction: Rapid, accurate and inexpensive analysis of the disease-causing potential of foodborne pathogens is an important consideration in food safety and biodefense, particularly in developing countries.  The objective of this study is to demonstrate the use of a robust and inexpensive microarray platform to assay the virulence gene profiles in Salmonella from food and/or the food animal environment, and then use ArrayTrackTM for data analysis.    Methodology:  The spotted array consisted of 69 selected Salmonella-specific virulence gene probes (65bp each).  These probes were printed on poly-L-lysine-coated slides.  Genomic DNA was digested with Sau3AI, labeled with Cy3 dye, hybridized to the gene probes, and the images were captured and analyzed by GenePix 4000B and ArrayTrackTM, a free software developed by Food and Drug Administration (FDA) researchers. Results: Nearly 58% of the virulence-associated genes tested were present in all Salmonella strains tested.  In general, genes belonging to inv, pip, prg, sic, sip, spa or ttr families were detected in more than 90% of the isolates, while the iacP, avrA, invH, rhuM, sirA, sopB, sopE or sugR genes were detected in 40 to 80% of the isolates.  The gene variability was independent of the Salmonella serotype. Conclusions: This hybridization array presents an accurate and cost-effective method for evaluating the disease-causing potential of Salmonella in outbreak investigations by targeting a selective set of Salmonella-associated virulence genes.
Occult hepatitis B in high-risk patients needs more attention
Authors: Alavian Seyed Moayed
Published: March 2011

This item has no abstract. Follow the links below to access the full text.
Kracauer et les images du politique
Authors: Vassort Patrick
Published: March 2011

Résumé Le travail sur le cinéma est significatif des orientations et de la pensée de Siegfried Kracauer, marquées par la période crépusculaire du pré-nazisme ou du nazisme. Son analyse est à contextualiser dans l'observation du développement technique, scientifique et urbain de l'avant Seconde Guerre mondiale mais, plus généralement, du capitalisme. C'est pourquoi le lieu d'observation privilégié de Kracauer est la ville avec ses flux, ses spectacles ou ses « ornements », ses dominations, dont le film est l'un des analyseurs. Il ne s'agit pas pour l'auteur de voir dans le développement cinématographique le reflet de la société, de ses peurs, de ses idéologies mais de le concevoir en tant qu'idéologie s'adaptant aux besoins de la clientèle et la modelant. De la société ornementale, liée au « culte de la distraction », à la technique cinématographique comme analyseur de la forme politique, voilà l'ambitieux projet analytique de Kracauer.
Spinal intradural extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma
Authors: Mateen Farrah J. , Nassar Aziza , Bardia Aditya , Jatoi Aminah , Haddock Michael G. , Buckner Jan C. , Lachance Daniel H.
Published: March 2011

Extraosseous Ewing's sarcoma (EES) involving the central nervous system is rare, but can be diagnosed and distinguished from other primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) by identification of the chromosomal translocation (11;22)(q24;q12). We report EES arising from the spinal intradural extramedullary space, based on imaging, histopathological, and molecular data in two men, ages 50 and 60 years old and a review of the literature using PubMed (1970–2009). Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) identified the fusion product FL1-EWS. Multimodal therapy, including radiation and alternating chemotherapy including vincristine, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and ifosfamide and etoposide led to local tumor control and an initial, favorable therapeutic response. No systemic involvement was seen from the time of diagnosis to the time of last follow-up (26 months) or death (4 years). This report confirms that EES is not confined to the earliest decades of life, and like its rare occurrence as an extra-axial meningeal based mass intracranially, can occasionally present as an intradural mass in the spinal canal without evidence of systemic tumor. Gross total resection followed by multimodal therapy may provide for extended progression free and overall survival.
The USDA and K–12 Partnership: A Model Program for Federal Agencies
Authors: Scott Timothy P. , Wilson Craig , Upchurch Dan R. , Goldberg Maria , Bentz Adrienne
Published: March 2011

