bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple Origins of Lima Bean Landraces in the Americas: Evidence from Chloroplast and Nuclear DNA Polymorphisms
Authors: Motta‐Aldana Jenny R. , Serrano‐Serrano Martha L. , Hernández‐Torres Jorge , Castillo‐Villamizar Genis , Debouck Daniel G. , Chacóns Maria I.
Published: August 2010

Crop wild relatives that have experienced multiple and independent domestication events provide an excellent model for understanding adaptation processes in crop populations and a first and relevant aspect to investigate is the geographic origin of landraces. The aim of this research was to establish the origin of Mesoamerican and Andean Lima bean (Phaseolus lunatus L.) landraces by analyzing chloroplast DNA and ITS polymorphisms in a sample of 59 wild and 50 landrace accessions. According to seed size, genetic distance analyses, and haplotype networks, at least two independent domestication events are proposed. The first one would have taken place in the Andes of southern Ecuador–northwestern Peru and would have given rise to the large‐seeded landraces collectively known as the “Big Lima” cultivars. The second one would have taken place in central–western Mexico, more likely in the area to the north and northwest of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. This event, along with post‐domestication migrations of landraces in South America, would have given rise to the great variety of small‐seeded Mesoamerican landraces that exist today. We did not find any evidence supporting the existence of two discrete groups within Mesoamerican landraces that might correspond to the previously proposed “Sieva” and “Potato” cultigroups. A severe reduction in genetic diversity because of domestication, known as the “founder effect”, was detected, which may have implications for the conservation of genetic resources in this species.
Inheritance and Linkage Map Positions of Genes Conferring Resistance to Stemphylium Blight in Lentil
Authors: Saha Gopesh C. , Sarker Ashutosh , Chen Weidong , Vandemark George J. , Muehlbauer Fred J.
Published: August 2010

Stemphylium blight (caused by Stemphylium botryosum Wallr.) is one of the major diseases of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) in South Asia and North America. The objective of the study was to identify linkage map position of the genes conferring resistance to stemphylium blight and the markers linked to the genes for its utilization in marker‐assisted breeding. A population of 206 F7–derived recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed from a cross between ILL‐6002 (resistant) and ILL‐5888 (susceptible). The RILs were planted in disease‐screening plots at Ishurdi, Bangladesh in the 2006–2007 and 2008–2009 winter cropping seasons. Significant variation was detected among RILs for disease scores and frequency distributions suggested complex inheritance. An intraspecific linkage map was constructed that comprised 139 markers; 21 simple sequence repeats (SSR), 27 randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), 89 sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers and 2 morphological markers distributed over 14 linkage groups. One significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) was detected based on disease scores from the 2006–2007 experiment while three significant QTLs were detected from the 2008–2009 experiment. The QTL QLG480–81 was common in both years and accounted for 25.2 and 46.0% of the variation of disease scores in 2006–2007 and 2008–2009 experiments, respectively. Two SRAP markers, ME5XR10 and ME4XR16c, and one RAPD marker, UBC34, located on linkage group 4, were significantly associated with the QLG480–81 in both crop years. After validation, the more tightly linked ME4XR16c marker may be used for marker assisted selection for stemphylium blight resistance.
Characterization of the Chromosomal Transmission of Intergeneric Hybrids of Saccharum spp. and Erianthus fulvus by Genomic in situ Hybridization
Authors: Wang Xian‐Hong , Yang Qing‐Hui , Li Fu‐Sheng , He Li‐Lian , He Shun‐Chang
Published: August 2010

Genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) was used to characterize the genomic constitution of 16 intergeneric F1 hybrids derived from three cross‐combinations between sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) and the related wild species Erianthus fulvus Both monocolor and bicolor GISH were performed using digoxigenin‐labeled E. fulvus DNA and biotin‐labeled female parental DNA as probes. Differentiation of the chromosomes contributed by E. fulvus and female parents was easier in bicolor than mono‐color GISH. The results revealed the transmission of 7 to 10 E. fulvus chromosomes into progenies, suggesting that there was “n” transmission of this wild species and that some of the progenies were partial hybrids. Elimination and fragmentation of E. fulvus chromosomes, as well as rearrangements between two chromosomes from different parental genomes, were observed in the cells of the hybrids. Possible explanations for these phenomena and the potential of these hybrids in sugarcane breeding are discussed.
Biology and Genetics of Crown Rust Disease in Ryegrasses
Authors: Dracatos P. M. , Cogan N. O. I. , Keane P. J. , Smith K. F. , Forster J. W.
Published: August 2010

