bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Megalencephalic Leukoencephalopathy with Subcortical Cyst: A Case Report
Authors: Gangadhar K , Patwari S , Verma A , Kaviyarasy -
Published: March 2013

Megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) is a rare disease first described by van der Knaap et al, in 1995. MLC is a relatively new entity of neurodegenerative disorder of autosomal recessive inheritance characterized by infantile onset macrocephaly, cerebral leucoencephalopathy, mild neurological symptoms and an extremely slow course of functional deterioration. The degree of macrocephaly is variable and can be as much as 4-6 SD above the mean. Almost all patients have seizures from an early age. Some patients have died in their 2nd and 3rd decades but few may live till fourth decade. We report a case of 5-year-old girl diagnosed to have this disease. Nepalese Journal of Radiology; Vol. 2; Issue 2; July-Dec. 2012; 76-80 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i2.7691
Extramedullary Haematopoiesis Causing Spinal Cord Compression in a Thalassemia Intermedia Patient
Authors: Wahab S , Khan RA , Ahmad K , Wahab A , Ahmad I
Published: March 2013

The thalassemias are a heterogenous group of inherited disorders of hemoglobin (Hb) synthesis characterized by a lack of or decreased /defective synthesis of globin chains. The name Mediterranean anemia, which Whipple introduced, is misleading because the condition can be found in any part of the world. In ?-thalassemia, ?-globin chain synthesis is reduced, whereas in ?-thalassemia, ?-globin chain synthesis is defective. Their clinical severity varies widely, ranging from asymptomatic forms to severe or even fatal entities. Like most anemias, erythropoietin production and erythropoiesis is increased in thalassemia causing erythroid marrow hyperplasia as well as extramedullary haematopoiesis which is a common compensatory mechanism for chronic anemia found in patients with hemoglobinopathies such as thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, and hereditary spherocytosis. These patients are usually asymptomatic. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) usually manifests in the liver, spleen, kidneys and as paravertebral masses. Extramedullary hematopoietic tissue occurring within the spinal canal and causing cord compression is an unusual but well-described entity. Total surgical excision is usually not feasible because of the diffuse spread of extramedullary hematopoietic tissue and the possibility of recurrence, but acute neurological impairment does require emergency surgery. Extramedullary hematopoiesis is radiosensitive so radiation therapy is widely accepted as a very effective mode of therapy. Repeated blood transfusion and cytostatic agents are also recommended for treatment.We report a case of a 35-year-old man with underlying beta thalassemia intermedia who developed pain in lower back and progressive paresthesia and weakness of both lower limbs due to multifocal extramedullary epidural hematopoietic tissue occurring within the spinal canal with compression over the cord. Nepalese Journal of Radiology; Vol. 2; Issue 2; July-Dec. 2012; 81-85 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i2.7692
Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head: A Case Report with Emphasis on Imaging Findings
Authors: Ansari S , Dhungel K , Ahmad K , Gupta MK , Amanullah MF , Rauniyar RK
Published: March 2013

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head is a disease caused by reduced blood supply to the subchondral bone leading to destruction of the hip joint. Most common sites are femoral and humeral head. Initially, patients are asymptomatic, but, in time, AVN leads to joint destruction, requiring surgical treatment and, in later stages, total hip replacement. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been proved to be a highly accurate method both for early diagnosis and for staging of the disease. We present a case of avascular necrosis of right femoral head in 28 year old male following trauma to hip. Nepalese Journal of Radiology; Vol. 2; Issue 2; July-Dec. 2012; 92-95 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njr.v2i2.7694
Registration of ‘UA103’ Cotton Cultivar
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C.
Published: March 2013

‘UA103’ (Reg. No. CV‐131, PI 664928) is a conventional open‐canopy (okra‐leaf) cultivar of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), that was released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in July 2011. The cultivar was released as part of an ongoing effort to develop improved genotypes having enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host‐plant resistance, and fiber properties. UA103 expressed earlier maturation (as indicated by the percentage of open bolls rated after first defoliation) than ‘DP 393’, which is considered a short‐season cultivar. When evaluated over years and locations, lint yields of UA103 were equal to those of DP 393, but lint yields of UA103 were lower than DP 393 at Keiser and Marianna. The lower yields at Keiser may be related to the very early maturity of UA103. Lint yields of UA103 were the result of greater lint per seed but fewer seed per area. Lint yields of UA103 in tests outside of Arkansas were highly variable, which may be related to its maturity. UA103 displays high resistance to bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. malvacearum (Smith) Dye] but is more sensitive than DP 393 to tarnished plant bug [Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)]. UA103 exhibited longer fibers and lower micronaire than DP 393. These fiber qualities are positively correlated with better spinning performance. UA103 displays a specific combination of high yield ability in certain environments, very early maturity, high fiber quality, and host‐plant resistance traits.
‘Snowstorm’, a New Forage Kochia Cultivar with Improved Stature, Productivity, and Nutritional Content for Enhanced Fall and Winter Grazing
Authors: Waldron Blair L. , Larson Steven R. , Peel Michael D. , Jensen Kevin B. , Mukimov Tolib C. , Rabbimov Abdulla , ZoBell Dale R. , Wang Richard C. , Smith Rob C. , Deane Harrison R. , Davenport Burke W.
Published: March 2013