The Future Scientists Program of Texas A&M University and the Agricultural Research Service branch of USDA serves as a model program of effective collaboration between a federal agency and K–12. It demonstrates true partnership that contextualizes learning of science and provides quality professional development, benefiting teachers and their students. Endorsed by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, this model is being adapted to target Hispanic populations nationwide based on successes it has had in reaching such students in the Southern Plains Area (Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) of USDA‐ARS. Middle school students and teachers actively engaged with scientists and learned about opportunities available to those who pursue science. This project has been expanded to include internships with USDA‐ARS for undergraduates. This meaningful, hands‐on internship experience that can be used to replace more traditional coursework, showcases opportunities for college graduates at one of the nation's governmental agencies.
Employer Assessment of the College Graduate: What Advisors Need to Know
Authors: Briggeman Brian C. , Norwood F. Bailey
Published: March 2011

Effective advising includes communicating to students the attributes employers seek and the signals they use in detecting those attributes. Using an Internet survey of more than 400 college graduate employers, this study asks employers how useful various signals are in determining job candidates’ level of attributes including number crunching ability, character, communication skills, problem solving skills, and an ability to work well with others. Examples of signals include the personal interview, grades, participation in university clubs, and others. The personal interview emerged as the most important signal for all attributes, suggesting advisors should seriously stress the importance of the interview to students.
Cognitive Development Effects of Teaching Probabilistic Decision Making to Middle School Students
Authors: Mjelde James W. , Litzenberg Kerry K. , Lindner James R.
Published: March 2011

This study investigated the comprehension and effectiveness of teaching formal, probabilistic decision‐making skills to middle school students. Two specific objectives were to determine (1) if middle school students can comprehend a probabilistic decision‐making approach, and (2) if exposure to the modeling approaches improves middle school students’ decision‐making abilities? DECIDE learning unit is developed to provide the context. This learning unit integrates mathematics, science, and decision‐making concepts. Differences in students’ pre‐ and post‐test performance on a general decision‐making test were statistically significant, indicating students can learn formal decision making in middle school and improve their decision‐making abilities. Both race and gender variables were shown to have no statistically significant effect on pre‐ and post‐test scores.
Factors Affecting Persistence of Undergraduate Students in a Fisheries and Wildlife Program: Leavers
Authors: Wolter Bjørn H. K. , Millenbah Kelly F. , Montgomery Robert A. , Schneider James W.
Published: March 2011

Undergraduate enrollment in natural resources‐related programs are 13% lower than they were 30 years ago, even though overall collegiate enrollment has increased by roughly 8.5 million students during the same period. Because of this, we decided to investigate the question of student retention in a fisheries and wildlife (FW) program from the perspective of the students themselves. In this pilot study, we conducted face‐to‐face interviews with seven students who left a FW program (“leavers”), and asked them 13 questions related to their experiences at a large Midwestern university to better understand student reasons for leaving. Specific findings include: the importance of job prospects and earnings potential, a general reluctance to pursue postgraduate education, a degree of disillusionment at the relative lack of outdoor experiences offered, and a desire for more active participation in the undergraduate program. Some students expressed a feeling of deception at the realities of the departmental curriculum, although these were poorly defined and may be the product of other issues such as unrealistic program expectations. The results of this study inform the discussion on student retention and motivation in natural resource programs, and provide real‐world suggestions on how to stem student attrition.
A trial of inpatient indication based prescribing during computerized order entry with medications commonly used off-label
Authors: Galanter W.L. , Rosencranz H. , Meltzer D. , Stafford R.S. , Tiryaki F. , Sarne D. , Walton S.M.
Published: March 2011

Background: Requiring indications for inpatient medication orders may improve the quality of prescribing and allow for easier placement of diagnoses on the problem list. Indications for inpatient medication orders are also required by some regulators.

Objective: This study assessed a clinical decision support (CDS) system designed to obtain indications and document problems during inpatient computerized physician order entry (CPOE) of medications frequently used off-label.