The most serious foliar disease of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) is crown rust (caused by Puccinia coronata Corda f.sp. lolii Brown). Progress in resistance breeding using recurrent selection has been slow, due to lack of genetic knowledge. Puccinia coronata is a basidiomycete fungus with a complex life‐cycle involving both asexual and sexual reproductive modes. Pathotype variation may exist, but confirmation is complicated by the outbreeding nature of the host grass and consequent intrapopulation diversity. Qualitative and quantitative resistance mechanisms may hence be due to either major resistance genes responding to mixed pathogen populations, or minor (quantitative) resistance genes. Advances in molecular biology have permitted analysis of both host and pathogen genetics. Development of pathogen‐derived simple sequence repeat (SSR) genetic markers allowed detailed analysis of genetic variation, as well as generation of homogenized inoculum for detailed trait‐dissection studies. Multiple genomic regions were identified as containing quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for pathogen resistance, and specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for defense response (DR) and disease resistance (R) genes have been evaluated for QTL co‐location. The current knowledge status of the crown rust pathogen and genetics of host resistance is reviewed, as well as future prospects for facilitated rust resistance breeding.
Integrating Annual and Perennial Warm‐season Grasses in a Temperate Grazing System
Authors: Tracy Benjamin F. , Maughan Matthew , Post Nathan , Faulkner Dan B.
Published: August 2010

Warm‐season grasses (WSG) can supply badly needed forage in summer when cool‐season grasses (CSG) are often unproductive. This study was conducted from 2005–2007 in central Illinois to compare annual and perennial WSG pasture types integrated into a CSG grazing system. The objective was to compare summer herbage mass, forage nutritive value, cattle (Bos taurus) performance, and variable costs between CSG systems integrated with either annual (AWSG) or native, perennial warm‐season grass (NWSG) pastures. The AWSG pastures were established with sorghum‐sudangrass cultivars [Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench], and eastern gamagrass [Tripsacum dactyloides(L.) L.] dominated NWSG pastures. Beef cow–calf groups were moved between CSG and WSG pastures during summer based on forage availability. Both WSG pasture types averaged 61% more herbage mass (493 g m−2) in mid‐summer compared with CSG pastures (204 g m−2). Except for one sampling date, herbage mass on NWSG pastures either exceeded (P< 0.05) or was equal to AWSG pastures. The nutritive value of AWSG forage was consistently higher than NWSG (P< 0.05), but cow and calf performance was similar on both pasture types. A simple cost analysis showed that AWSG pastures were more expensive to maintain even though establishment costs of NWSG pasture were much higher. Our results suggest NWSG pastures may be the better option for livestock producers seeking a longer‐term solution to summer forage deficits associated with CSG.
Identification of Vegetatively Propagated Turf Bermudagrass Cultivars Using Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Wang Zan , Wu Yanqi , Martin Dennis L. , Gao Hongwen , Samuels Tim , Tan Chengcheng
Published: August 2010

Accurate identification of bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) cultivars is necessary to ensure the purity of the cultivars produced by sod farmers, to protect the intellectual property of cultivar developers, and to assure cultivar purity for the benefit of turfgrass consumers. Vegetatively propagated turf bermudagrass cultivars have been extensively used in the turf industry not only in the USA but also in many other countries. Accordingly, the objectives of the study were to examine simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers for their ability to distinguish commonly grown clonal turf bermudagrass cultivars, which were derived through crosses and mutations, from each other and their respective parent cultivars and to develop a set of SSR markers for accurate identification of commercially used clonal cultivars. Thirty‐two clonal turf bermudagrass genotypes comprising 29 commercially released cultivars and 3 Oklahoma State University experimental lines were assessed by 11 microsatellite markers. A total of 141 DNA fragments were generated for the 11 primer pairs in the 32 bermudagrass genotypes, with an average of 12.8 bands per primer pair. Forty‐four fragments were cultivar specific. The SSR markers successfully identified 22 cultivars when mutant cultivars had the same banding patterns as the 2 parent cultivars, ‘Tifgreen’ and ‘Tifway’. It was concluded from the study that the SSR markers are highly polymorphic and can be utilized as a reliable tool for accurate cultivar identification in nonmutated bermudagrass.
Estimation of Least Loss Power Contracts in a Deregulated Environment
Authors: Dhadbanjan Thukaram , Chintamani Vyjayanthi
Published: August 2010

An economic power contract agreement can be entered into by transacting with the cheapest generator. However, from the generation-load location and transmission systems point of view, this may not always be the desired contract, as selecting only the cheapest generator may sometimes lead to transmission bottlenecks. This paper presents the most desired way to select a generator and its Mega-Watt (MW) generation schedule while forming contracts, which results in minimised losses. The approach is based on a concept called the Relative Electrical Distance (RED), which uses the information of the relative distances between the generator and load buses in its analysis. With this information, the value of Desired Generation Schedule (DGS) can be obtained. The generators are scheduled as per DGS and real power flows are traced and each generators load and loss sharing proportions are computed. The power contracts formed based on DGS will ensure better system security, better voltage profiles and also result in minimised transmission losses. With the allocation information, transmission basic and transmission supplementary charges are estimated. Illustrative case studies are carried out on a sample 6 bus and IEEE 39-bus systems.
The Filling Behavior of Reinforcing Glass Fiber in Micro Injection Molding
Authors: Liou G. L. , Young W. B.
Published: August 2010