‘Snowstorm’ (Reg. No. CV‐8, PI 666938) forage kochia [Bassia prostrata (L.) A.J. Scott; syn. Kochia prostrata (L.) Schrad.] was released on 22 Mar. 2012 by the USDA‐ARS and the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station. Snowstorm was evaluated as OTVSEL and Otavny‐select and was developed as a synthetic cultivar using two cycles of recurrent selection for stature, forage production, and adaptation to semiarid environments. Snowstorm was compared with the standard forage kochia cultivar, Immigrant, and other ARS experimental forage kochia populations. Research has shown that Immigrant can increase rangeland productivity three‐ to sixfold and provides critical protein (>70 g kg−1) during the fall and winter for livestock and wildlife; however, Immigrant is easily covered by snow because of its short stature. In field comparisons with Immigrant, Snowstorm was similar to Immigrant in establishment and adaptation on semiarid rangelands but was 64% taller (77 versus 47 cm), produced 68% more forage (2526 versus 1504 kg ha−1), and had a 22% higher protein content (79 versus 65 g kg−1) and 4% higher digestibility (674 versus 648 g kg−1) (P ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, DNA fingerprinting showed that Snowstorm, Immigrant, and experimental populations were genetically unique and distinct from each other. Snowstorm is named for its ability to extend the grazing season into the fall and winter and because it provides ranchers and land managers a new, taller, more productive, more nutritious forage kochia cultivar capable of increasing carrying capacity and nutritional content of fall and winter grazinglands, including locations where snow cover had limited forage kochia use in the past.
Registration of ‘Tiger’ Wheat
Authors: Martin Terry J. , Zhang Guorong , Fritz Allan K. , Miller Rebecca , Chen Ming-Shun
Published: March 2013

‘Tiger’ (Reg. No. CV‐1085, PI 661995) hard white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed at the Agricultural Research Center–Hays, Kansas State University and released by the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station in 2010. Tiger was selected from a three‐way cross, KS98H245/‘Trego’//KS98HW518, made in 1999 at Hays, KS. The objective of this cross was to develop a hard white winter wheat cultivar with the adaptation to the dryland production system in western Kansas. Tiger is an F6–derived line with the experimental number KS05HW136‐3‐1. Tiger was released because of its high grain‐yield potential under unirrigated conditions in western Kansas, its good disease and insect resistance, and its superior bread‐baking and noodle qualities.
Registration of F1025, F1026, and F1027 Sugarbeet Genetic Stocks with Low Concentrations of Sodium, Potassium, or Amino Nitrogen
Authors: Campbell Larry G. , Fugate Karen K.
Published: March 2013

F1025 (Reg. No. GS‐9, PI 665408), F1026 (Reg. No. GS‐10, PI 665409), and F1027 (Reg. No. GS‐11, PI 665410) sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) genetic stocks, which were selected for low concentrations of sodium, potassium, and amino nitrogen, respectively, in the roots, were released by the USDA‐ARS and the North Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station, North Dakota State University, Fargo, on 29 Aug. 2011. Sodium, potassium, and amino nitrogen are naturally occurring constituents of sugarbeet roots that prevent processors from extracting a portion of the sucrose in the root. F1025, F1026, and F1027 were selected from a common parental population formed by crossing a cytoplasmic male‐sterile monogerm breeding line with plants from a heterogeneous multigerm population that included some B. maritima L. in its parentage. The 8‐yr average sodium concentration of F1025 was 57% of the average sodium concentration of the parental population; the average potassium concentration of F1026 was 73% of the potassium concentration of the parental population; and the amino nitrogen concentration of F1027 was 76% of the parental population. Compared with the parental population, the sodium concentration rose 11% and the potassium concentration fell 6% in conjunction with the reduced amino nitrogen concentration of F1027. Selection for low sodium or potassium concentrations did not affect the other two impurity components. The average sucrose concentration of F1025 exceeded that of the parental population by 4 g kg−1. Selecting for low potassium or amino nitrogen concentration had no affect on sucrose concentration.
Editorial Vol.24-25
Authors: Bhuyan MD Aminul Haque
Published: March 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14031 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.3
Changing Patterns in Lifestyle, Food Intake and Health Status between Selected Beneficiary People and Non-beneficiary People of Urban Slum in Dhaka City
Authors: Islam MS , Kurshed AAM , Azad TMA , Bhuyan MAH
Published: March 2013