Methods: A convenience sample of three medications frequently used off-label were selected: the PPI lansoprazole; intravenous immune globulin, and recombinant Factor VIIa. Alerts triggered when a medication was ordered without an FDA approved indication in the problem list. The alerts prompted clinicians to enter either a labeled or off-label indication for the order. Chart review was used as the gold standard to assess the accuracy of clinician entered information.

Results: The PPI intervention generated 873 alerts during 60 days of operation; IVIG 55 alerts during alerts during 93 days; Factor VIIa 25 alerts during 175 days. Agreement between indications entered and chart review was 63% for PPI, 49% for IVIG, and 29% for Factor VIIa. The alerts for PPI, IVIG and Factor VIIa alerts produced accurate diagnoses for the problem list 9%, 16% and 24% respectively. Rates of off-label use measured by chart review were 87% for PPI, and 100% for IVIG and factor VIIa, which were higher than if measured using the ordering clinicians’ indications.

Conclusion: This trial of indication-based prescribing using CDS and CPOE produced less than optimal accuracy of the indication data as well as a low yield of accurate problems placed on the problem list. These results demonstrate the challenge inherent in obtaining accurate indication information during prescribing and should raise concerns over potential mandates for indication based prescribing and motivate further study of appropriate mechanisms to obtain indications during CPOE.
Boundary layer dynamics over London, UK, as observed using Doppler lidar during REPARTEE-II
Authors: Barlow J. F. , Dunbar T. M. , Nemitz E. G. , Wood C. R. , Gallagher M. W. , Davies F. , O'Connor E. , Harrison R. M.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Urban boundary layers (UBLs) can be highly complex due to the heterogeneous roughness and heating of the surface, particularly at night. Due to a general lack of observations, it is not clear whether canonical models of boundary layer mixing are appropriate in modelling air quality in urban areas. This paper reports Doppler lidar observations of turbulence profiles in the centre of London, UK, as part of the second REPARTEE campaign in autumn 2007. Lidar-measured standard deviation of vertical velocity averaged over 30 min intervals generally compared well with in situ sonic anemometer measurements at 190 m on the BT telecommunications Tower. During calm, nocturnal periods, the lidar underestimated turbulent mixing due mainly to limited sampling rate. Mixing height derived from the turbulence, and aerosol layer height from the backscatter profiles, showed similar diurnal cycles ranging from c. 300 to 800 m, increasing to c. 200 to 850 m under clear skies. The aerosol layer height was sometimes significantly different to the mixing height, particularly at night under clear skies. For convective and neutral cases, the scaled turbulence profiles resembled canonical results; this was less clear for the stable case. Lidar observations clearly showed enhanced mixing beneath stratocumulus clouds reaching down on occasion to approximately half daytime boundary layer depth. On one occasion the nocturnal turbulent structure was consistent with a nocturnal jet, suggesting a stable layer. Given the general agreement between observations and canonical turbulence profiles, mixing timescales were calculated for passive scalars released at street level to reach the BT Tower using existing models of turbulent mixing. It was estimated to take c. 10 min to diffuse up to 190 m, rising to between 20 and 50 min at night, depending on stability. Determination of mixing timescales is important when comparing to physico-chemical processes acting on pollutant species measured simultaneously at both the ground and at the BT Tower during the campaign. From the 3 week autumnal data-set there is evidence for occasional stable layers in central London, effectively decoupling surface emissions from air aloft.
Evaluation of urban surface parameterizations in the WRF model using measurements during the Texas Air Quality Study 2006 field campaign