Microinjection molding is one of the methods used to fabricate micro scale plastic components. Addition of reinforcement in the thermoplastic materials can enhance the mechanical properties of the molded components. Due to the small dimension in micro features, the filling of reinforcements into those features is more difficult than into the main body of the component. This study is to investigate the filling efficiency in micro features for different reinforcements. The filling efficiency in the micro feature is almost the same as that in the main body of the component for using the reinforcement in nano size. For milled glass fibers, which have a distribution of the particle size, higher fiber content has better filling efficiency in the micro features. On the other hand, the filling efficiency is not affected by the volume fraction for using short glass fibers.
Sliding-Scale Contingency for Project Development Process
Authors: Olumide Adeniyi O. , Anderson Stuart D. , Molenaar Keith R.
Published: August 2010

Initial cost estimates for construction projects can be prepared in the planning phase of project development and are revised through the programming and design phases of project development as more project information becomes available. These estimates are characterized by uncertainty, especially early in project development, because of the developing definition of the project's scope. If uncertainties are not estimated and managed appropriately, the result is most often a reduction in the accuracy of cost estimates. Potential project risks should be identified early in project development. The risks represent uncertain events or conditions that, if they occur, have a negative effect on a project's objectives. A total project cost estimate is composed of a base estimate of known costs and a contingency estimate of risk costs. A recent NCHRP study reviewed current practice and discovered that state highway agencies (SHAs) estimate contingency by using a range of methods from traditional top-down percentages to detailed bottom-up risk analyses. The project also found that a majority of the SHAs’ methods lack structure, consistency, or both in applications across projects. This study developed a top-down sliding-scale contingency estimation technique that takes into account factors of project complexity and phases of project development. Sliding-scale contingency graphs were developed for three levels of project complexity by using the Delphi method to elicit the expert opinions in the application of contingency on highway projects, with the primary aim of providing a consistent rationale for setting contingency on highway projects.
Roadway Construction Sustainability Impacts
Authors: Muench Stephen T.
Published: August 2010

Each year the United States places about $100 billion of roadway construction. This level of activity suggests possibly significant sustainability implications in the construction activities for this work. One means to quantify some of these impacts is through life-cycle assessment (LCA). A review of 14 roadway construction LCA papers reveals some common ideas about the ecological impacts of roadway construction. Some key observations are that (a) the energy expended during roadway construction is roughly equivalent to that used by traffic operating on the facility for 1 or 2 years, (b) total energy use during roadway construction varies but is typically on the order of 3 to 7 TJ/lane mile, (c) total CO2 emissions during roadway construction vary but are typically 200 to 600 Mg/lane mile, (d) materials production makes up 60% to 80% of energy use and 60% to 90% of CO2 emissions associated with construction, (e) construction activities at the jobsite make up less than 5% of energy use and CO2 emissions, and (f) transportation associated with construction makes up 10% to 30% of energy use and about 10% of CO2 emissions associated with construction.
Balancing Private and Public Interests in Public–Private Partnership Contracts through Optimization of Equity Capital Structure
Authors: Sharma Deepak K. , Cui Qingbin , Chen Lijian , Lindly Jay K.
Published: August 2010

Capital structure and revenue-sharing agreements lie in the essence of balancing public and private interests in public–private partnership (PPP) contracts. In the United States, many PPP projects may not be fully self-financed through tolls or other user fees because of insufficient revenue streams. With a limited debt capacity secured by toll revenues, most PPP projects must be supported by both private equity investments and public funds. The equity structure is critical in a PPP contract because it implies risk and profit sharing and therefore provides a mechanism for private incentive and protection of the public interest. This paper presents a structured approach to determining the debt–equity investment in PPP projects. Scenarios are generated by using linear programming and probability programming models to reach the optimal equity structure under risk and uncertainty. The I-10 connector project is used as a case study to demonstrate the optimization process. The model is especially useful for public agencies to (a) estimate the range of private equity investment, (b) determine the target equity structure, and (c) document the benefits and costs of private financing for a successful PPP contract.
Effect of Duration of Design–Build Procurement on Performance of Transportation Projects
Authors: Migliaccio Giovanni C. , Bogus Susan M. , Chen Ao
Published: August 2010

Transportation agencies are increasingly interested in new strategies for integrated project delivery, such as design–build. When making a decision between a traditional design–bid–build delivery and an integrated project delivery such as design–build, the agency should consider potential cost savings, time savings, and quality improvements. To maximize the success of design–build projects, transportation agencies need to pay attention to several aspects of this system, including initial steps like contract procurement. Agencies should prepare for the procurement phase carefully on the basis of project size, complexity, timing, selection methods, and so on. This is especially important for design–build projects in which participating firms invest significant effort during the contract procurement phase while planning design and construction and assessing risks. To assist in improving the success of design–build projects, a study was conducted to analyze the relationship between duration of the contract procurement phase and project performance. Schedule growth, cost growth, and total project time growth were used to measure project performance in the study. Linear regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between procurement duration and each of the three project performance factors. The results show a strong linear correlation between procurement duration and schedule growth. Longer procurement duration correlates less with schedule growth as a percentage of the total project schedule. There is no evidence to indicate that longer procurement duration will reduce cost growth. This research strongly suggests that providing additional time to contractors during procurement allows them to improve schedule performance.
Statistical Applications and Stochastic Analysis for Performance-Related Specification of Asphalt Quality Assurance
Authors: Jeong Myung Goo , El-Basyouny Mohamed
Published: August 2010