To see the improvement in lifestyle, food intake and nutritional status of Beneficiary people of Shiree Project under Dushtha Shasthya Kendra, a comparative cross sectional study was done in Kamrangirchar slum among extreme poor people of Dhaka city and compared with nonbeneficiary households. Beneficiary households of MDG-1 under Shiree Project got household economic intervention packages. In this stuy it is found that mean monthly income of the family was 6175.65 Tk in beneficiary group and 4288.14 Tk in non-beneficiary group. The mean monthly expenditure on food items of family was 3787.83 Tk in beneficiary group and 2796.61 Tk in non-beneficiary group. About 34 percent beneficiary households and 75 percent of all non-beneficiary households were poor having households monthly income less than 3000 taka. Some 15.7 percent beneficiary households had five amenities out of selected six and only 1.7 percent non-beneficiary households had five amenities. So, socio-economic condition of beneficiary extreme poor people has improved. Consumption of food items was significantly more in beneficiary households than non-beneficiary ones. Some 74 percent beneficiary households consumed four or more food items daily and 26 percent non-beneficiary households consumed four or more food items daily. On average 3.37 food items were consumed by beneficiary households and 2.49 food items by non-beneficiary households daily. More than 60% of the beneficiary people ate full stomach meals and less than 25 % of non-beneficiary people could afford to eat the same. So, beneficiary people were more food secure and more food diversified than non-beneficiary people. Nutritional status of the children by MUAC, Weight for Age Z-score, and Height for Age Z-score showed no significant difference between beneficiary and non-beneficiary group. Prevalence rate of underweight (Weight for Age Z-score) was 60.5% in beneficiary children and 65.9% in non-beneficiary children. Significant difference (P=0.044) was found by Weight for Height Z-score in both beneficiary and non-beneficiary group. The difference of mothers nutritional status by BMI between beneficiary group and non-beneficiary group was not statistically significant, though percentage of CED was lower and overweight was higher in beneficiary mothers than non-beneficiary ones. Though socio-economic status, food security and food intake were better in beneficiary people than non-beneficiary ones, the outcome of these factors were not significant in clinical and anthropometric status. Beneficiary households were on the way to meet first target of MGD-1 which is related to poverty reduction. But they were far away from reaching the second target and halving prevalence of underweight as described in MDG-1. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14033 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.15-22
Nutritional Status and Food Security of Farm Households under Different Land Use Patterns in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman KMM , Islam MS
Published: March 2013

This study was aimed at estimating the impacts of changing land use patterns on food security for the farm households in Bangladesh. It was based on primary data collected from 730 households of different farm categories with direct interview method, which covered 14 existing most important land use patterns. The study revealed that households of alternate shrimp (bagda) and rice farming consumed the highest amounts of food followed by year round shrimp (bagda) farming whereas the highest per capita calorie intake was observed in households of alternate rice and wheat production. But households of year round shrimp (bagda) farming generated the highest amount of income followed by households of alternate shrimp (bagda) and rice farming, year round banana production and year round floriculture, respectively. But there were no systematic and regular patterns of relationships among income, food, protein and calorie intakes in different land use patterns. Large households consumed the highest amount of food and protein followed by medium, small and marginal households, respectively. All the land use patterns were found to increase major food security indicators and reduced poverty. All the 14 land use patterns should be made sustainable to the farmers by properly addressing environmental factors and by easing access of farmers to inputs and outputs markets by the government. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14036 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.49-64
Effects of Socio-economic, Demographic and Internet Exposure Factors on School Performance among Selected Students of Nilkhet High School
Authors: Mafiz Abdullah Ibn , Ismail Illa , Bhuyan MAH
Published: March 2013

A cross sectional study was carried out to investigate the effects of socio-economic, demographic and internet exposure factors on school performance among 10 grade students of Nilkhet High School. All of the eighty seven students were selected for this study. In this study school performance was measured by class roll number. The lower the class roll number the better the school performance. During Chi-square test grade (A+, A, A-, B, C, D) achieved in the class 9 final examination was taken as dependent variable. An upper grade indicates better school performance than lower grade. Class roll number were highly negatively correlated with the factors-actual income of the family, actual monthly tuition cost, number of rooms in the house, number of earning persons in the family, and this correlation was significant (p<0.01) at 1% level of significance. Chi-square test was used to check for association between the category of these factors and the school performance measured by grade. Chi-square test also found highly significant. In Chi-square test some of the other factors namely highest education of mothers (p<0.05), highest education of fathers (p<0.05), occupation of fathers (p<0.01), and occupation of mothers (p<0.05) were significant. Maximum 80.7% change in school performance was found when we studied the aggregate effects of fourteen factors. The school performance measured by grade of the students was significantly related with the work on internet and number of friends in Facebook because the Chi-square test shows the P-value<0.01. Maximum 43.5 % changes occurred in school performance when number of friends in Facebook was significant at 1% level of significance and both work on internet and Facebook account were significant at 10% level of significance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjnut.v24i0.14041 Bangladesh J. Nutr. Vol. 24-25 Dec 2011-2012 pp.107-120
Biomimetic Catalysts for Oxidation of Veratryl Alcohol, a Lignin Model Compound
Authors: González-Riopedre Gustavo , Fernández-García María , Gómez-Fórneas Esther , Maneiro Marcelino
Published: March 2013