Authors: Lee S.-H. , Kim S.-W. , Angevine W. M. , Bianco L. , McKeen S. A. , Senff C. J. , Trainer M. , Tucker S. C. , Zamora R. J.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The performance of different urban surface parameterizations in the WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) in simulating urban boundary layer (UBL) was investigated using extensive measurements during the Texas Air Quality Study 2006 field campaign. The extensive field measurements collected on surface (meteorological, wind profiler, energy balance flux) sites, a research aircraft, and a research vessel characterized 3-dimensional atmospheric boundary layer structures over the Houston-Galveston Bay area, providing a unique opportunity for the evaluation of the physical parameterizations. The model simulations were performed over the Houston metropolitan area for a summertime period (12–17 August) using a bulk urban parameterization in the Noah land surface model (original LSM), a modified LSM, and a single-layer urban canopy model (UCM). The UCM simulation compared quite well with the observations over the Houston urban areas, reducing the systematic model biases in the original LSM simulation by 1–2 °C in near-surface air temperature and by 200–400 m in UBL height, on average. A more realistic turbulent (sensible and latent heat) energy partitioning contributed to the improvements in the UCM simulation. The original LSM significantly overestimated the sensible heat flux (~200 W m−2) over the urban areas, resulting in warmer and higher UBL. The modified LSM slightly reduced warm and high biases in near-surface air temperature (0.5–1 °C) and UBL height (~100 m) as a result of the effects of urban vegetation. The relatively strong thermal contrast between the Houston area and the water bodies (Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico) in the LSM simulations enhanced the sea/bay breezes, but the model performance in predicting local wind fields was similar among the simulations in terms of statistical evaluations. These results suggest that a proper surface representation (e.g. urban vegetation, surface morphology) and explicit parameterizations of urban physical processes are required for accurate urban atmospheric numerical modeling.
Artifacts in measuring aerosol uptake kinetics: the roles of time, concentration and adsorption
Authors: Renbaum L. H. , Smith G. D.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. In laboratory studies of organic aerosol particles reacting with gas-phase oxidants, high concentrations of radicals are often used to study on the timescale of seconds reactions which may be occurring over days or weeks in the troposphere. Implicit in this approach is the assumption that radical concentration and time are interchangeable parameters, though this has not been established. Here, the kinetics of OH- and Cl-initiated oxidation reactions of model single-component liquid organic aerosols (squalane, brassidic acid and 2-octyldodecanoic acid) are studied by varying separately the radical concentration and the reaction time. Two separate flow tubes with residence times of 2 and 66 s are used, and [OH] and [Cl] are varied by adjusting either the laser photolysis fluence or the radical precursor concentration ([O3] or [Cl2], respectively) used to generate the radicals. It is found that the rates measured by varying the radical concentration and the reaction time are equal only if the precursor concentrations are the same in the two approaches. Further, the rates depend on the concentrations of the precursor species with a Langmuir-type functional form suggesting that O3 and Cl2 saturate the surface of the liquid particles. It is believed that the presence of O3 inhibits the rate of OH reaction, perhaps by reacting with OH radicals or blocking surface sites, while Cl2 enhances the rate of Cl reaction by participating in a radical chain mechanism. These results have important implications for laboratory experiments in which high concentrations of gas-phase oxidants are used to study atmospheric reactions over short timescales and may explain the variability in recent measurements of the reactive uptake of OH on squalane particles in reactor systems used in this and other laboratories.
Simulation of the mineral dust content over Western Africa with the CHIMERE-DUST model from the event to the annual scale
Authors: Schmechtig C. , Marticorena B. , Chatenet B. , Bergametti G. , Rajot J. L.
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The chemistry and transport model CHIMERE-Dust have been used to simulate the mineral dust cycle over the Sahara in 2006. Surface measurements deployed during the AMMA field campaign allows to test the capability of the model to correctly reproduce the atmospheric dust load and surface concentrations from the daily to the seasonal time-scale. The seasonal pattern simulated for Aerosol Optical Depth and surface concentrations are in good agreement with observations. The simulated daily concentrations and hourly AOD are in the same range than the observed one despite relatively high simulated dust emissions. At the different time-scales, the quantitative agreement between the simulations and the observations is fairly good. The capability of the model to reproduce the altitude of the dust transport was tested for two contrasted cases of low and high altitude transport. These results highlights the sensitivity of the simulations to the surface winds used as external forcing and the necessity to further constrain the dust mass budget at the regional scale.