Performance-related specification (PRS) is known as the most advanced specification type in asphalt pavement quality assurance (QA). One major feature of PRS QA is the consideration of material variability in performance prediction models through the application of several essential statistical techniques. The uncertainty in material properties can consequently be encoded in the evaluation of asphalt mix quality. For this reason, it is of critical significance to use the statistical applications correctly in PRS QA. One product of the NCHRP 9-22 project is a computerized quality assurance tool, quality-related specification software (QRSS). This computer program can quantitatively evaluate the as-constructed asphalt mix quality against the as-designed mix quality to predict service life. To quantify stochastically the quality of both the as-designed and as-built mixes with the consideration of material variability, several essential statistical techniques were applied to the QA procedure. This paper presents the techniques used and the applications implemented in the QRSS. It includes statistical methods to estimate variance of a multivariate function (e.g., Monte Carlo simulation and Rosenblueth method), conversion methods from distress to service life, expression of predicted distress as well as its service life by using probability distributions, and a method to quantify the relative difference in predicted service life between as-designed and as-constructed mixes with the use of cumulative frequency distributions.
Pattern of Antibiotics Use at the Primary Health Care Level of Bangladesh: Survey Report-1
Authors: Hasan SM Raquibul , Hossain Md Mokarram , Akter Raushanara , Karim SM Hasibul , Haque Shamsul , Kamaluddin Md , Ghani Abdul
Published: August 2010

Although Bangladesh has made substantial progress in drug manufacturing since the introduction of its National Drug Policy (NDP) in 1982, irrational use of drugs, inappropriate prescribing, inadequate access to essential drugs and unjustified self medication are a few of a range of problems that are affecting the total health care system seriously. Taking this in view, a survey project has been designed to conduct nationwide to explore the pattern of antibiotics use at the primary health care level in Bangladesh using carefully constructed questionnaires containing questions covering both antibiotic prescription habit of the physicians and patients’ response to antibiotic use. In the first phase of this effort, 20 Upazila Health Complexes and the Union Health Centres thereunder each of Dhaka and Chittagong division were randomly surveyed. From physician survey it was evident that 55.57% of the doctors prescribe antibiotics in suspected infection while only 33.46% of them prescribe antibiotics in confirmed cases. 40.22% of doctors prescribe antibiotics in cold and fever before any diagnostic test. Moreover, 37.31% of doctors prescribe antibiotics for pleasing the patients whereas 62.44% denied such undue influence. Doctors seldom receive feedback of completion of course of antibiotic therapy by patients. Cephalosporin was found to be the most (26.9%) preferred antibiotic in case of empirical therapy. On the other hand, it was evident from patient survey that cold, fever and acute respiratory infection (ARI) were prevalent (39.78%) causes that brought the patients to physician. 60.1 % of the patients reported that they get essential antibiotics from hospital free of cost while 24.5% of them complained that they do not get antibiotics from hospital. 34.76% of the patients reported that they complete the course of antibiotic therapy by buying antibiotics from the market whereas 56.14% of them do not buy the full course and stop taking medicine (53.46%) as soon as symptoms subside. The results of the present survey indicate that antibiotics are widely and inappropriately used without following standard guidelines or based on any rationality. This is an alarming situation, which should be properly taken care of by the relevant authority to save the people from growing antibiotic resistance. Key words: Bangladesh; Rational use; Antibiotics; Primary health care. DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i1.5809Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(1) 2009: 1-7
Antidiabetic Action of Ethanolic Extracts of Punica granatum Linn. in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Albino Rats
Authors: Das Swamamoni , Sama Gayatri
Published: August 2010

Antidiabetic action of ethanolic extracts of seed and rind of Punica granatum L. was evaluated on alloxan-induced diabetic albino rats. Both the extracts, each at a dose of 200mg/kg/d, were administered orally for two weeks to alloxan-induced diabetic rats. Blood glucose was estimated every week for two consecutive weeks. For evaluation of probable mechanism of action of the extracts, glycogen estimation was carried out in liver, heart and skeletal muscle and effect on adrenaline-induced hyperglycemia was observed. Both the extracts significantly (p<0.05) reduced the rise in blood glucose induced by alloxan, with the rind extract exhibiting significantly (p<0.05) better activity than seed extract. Both the extracts also produced significant (p<0.05) increase in liver glycogen and significantly (p<0.05) reduced adrenaline-induced hyperglycemia. These results support strong antidiabetic action in favor of P. granatum seed and rind extractsKey words: Punica granatum L.; Ethanolic extracts; Antidiabetic; Alloxan. DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i1.5810Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(1) 2009: 14-21
In vitro Evaluation of Antioxidant Potential of Leaves of Opuntia dillenii Haw.
Authors: Akter Raushanara , Hasan SM Raquibul , Hossain Md Mokarram , Ahmed Taksim , Majumder Muntasir M , Akter Masuda
Published: August 2010