Kraft pulp has to be bleached to eliminate the chromophoric structures, which cause a darkening of the pulp. In Nature, an equivalent role is assumed by ligninolytic enzymes such as lignin peroxidases, manganese peroxidases and laccases. The development of low molecular weight manganese peroxidase mimics may achieve environmentally-safe bleaching catalysts for the industry. Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of six manganese(III) complexes 1–6, incorporating dianionic hexadentate Schiff base ligands (H2L1-H2L4) and different anions. Complex 4, Mn2L22(H2O)2(DCA)2 was crystallographically characterized. Complexes 1–4 behave as more efficient mimics of peroxidase in contrast to 5–6. We have studied the use of these complexes as catalysts for the degradation of the lignin model compound veratryl alcohol. The biomimetic catalysts were used in conjunction with chlorine-free inexpensive co-oxidants as dioxygen or hydrogen peroxide. Yields up to 30% of veratryl alcohol conversion to veratraldehyde have been achieved at room temperature in presence of air flow using 0.5% of catalyst.
Inactivation of E. Coli in Water Using Photocatalytic, Nanostructured Films Synthesized by Aerosol Routes
Authors: Park Jinho , Kettleson Eric , An Woo-Jin , Tang Yinjie , Biswas Pratim
Published: March 2013

TiO2 nanostructured films were synthesized by an aerosol chemical vapor deposition (ACVD) method with different controlled morphologies: columnar, granular, and branched structures for the photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli (E. coli) in water. Effects of film morphology and external applied voltage on inactivation rate were investigated. As-prepared films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffractometry (XRD), and UV-VIS. Photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical inactivation of E. coli using as-prepared TiO2 films were performed under irradiation of UVA light (note: UVA has a low efficiency to inactivate E. coli). Inactivation rate constants for each case were obtained from their respective inactivation curve through a 2 h incubation period. Photocatalytic inactivation rate constants of E. coli are 0.02/min (using columnar films), and 0.08/min (using branched films). The inactivation rate constant for the columnar film was enhanced by 330% by applied voltage on the film while that for the branched film was increased only by 30%. Photocatalytic microbial inactivation rate of the columnar and the branched films were also compared taking into account their different surface areas. Since the majority of the UV radiation that reaches the Earth’s surface is UVA, this study provides an opportunity to use sunlight to efficiently decontaminate drinking water.
Balancing Fiscal, Energy, and Environmental Concerns: Analyzing the Policy Options for California’s Energy and Economic Future
Authors: Considine Timothy , Manderson Edward
Published: March 2013

This study estimates the fiscal, energy, and environmental tradeoffs involved in supplying California’s future energy needs. An integrated framework is developed whereby an econometric forecasting system of California energy demand is coupled with engineering-economic models of energy supply, and economic impacts are estimated using input-output models of the California economy. A baseline scenario in which California relies on imported electricity to meet future demand is then compared against various energy supply development scenarios over the forecast horizon (2012–2035). The results indicate that if California implements its renewable portfolio standard (RPS), there will be a substantial net cost in terms of value added, employment, and state tax revenues because the economic benefits of building capacity are outweighed by higher energy prices. Although carbon emissions fall, the cost per ton of avoided emissions is well above market prices. Building out natural gas fired generation capacity also leads to losses compared to the baseline, although the impacts are relatively minor. Meanwhile, a strategy of replacing imported crude oil and natural gas with domestic production using indigenous resources increases gross state product, employment, and tax revenues, with minimal impact on carbon emissions. This option could, therefore, help mitigate the costs of California meeting its RPS commitment.
Performance Analysis of a District Heating System
Authors: Ljubenko Andrej , Poredoš Alojz , Morosuk Tatiana , Tsatsaronis George
Published: March 2013

Lowering the exergy content of heat required for heating purposes decreases the primary energy consumption. District heating systems are often an important link between facilities that generate heat with low exergy content and consumers. Exergetic efficiency of heat distribution is an important performance criterion in heat supply to consumers. It can serve as a criterion for optimization, towards a more sustainable distribution-network design and operation. This paper presents a methodology for an exergy-based distribution-network analysis in a district heating system. Criteria for performance evaluations are defined. They can be used to evaluate heat supply to different points in the network, or individual system components. A case study is performed on an existing district heating system. Energetic and exergetic efficiencies of supply lines are analyzed. Exergy destructions and exergy losses are studied. Large differences in efficiency of heat supply to different points in the network are discovered. Over-dimensioned parameters of the distribution network are investigated.
Harmonic Current Predictors for Wind Turbines
Authors: Teng Jen-Hao , Leou Rong-Ceng , Chang Chuo-Yean , Chan Shun-Yu
Published: March 2013

The harmonic impact caused by wind turbines should be carefully investigated before wind turbines are interconnected. However, the harmonic currents of wind turbines are not easily predicted due to the variations of wind speed. If the harmonic current outputs can be predicted accurately, the harmonic impact of wind turbines and wind farms for power grids can be analyzed efficiently. Therefore, this paper analyzes the harmonic current characteristics of wind turbines and investigates the feasibility of developing harmonic current predictors. Field measurement, data sorting, and analysis are conducted for wind turbines. Two harmonic current predictors are proposed based on the measured harmonic data. One is the Auto-Regressive and Moving Average (ARMA)-based harmonic current predictor, which can be used for real-time prediction. The other is the stochastic harmonic current predictor considering the probability density distributions of harmonic currents. It uses the measured harmonic data to establish the probability density distributions of harmonic currents at different wind speeds, and then uses them to implement a long-term harmonic current prediction. Test results use the measured data to validate the forecast ability of these two harmonic current predictors. The ARMA-based predictor obtains poor performance on some harmonic orders due to the stochastic characteristics of harmonic current caused by the variations of wind speed. Relatively, the prediction results of stochastic harmonic current predictor show that the harmonic currents of a wind turbine in long-term operation can be effectively analyzed by the established probability density distributions. Therefore, the proposed stochastic harmonic current predictor is helpful in predicting and analyzing the possible harmonic problems during the operation of wind turbines and wind farms.
Differential Effects of MicroRNAs on Glioblastoma Growth and Migration
Authors: Jeansonne Duane , Pacifici Marco , Lassak Adam , Reiss Krzysztof , Russo Giuseppe , Zabaleta Jovanny , Peruzzi Francesca
Published: March 2013