Antioxidant potential of the 80% methanol extract of the leaves of Opuntia dillenii was evaluated using 1, 1-diphenyl, 2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide radical scavenging, reducing power, total phenol and total flavonoid content determination assays. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract was also carried out, which revealed that the extract possesses flavonoids, steroids, alkaloids and tannins. The extract showed significant antioxidant activities in all antioxidant assays compared to the reference antioxidant in a dose dependent manner. In DPPH radical scavenging activity, the IC50 value of the crude extract was found to be 15.71μg/mL while the IC50 value for the reference ascorbic acid was 10.84 μg/mL. Again, the extract showed remarkable nitric oxide scavenging potential and good reducing power. Moreover, the methanol extract was found to contain high amount of phenols and flavonoids, expressed as gallic acid and rutin equivalents respectively. Based on the findings of the present study, we conclude that the methanol extract of the leaves of O. dillenii possesses remarkable antioxidant potential which may be attributed to the high amount of phenols and flavonoids present in the extract. Key Words: Opuntia dillenii; Antioxidant; Reactive oxygen species; DPPH; Nitric oxide radical DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i1.5811Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(1) 2009: 22-26
Synthesis, anticonvulsant activity and in silico study of some novel amino acids incorporated bicyclo compounds
Authors: Sharma Chandra Shekhar , Nema Rajesh Kumar , Sharma Vinod Kumar
Published: August 2010

In  the present study, some novel amino acids incorporated bicyclo compounds have been synthesized and their structure was confirmed by physico-chemical and spectral data. The title compounds were evaluated for in silico toxicity study and anticonvulsant activity by maximal electric shock method. The results showed that substitution with cysteine and glutamic acid moiety was found to increase the activity. In silico toxicity study results showed that the compounds are free of toxicity in neurotoxicity, irritability, sensitivity, immunotoxicity and oncogenecity  Key words: Maximal electrical shock method; anticonvulsant activity; in silico toxicity. DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i2.2607Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2009: 42-47
Formulation Development and Evaluation of Mouth Dissolving Tablets of Loratadine
Authors: Kabir Abu Kalam Lutful , Rahman Shaikh Mukidur , Jahan Md Arshad , Rouf Abu Shara Shamsur
Published: August 2010

Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia) is common among all age groups, especially in elderly and pediatrics. Mouth dissolving tablets constitute an innovative dosage forms that overcome the problems of swallowing and provides a quick onset of action. The purpose of this study was to formulate and evaluate mouth dissolving tablet of loratadine using a special preparation technology (pharmaburst Technology) with a super disintegrating agent (Croscarmellose sodium). Tablets were prepared by direct compression technique. The granules were evaluated for angle of repose, bulk density, tapped density, bulkiness, compressibility index and hausners ratio. The tablets were evaluated for hardness, thickness, uniformity of weight, friability, wetting time, water absorption ratio, disintegration time and drug content. In vitro release studies were performed using USP-II (paddle method) in 900ml of pH 1.2 at 50rpm. The physical properties of the prepared tablets did not show any significant variations and were found to have good physical integrity. Tablets prepared with pharmaburst B2 and Croscarmellose sodium showed a lesser disintegration time and wetting time of 27±0.10 and 38±0.13 seconds respectively. The best formulations were subjected to stability studies at 40ºC/75% RH for 60 days. Key words: Loratadine; pharmaburst B2; croscarmellose sodium; mouth dissolving tablets; direct compression.DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i2.5825Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2009: 59-65
Chemical and Biological Investigation of Leaves of Polygonum plebejum
Authors: Hasan Md Kamrul , Kabir Abul Kalam Lutful , Mistry Sabyasachy
Published: August 2010

The cytotoxic and antimicrobial activity of methanol crude extract and column fractions of the extract of theleaves of P. plebejum were examined by brine shrimp lethality bioassay and disc diffusion methodrespectively. The extracts showed significant cytotoxic as well as antimicrobial activities. Silica gel columnchromatography of methanol extract of P. plebejum afforded a steroid. The structure was elucidated on thebasis of spectral analysis, including 1H NMR and 13C NMR and also by comparing with data in the literature. Key words: Polygonum plebejum; Polygonaceae; Stigmasterol; Cytotoxicity.DOI: 10.3329/sjps.v2i2.5826Stamford Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Vol.2(2) 2009: 66-71
Impact of Ocean Acidification on Energy Metabolism of Oyster, Crassostrea gigas—Changes in Metabolic Pathways and Thermal Response
Authors: Lannig Gisela , Eilers Silke , Pörtner Hans O. , Sokolova Inna M. , Bock Christian
Published: August 2010

Climate change with increasing temperature and ocean acidification (OA) poses risks for marine ecosystems. According to Pörtner and Farrell [1], synergistic effects of elevated temperature and CO2-induced OA on energy metabolism will narrow the thermal tolerance window of marine ectothermal animals. To test this hypothesis, we investigated the effect of an acute temperature rise on energy metabolism of the oyster, Crassostrea gigas chronically exposed to elevated CO2 levels (partial pressure of CO2 in the seawater ~0.15 kPa, seawater pH ~ 7.7). Within one month of incubation at elevated PCO2 and 15 °C hemolymph pH fell (pHe = 7.1 ± 0.2 (CO2-group) vs. 7.6 ± 0.1 (control)) and PeCO2 values in hemolymph increased (0.5 ± 0.2 kPa (CO2-group) vs. 0.2 ± 0.04 kPa (control)). Slightly but significantly elevated bicarbonate concentrations in the hemolymph of CO2-incubated oysters ([HCO-3]e = 1.8 ± 0.3 mM (CO2-group) vs. 1.3 ± 0.1 mM (control)) indicate only minimal regulation of extracellular acid-base status. At the acclimation temperature of 15 °C the OA-induced decrease in pHe did not lead to metabolic depression in oysters as standard metabolism rates (SMR) of CO2-exposed oysters were similar to controls. Upon acute warming SMR rose in both groups, but displayed a stronger increase in the CO2-incubated group. Investigation in isolated gill cells revealed a similar temperature-dependence of respiration between groups. Furthermore, the fraction of cellular energy demand for ion regulation via Na+/K+-ATPase was not affected by chronic hypercapnia or temperature. Metabolic profiling using 1H-NMR spectroscopy revealed substantial changes in some tissues following OA exposure at 15 °C. In mantle tissue alanine and ATP levels decreased significantly whereas an increase in succinate levels was observed in gill tissue. These findings suggest shifts in metabolic pathways following OA-exposure. Our study confirms that OA affects energy metabolism in oysters and suggests that climate change may affect populations of sessile coastal invertebrates such as mollusks.
A Simple, Safe and Efficient Synthesis of Tyrian Purple (6,6′-Dibromoindigo)
Authors: Wolk Joel L. , Frimer Aryeh A.
Published: August 2010

6,6’-Dibromoindigo is a major component of the historic pigment Tyrian purple, arguably the most famous dye of antiquity. Over the last century, chemists have been interested in developing practical syntheses of the compound We describe herein a new, reasonably simple and efficient synthesis of Tyrian purple which opens the way to the production of large quantities of the dye with minimal hazards and at low cost.
Land Surface Albedos Computed from BRF Measurements with a Study of Conversion Formulae
Authors: Peltoniemi Jouni I. , Manninen Terhikki , Suomalainen Juha , Hakala Teemu , Puttonen Eetu , Riihelä Aku
Published: August 2010

Land surface hemispherical albedos of several targets have been resolved using the bidirectional reflectance factor (BRF) library of the Finnish Geodetic Institute (FGI). The library contains BRF data measured by FGI during the years 2003–2009. Surface albedos are calculated using selected BRF datasets from the library. Polynomial interpolation and extrapolation have been used in computations. Several broadband conversion formulae generally used for satellite based surface albedo retrieval have been tested. The albedos were typically found to monotonically increase with increasing zenith angle of the Sun. The surface albedo variance was significant even within each target category / surface type. In general, the albedo estimates derived using diverse broadband conversion formulas and estimates obtained by direct integration of the measured spectra were in line.
Different Types of Cell Death Induced by Enterotoxins
Authors: Lin Chiou-Feng , Chen Chia-Ling , Huang Wei-Ching , Cheng Yi-Lin , Hsieh Chia-Yuan , Wang Chi-Yun , Hong Ming-Yuan
Published: August 2010

The infection of bacterial organisms generally causes cell death to facilitate microbial invasion and immune escape, both of which are involved in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases. In addition to the intercellular infectious processes, pathogen-produced/secreted enterotoxins (mostly exotoxins) are the major weapons that kill host cells and cause diseases by inducing different types of cell death, particularly apoptosis and necrosis. Blocking these enterotoxins with synthetic drugs and vaccines is important for treating patients with infectious diseases. Studies of enterotoxin-induced apoptotic and necrotic mechanisms have helped us to create efficient strategies to use against these well-characterized cytopathic toxins. In this article, we review the induction of the different types of cell death from various bacterial enterotoxins, such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B, staphylococcal alpha-toxin, Panton-Valentine leukocidin, alpha-hemolysin of Escherichia coli, Shiga toxins, cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1, heat-labile enterotoxins, and the cholera toxin, Vibrio cholerae. In addition, necrosis caused by pore-forming toxins, apoptotic signaling through cross-talk pathways involving mitochondrial damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and lysosomal injury is discussed.
HIV-1 Virological Synapse: Live Imaging of Transmission
Authors: Feldmann Jerome , Schwartz Olivier
Published: August 2010

A relatively new aspect of HIV-1 biology is the ability of the virus to infect cells by direct cellular contacts across a specialized structure, the virological synapse. This process was recently described through live cell imaging. Together with the accumulated knowledge on cellular and molecular structures involved in cell-to-cell transmission of HIV-1, the visualization of the virological synapse in video-microscopy has brought exciting new hypotheses on its underlying mechanisms. This review will recapitulate current knowledge with a particular emphasis on the questions live microscopy has raised.
Ongoing drug use and outcomes from highly active antiretroviral therapy among injection drug users in a Canadian setting
Authors: Krüsi Andrea , Milloy M-J , Kerr Thomas , Zhang Ruth , Guillemi Silvia , Hogg Robert , Montaner Julio , Wood Evan
Published: August 2010

Background

The effect of ongoing illicit drug use on HIV treatment remains controversial, especially in countries where access to HIV treatment for active injection drug users (IDUs) is limited because of presumed non-adherence. We sought to investigate the influence of drug use patterns on adherence to antiretroviral therapy and virological suppression among IDUs.