Glioblastoma multiforme is characterized by rapid proliferation, aggressive metastatic potential, and resistance to radio- and chemotherapy. The matricellular protein CYR61 regulates cellular proliferation and migration and is highly expressed in Glioblastomas. MicroRNAs are 22-nucleotides long RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. Here, we utilized the LN229 glioblastoma cell line and found that CYR61 is a target of miR-136, miR-155, and miR-634. Over-expression of miR-136 and miR-634 miRNAs negatively affected proliferation, but not migration, while expression of miR-155 reduced migration but did not affect the proliferation of LN229 cells. Investigation of the molecular mechanisms affected by expression of miR-634 revealed an increased phosphorylation of p70S6 kinase, suggesting an induction of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 pathway. Additionally, in miR-634 overexpressing cells, TSC2, a negative regulator of mTOR signaling, was found to be decreased. Altogether, our study provides insights on the differential roles of miRs-136, -155, and -634 in regulating glioblastoma cell growth and migration, and how microRNAs could be manipulated to decrease the aggressiveness and metastatic potential of tumor cells.
Correlates of Unsupervised Bathing of Infants: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Van Beelen Mirjam , Van Beeck Eduard , Den Hertog Paul , Beirens Tinneke , Raat Hein
Published: March 2013

Drowning represents the third leading cause of fatal unintentional injury in infants (0–1 years). The aim of this study is to investigate correlates of unsupervised bathing. This cross-sectional study included 1,410 parents with an infant. Parents completed a questionnaire regarding supervision during bathing, socio-demographic factors, and Protection Motivation Theory-constructs. To determine correlates of parents who leave their infant unsupervised, logistic regression analyses were performed. Of the parents, 6.2% left their child unsupervised in the bathtub. Parents with older children (OR 1.24; 95%CI 1.00–1.54) were more likely to leave their child unsupervised in the bathtub. First-time parents (OR 0.59; 95%CI 0.36–0.97) and non-Western migrant fathers (OR 0.18; 95%CI 0.05–0.63) were less likely to leave their child unsupervised in the bathtub. Furthermore, parents who perceived higher self-efficacy (OR 0.57; 95%CI 0.47–0.69), higher response efficacy (OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.24–0.48), and higher severity (OR 0.74; 95%CI 0.58–0.93) were less likely to leave their child unsupervised. Since young children are at great risk of drowning if supervision is absent, effective strategies for drowning prevention should be developed and evaluated. In the meantime, health care professionals should inform parents with regard to the importance of supervision during bathing.
Potential Impact of Climate Changes on the Inundation Risk Levels in a Dam Break Scenario
Authors: Yerramilli Sudha
Published: March 2013

The overall objective of the study is to generate information for an enhanced land use planning with respect to flood hazards. The study assesses the potential impact of climate change by simulating a dam break scenario in a high intensity rainfall event and evaluates the vulnerability risk in the downstream region by integrating ArcGIS and Hydrologic Engineering Centers River Analysis System (HEC-RAS) technologies. In the past century, the evidence of climate changes are observed in terms of increase in high intensity rainfall events. These events are of high concern, as increased inflow rates may increase the probability of a dam failure, leading to higher magnitude flooding events involving multiple consequences. The 100 year historical rainfall data for the central Mississippi region reveals an increased trend in the intensity of rainfall rates after the 1970s. With more than 10% of high hazard dams in the central region, the damage can be far accumulative. The study determines occurrence of the high intensity rainfall event in the past 100 years for central Mississippi and simulates a Ross Barnett Reservoir dam break scenario and evaluates the vulnerability risks due to inundation in the immediate downstream region, which happens to be the State Capital. The results indicate that the inundation due to a Ross Barnett Reservoir failure under high intensity rainfall event is comparable to a catastrophic flood event experienced by the region in 1979, which almost equals a 200-year flood magnitude. The results indicate that the extent and depth of flood waters poses a significant destructive threat to the state capital, inundating various infrastructural and transportation networks.
EGFR Expression and KRAS and BRAF Mutational Status in Intestinal-Type Sinonasal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Szablewski Vanessa , Solassol Jérôme , Poizat Flora , Larrieux Marion , Crampette Louis , Mange Alain , Bascoul-Mollevi Caroline , Costes Valérie
Published: March 2013