Methods

Using generalized estimating equation logistic regression, we explored the effect of abstinence versus ongoing drug use on adherence and virological suppression using data from a community-recruited cohort of IDUs in Vancouver (BC, Canada).

Results

A total of 381 HIV-positive IDUs were included in this analysis, among whom the median follow-up time was 30 months. In a multivariate model, no relationship was found between abstinence (reference) and active injection (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.65–1.17) and non-injection (AOR 0.97, 95% CI 0.67–1.41) drug use with adherence. In sub analyses, ongoing injection drug use was associated with a lower odds of virological suppression in comparison to abstinence (AOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.57–0.97; P=0.026) and both active IDUs and active non-IDUs had lower odds of virological suppression compared with abstinent participants when longer periods of virological suppression were considered.

Conclusions

Given the absence of a strong relationship between abstinence and ongoing drug use and adherence among HIV-positive IDUs, programmes that restrict antiretrovirals to abstinent individuals should be re-examined. The lower rates of virological suppression associated with ongoing drug use nevertheless highlight the importance of comprehensive systems of care and addiction treatment for active drug users.
Molecular Genetics of HBV Infection
Authors: Locarnini Stephen , Zoulim Fabien
Published: August 2010

HBV has evolved a unique life cycle that results in the production of enormous viral loads during active replication without actually killing the infected cells directly. Two of the key events in the viral life cycle of HBV involve firstly the generation of a covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA transcriptional template, either from input genomic DNA or newly replicated capsid-associated DNA, and secondly, reverse transcription of the viral pregenomic (pg) RNA to form progeny HBV DNA genomes. New data are emerging regarding the epigenetic control of cccDNA, which might represent another key factor involved in the pathogenesis and natural history of the disease. Because HBV uses reverse transcription to copy its genome, mutant viral genomes emerge frequently. Particular selection pressures, both endogenous (host immune clearance) and exogenous (vaccines and antiviral drugs), readily select out these escape mutants. The particular viral mutations or combination of mutations that directly affect the clinical outcome of infection are not known; however, four major ‘pathways’ of antiviral drug resistance-associated substitutions have now been identified. Further studies are clearly needed to identify the pathogenetic basis and clinical sequelae arising from the selection of these particular mutants. In the clinical context of antiviral drug resistance, treating physicians need to adopt therapeutic strategies that effectively control viral replication. Finally, the role of host genetics in influencing the outcome of HBV disease in the context of natural history and therapy is beginning to aid understanding in pathogenesis and, when this knowledge is linked to pathogen-specific databases, this should translate into more individualized patient care.
The Host–pathogen Interaction during HBV Infection: Immunological Controversies
Authors: Bertoletti Antonio , Maini Mala K , Ferrari Carlo
Published: August 2010

HBV is a hepatotropic and non-cytopathic virus that causes more than one million deaths annually from liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. As the virus itself is non-cytopathic, it is widely accepted that both viral control and liver pathology are mediated by the host immune system. Until recently, the focus has been on the crucial role of adaptive immune responses in controlling HBV infection, but the potential contribution of the innate system is now an important area of controversy. Unanswered questions include whether and when HBV can trigger components of innate immunity, and whether HBV can actively suppress the induction of innate immunity. We discuss the data available from animal models and human HBV infection addressing the role of innate immunity in the first part of this review. In the second part, we address the immunopathogenesis of the inflammatory events that characterize chronic hepatitis B. The mechanisms thought to be responsible for liver inflammation, namely the intrahepatic recruitment of inflammatory cells, which is orchestrated by chemokines, have been described; however, the underlying immunological triggers are much less clear. The prevailing idea is that liver inflammation results from a recovery of HBV-specific T-cells directly causing liver injury, but this scenario is supported by scanty experimental data. By contrast, recent findings raise the possibility of a contribution from innate components, such as natural killer cells.
A Personalized Approach to Optimize Hepatitis B Treatment in Treatment-naive Patients
Authors: Marcellin Patrick , Liang Jake
Published: August 2010

Firstly, the selection of good candidates for therapy is crucial. Patients with chronic active hepatitis B – with relatively low levels of HBV DNA replication (<109 copies/ml) and relatively high alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels – are good candidates for therapy. By contrast, patients with chronic hepatitis B in the immu-notolerance phase, who have high levels of HBV DNA and persistently normal ALT levels, as well as inactive hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers with low HBV DNA and normal ALT levels do not have an indication for therapy as they are poor responders. Secondly, the characteristics of the patient (for example, gender, age, immune status, general health status and comorbidities), the characteristics of the liver disease (for example, presence of cirrhosis and liver function) and the characteristics of the virus (for example, genotype) are important when assessing the chance of success and when choosing the best therapeutic strategy (nucleoside/ nucleotide analogue or interferon). Thirdly, during therapy, the antiviral effect – assessed by decrease in HBV DNA level – allows an individualized response-guided approach. In addition, quantification of HBsAg after 3–6 months of interferon therapy appears to be a good predictor of sustained virological response after treatment and HBsAg clearance. Continuing interferon therapy until week 48 is justified in patients with a significant decrease in HBsAg.

Ongoing and future studies will provide useful information regarding prolonging interferon therapy beyond 48 weeks in some patients in order to increase efficacy, and also regarding the role of combination therapy with interferon and potent nucleoside/nucleotide analogues, such as entecavir or tenofovir disoproxil fumarate.
Liver Stiffness, a Non-Invasive Marker of Liver Disease: A Core Study Group Report
Authors:   the Liver Stiffness Study Group ‘Elastica’ of the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver, Bonino Ferruccio , Arena Umberto , Brunetto Maurizia R , Coco Barbara , Fraquelli Mirella , Oliveri Filippo , Pinzani Massimo , Prati Daniele , Rigamonti Cristina , Vizzuti Francesco
Published: August 2010

The ability to evaluate liver stiffness non-invasively in clinical practice by measuring transient elastography using FibroScan® has resulted in considerable interest and enthusiasm. A core study group, organized by the Italian Association for the Study of the Liver, has assessed the usefulness of FibroScan® in the diagnosis and management of liver disease in clinical practice. The group concluded that FibroScan® is a valuable, non-invasive technique and have developed a consensus report form for registering transient elastography results. In this article, we report the findings of the study group.
Politique agricole et agriculture aux États-Unis : évolution et enjeux actuels
Authors: Devienne Sophie , Bazin Gilles , Charvet Jean-Paul
Published: August 2010

Résumé Dans un contexte mondial de libéralisation des échanges de produits agricoles, les agricultures des États-Unis et de l’Union européenne figurent parmi les plus soutenues du monde. Elles font depuis peu jeu égal sur les marchés agricoles mondiaux avec 19 % à 18 % chacun de part de marché. Cette situation est la conséquence de politiques agricoles anciennes et fortes dont cet article analyse les objectifs, les moyens et les résultats pour les États-Unis, en présentant en contrepoint la situation de l’Union européenne. Les politiques agricoles américaines mises en œuvre depuis 1933 ont d’abord cherché à réguler l’offre et à soutenir les prix, avant de s’orienter à partir de 1996 vers un soutien direct des revenus. Ces soutiens ont permis des accroissements de la production et de la productivité du travail qui placent ces exploitations à la pointe du développement agricole mondial. Malgré cette situation la part des États-Unis sur les marchés agricoles mondiaux ne fait que s’éroder depuis les années 1980, contestée par la montée en puissance des exportations européennes ainsi que par le développement des exportations des pays du groupe de Cairns (Brésil, Argentine, Australie notamment). Cette analyse permet de présenter un certain nombre de problèmes et d’enjeux actuels pour l’agriculture et la politique agricole américaines. Parmi eux figurent la nécessité d’accroître la part des produits transformés par rapport à celle des produits bruts dans les exportations - l’Union européenne apparaissant plus en avance dans ce domaine - la tendance à la capitalisation des aides dans le foncier, donc au profit des propriétaires fonciers et non des producteurs, les impacts négatifs des subventions agricoles des pays riches sur les agricultures des pays pauvres, qui bloquent aujourd’hui les négociations à l’OMC.
Activités tertiaires et dynamiques rurale
Authors: Chevalier Pascal
Published: August 2010

Résumé Les activités tertiaires croissent de manière importante dans l’ensemble des espaces ruraux et constituent souvent l’élément central dans les créations d’emploi. Généralement cette croissance repose sur un processus endogène d’induction locale. Autrement dit, ces activités se développent sous l’impulsion de la dynamique résidentielle et touristique et d’une croissance plus affirmée de la population dans les communes rurales. Toutefois, certaines de ces activités produisent également des services plutôt orientés vers la satisfaction de marchés non régionaux. Le phénomène d’induction, longtemps prôné par les théories économiques classiques ne suffit plus pour caractériser ces services, dont le rôle actif dans le développement des territoires est reconnu aujourd’hui par nombre d’auteurs. Ainsi, le développement soutenu des activités tertiaires dans les espaces ruraux, qui guide en grande partie la croissance de l’emploi rural, joue un rôle déterminant dans les dynamiques démographiques et socio-économiques des campagnes. Il est donc envisagé dans ce travail d’associer le renversement des trajectoires rurales à la dynamique des activités tertiaires et de s’interroger sur le nouveau rapport entre ces activités et le développement rural. De fait, les services participent à un certain enrichissement de l’espace et initient des processus de développement local.