Accumulation of molecular alterations, including EGFR overexpression and mutations in KRAS and BRAF, contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis. Since intestinal-type adenocarcinoma (ITAC) of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus has morphologic and phenotypic features that are usually indistinguishable from colorectal cancer (CRC), it is likely that both tumor types share equivalent genetic alterations. Data from a series of 43 patients treated surgically for ITAC in Montpellier, France between November 1998 and December 2012 were collected. Tumors were characterized for mutations in KRAS and BRAF as well as EGFR overexpression. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed using overall survival as the primary end points. Patient survival was analyzed using the hazards ratio. Twenty seven tumors (63%) showed EGFR positivity and 30% exhibited a high expression level (+2/+3). KRAS mutations were detected in 43% of cases. BRAF mutations were identified in 3.6% of specimens. Patients with age superior to 60 years, metastatic status, and KRAS mutations had significant overall survival values (p = 0.026, p = 0.001 and p = 0.03, respectively). Our results indicate that KRAS mutations and EGFR expression are frequent in ITAC and that KRAS mutations predict good patient prognosis in ITAC. Finally, EGFR directed molecular treatments could be investigated in a subset of patients affected by ITAC.
Blood Translation Elongation Factor-1δ Is a Novel Marker for Cadmium Exposure
Authors: Lu Qian , Lei Yi-Xiong , He Chao-Cai , Lei Zi-Ning
Published: March 2013

Translation elongation factor-1d (TEF-1δ) has been identified as a novel cadmium-responsive proto-oncogene. However, it is still unclear whether TEF-1δ could be a potential biomarker of cadmium exposure. Rats were treated with CdCl2 at different concentrations (high dose 1.225, mid-dose 0.612 and low dose 0.306 mg/kg body weight, respectively) for 14 weeks, and the cadmium levels, weight coefficients, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (SCR), 24-h urine protein (24hPro), urinary creatinine (Cr) and pathological features were determined. The TEF-1δ expression in white blood cells and multiple organs were examined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and were also confirmed with fluorescence quantitative PCR. A cadmium dose-dependent increase (p < 0.05) of cadmium levels in blood, urine, liver, kidney, heart and lung, and the weight coefficients was observed. The liver and renal function indictors including AST, ALT, SCR, BUN and 24hPro, were elevated in a cadmium dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). Significant pathological changes in liver, kidney, heart and lung were indicated. The TEF-1δ expression was up-regulated in both blood and organs (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression level of blood TEF-1δ was positively correlated to TEF-1δ expression level, cadmium level and toxicity in the organs (p < 0.01). This study indicates that blood TEF-1δ is a novel valuable biomarker for cadmium exposure and its organ toxicity.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of Novel 10-Substituted Dihydroartemisinin Derivatives Containing N-Arylphenyl-ethenesulfonamide Groups
Authors: Liu Yajing , Liu Zijian , Shi Jiyue , Chen Huimin , Mi Bin , Li Peng , Gong Ping
Published: March 2013

The manuscript describes the synthesis of 10-substituted dihydroartemisinin derivatives containing N-aryl phenylethenesulfonamide groups and their in vitro anti-tumor activities against the HT-29, MDA-MB-231, U87MG, H460, A549 and HL-60 cancer cell lines and the normal WI-38 cell line. Most tested compounds showed enhanced cytotoxic activities and good selectivity toward the MDA-MB-231, HT-29 and HL-60 cell lines, with IC50 values in the single-digit μM range as compared with dihydroartemisinin (DHA), and all of them displayed less toxicity towards WI-38 cells. Among them, compounds 3c and 6c with trifluoromethoxy groups on the N-phenyl ring were found to be most active compounds against the six tested cancer cell lines.
New Tacrine Analogs as Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors — Theoretical Study with Chemometric Analysis
Authors: Szymański Paweł , Skibiński Robert , Inglot Tadeusz , Bajda Marek , Jończyk Jakub , Malawska Barbara , Mikiciuk-Olasik Elżbieta
Published: March 2013

Computer simulations constitute the basis of the design and discovery of new drugs. This approach is not only significant with regards to finding new structures, but also for selecting the molecules with the highest probability of being useful in the diagnostic process and treatment of numerous diseases. In our work, we used computational software to analyze 32 new acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors and formulate ADMET predictions. To understand the influence of the structure of our derivatives on binding mode, we docked all structures to the active site of AChE and assigned some pharmacophoric features. Finally, we undertook a chemometric analysis of all the compounds on the basis of FT-IR, which gave us the possibility of performing a fast categorization of the analyzed compounds and design compounds with similar structures.
5-Episinuleptolide Acetate, a Norcembranoidal Diterpene from the Formosan Soft Coral Sinularia sp., Induces Leukemia Cell Apoptosis through Hsp90 Inhibition
Authors: Huang Kao-Jean , Chen Yu-Cheng , El-Shazly Mohamed , Du Ying-Chi , Su Jui-Hsin , Tsao Chia-Wei , Yen Wei-Hsuan , Chang Wen-Been , Su Yin-Di , Yeh Yao-Tsung , Lu Mei-Chin
Published: March 2013

5-Episinuleptolide acetate (5EPA), a cytotoxic norcembranoidal diterpene recently identified from the Formosan soft coral Sinularia sp., exhibited potent activity against the K562, Molt 4 and HL 60 cancer cell lines. The antiproliferative assay, as well as the annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide (PI) apoptotic assay, indicated that the HL 60 cell line is the most sensitive one towards 5EPA. This diterpenoid led to caspases -3, -8, and -9 activation as well as PARP cleavage. It also induced ROS generation, calcium accumulation and disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential. Additionally, the expression levels of Hsp90 protein and several client proteins were downregulated in response to 5EPA treatment. These results suggest that 5EPA’s cytotoxic effect on HL 60 cells may be attributed to the inhibition of Hsp90 as well as the induction of mitochondrial stress which finally results in apoptotic cell death.
Simultaneous Determination of Flavonoids, Isochlorogenic Acids and Triterpenoids in Ilex hainanensis Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Diode Array and Evaporative Light Scattering Detection
Authors: Peng Bo , Qiao Chun-Feng , Zhao Jing , Huang Wei-Hua , Hu De-Jun , Liu Hua-Gang , Li Shao-Ping
Published: March 2013

A high performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-DAD-ELSD) method for simultaneous determination of eight major bioactive compounds including two flavonoids (rutin and eriodictyol-7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside), two isochlorogenic acids (isochlorogenic acid A and isochlorogenic acid C) and four triterpenoids (ilexhainanoside D, ilexsaponin A1, ilexgenin A and ursolic acid) in Ilex hainanensis has been developed for the first time. The 283 nm wavelength was chosen for determination of two flavonoids and two isochlorogenic acids. ELSD was applied to determine four triterpenoids. The analysis was performed on an Agilent Zorbax SB-C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm i.d., 5 µm) with gradient elution of 0.2% formic acid in water and acetonitrile. The method was validated for linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, precision, repeatability and accuracy. The proposed method has been successfully applied for simultaneous quantification of the analytes in four samples of Ilex hainanensis, which is helpful for quality control of this plant.
Rare Syringyl Acylated Flavonol Glycosides from the Aerial Parts of Leonurus japonicus Houtt.
Authors: Zhang Yi , Deng Shen , Qu Lu , An Ya-Ting , Wu Chun-Hua , Han Li-Feng , Gao Xiu-Mei , Wang Tao
Published: March 2013

Five new syringyl acylated flavonol glycosides, named leonurusoides A (1), B (2), C (3), D (4), and E (5), together with one known one 6 were obtained from the aerial parts of Leonurus japonicus. Their structures were elucidated by chemical and spectroscopic methods (UV, IR, HRESI-TOF-MS, 1D and 2D NMR). Compounds 1-6 showed triglyceride (TG) accumulation inhibitory effects in free fatty acid-induced HepG2 cells.
Extracts, Anthocyanins and Procyanidins from Aronia melanocarpa as Radical Scavengers and Enzyme Inhibitors
Authors: Bräunlich Marie , Slimestad Rune , Wangensteen Helle , Brede Cato , Malterud Karl , Barsett Hilde
Published: March 2013

Extracts, subfractions, isolated anthocyanins and isolated procyanidins B2, B5 and C1 from the berries and bark of Aronia melanocarpa were investigated for their antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. Four different bioassays were used, namely scavenging of the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical, inhibition of 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO), inhibition of xanthine oxidase (XO) and inhibition of α-glucosidase. Among the anthocyanins, cyanidin 3-arabinoside possessed the strongest and cyanidin 3-xyloside the weakest radical scavenging and enzyme inhibitory activity. These effects seem to be influenced by the sugar units linked to the anthocyanidin. Subfractions enriched in procyanidins were found to be potent α-glucosidase inhibitors; they possessed high radical scavenging properties, strong inhibitory activity towards 15-LO and moderate inhibitory activity towards XO. Trimeric procyanidin C1 showed higher activity in the biological assays compared to the dimeric procyanidins B2 and B5. This study suggests that different polyphenolic compounds of A. melanocarpa can have beneficial effects in reducing blood glucose levels due to inhibition of α-glucosidase and may have a potential to alleviate oxidative stress.
PiSCP1 and PiCDPK2 Localize to Peroxisomes and Are Involved in Pollen Tube Growth in Petunia Inflata
Authors: Guo Feng , Yoon Gyeong , McCubbin Andrew
Published: March 2013

Petunia inflata small CDPK-interacting protein 1 (PiSCP1) was identified as a pollen expressed PiCDPK1 interacting protein using the yeast two hybrid system and the interaction confirmed using pull-down and phosphorylation assays. PiSCP1 is pollen specific and shares amino acid homology with uncharacterized proteins from diverse species of higher plants, but no protein of known function. Expression of PiSCP1-GFP in vivo inhibited pollen tube growth and was shown to localize to peroxisomes in growing pollen tubes. As PiCDPK1 is plasma membrane localized, we investigated the localization of a second isoform, PiCDPK2, and show that it co-localizes to peroxisomes with PiSCP1 and that the two proteins interact in the yeast 2 hybrid interaction assay, suggesting that interaction with the latter CDPK isoform is likely the one of biological relevance. Both PiCDPK2 and PiSCP1 affect pollen tube growth, presumably by mediating peroxisome function, however how they do so is currently not clear.
SAD-Based Stereo Vision Machine on a System-on-Programmable-Chip (SoPC)
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Chen Zhangwei
Published: March 2013

This paper, proposes a novel solution for a stereo vision machine based on the System-on-Programmable-Chip (SoPC) architecture. The SOPC technology provides great convenience for accessing many hardware devices such as DDRII, SSRAM, Flash, etc., by IP reuse. The system hardware is implemented in a single FPGA chip involving a 32-bit Nios II microprocessor, which is a configurable soft IP core in charge of managing the image buffer and users’ configuration data. The Sum of Absolute Differences (SAD) algorithm is used for dense disparity map computation. The circuits of the algorithmic module are modeled by the Matlab-based DSP Builder. With a set of configuration interfaces, the machine can process many different sizes of stereo pair images. The maximum image size is up to 512 K pixels. This machine is designed to focus on real time stereo vision applications. The stereo vision machine offers good performance and high efficiency in real time. Considering a hardware FPGA clock of 90 MHz, 23 frames of 640 × 480 disparity maps can be obtained in one second with 5 × 5 matching window and maximum 64 disparity pixels.
High Temperature Optical Fiber Sensor Based on Compact Fattened Long-Period Fiber Gratings
Authors: Mata-Chávez Ruth , Martínez-Rios Alejandro , Estudillo-Ayala Julián , Vargas-Rodríguez Everardo , Rojas-Laguna Roberto , Hernández-García Juan , Guzmán-Chávez Ana , Claudio-González David , Huerta-Mascotte Eduardo
Published: March 2013

A compact high temperature fiber sensor where the sensor head consists of a short fattened long period fiber grating (F-LPFG) of at least 2 mm in length and background loss of −5 dBm is reported. On purpose two different F-LPFGs were used to measure temperature variations, taking advantage of their broad spectrum and the slope characteristics of the erbium light source. This approach affected the spectrum gain as the linear band shifting took place. The measured sensitivity of the long period fiber gratings were about 72 pm/°C in a range from 25 to 500 °C. Here, the temperature rate of the experiment was 0.17 °C/s and the temperature response time was within 3 s. Moreover, temperature changes were detected with an InGaAs photodetector, where a sensitivity of 0.05 mV/°C was achieved.
A Novel Cell-Based Hybrid Acoustic Wave Biosensor with Impedimetric Sensing Capabilities
Authors: Liu Fei , Li Fang , Nordin Anis , Voiculescu Ioana
Published: March 2013

A novel multiparametric biosensor system based on living cells will be presented. The biosensor system includes two biosensing techniques on a single device: resonant frequency measurements and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). The multiparametric sensor system is based on the innovative use of the upper electrode of a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) resonator as working electrode for the ECIS technique. The QCM acoustic wave sensor consists of a thin AT-cut quartz substrate with two gold electrodes on opposite sides. For integration of the QCM with the ECIS technique a semicircular counter electrode was fabricated near the upper electrode on the same side of the quartz crystal. Bovine aortic endothelial live cells (BAECs) were successfully cultured on this hybrid biosensor. Finite element modeling of the bulk acoustic wave resonator using COMSOL simulations was performed. Simultaneous gravimetric and impedimetric measurements performed over a period of time on the same cell culture were conducted to validate the device’s sensitivity. The time necessary for the BAEC cells to attach and form a compact monolayer on the biosensor was 35~45 minutes for 1.5 × 104 cells/cm2 BAECs; 60 minutes for 2.0 × 104 cells/cm2 BAECs; 70 minutes for 3.0 × 104 cells/cm2 BAECs; and 100 minutes for 5.0 × 104 cells/cm2 BAECs. It was demonstrated that this time is the same for both gravimetric and impedimetric measurements. This hybrid biosensor will be employed in the future for water toxicity detection.
A Rank-Ordered Marginal Filter for Deinterlacing
Authors: Jeon Gwanggil , Anisetti Marco , Kang Seok
Published: March 2013

This paper proposes a new interpolation filter for deinterlacing, which is achievedby enhancing the edge preserving ability of the conventional edge-based line averagemethods. This filter consists of three steps: pre-processing step, fuzzy metric-based weightassignation step, and rank-ordered marginal filter step. The proposed method is able tointerpolate the missing lines without introducing annoying articles. Simulation results showthat the images filtered with the proposed algorithm restrain less annoying pixels than theones acquired by other methods.
Link-Quality Measurement and Reporting in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chehri Abdellah , Jeon Gwanggil , Choi Byoungjo
Published: March 2013

Wireless Sensor networks (WSNs) are created by small hardware devices that possess the necessary functionalities to measure and exchange a variety of environmental data in their deployment setting. In this paper, we discuss the experiments in deploying a testbed as a first step towards creating a fully functional heterogeneous wireless network-based underground monitoring system. The system is mainly composed of mobile and static ZigBee nodes, which are deployed on the underground mine galleries for measuring ambient temperature. In addition, we describe the measured results of link characteristics such as received signal strength, latency and throughput for different scenarios.
A Low-Power Bio-Potential Acquisition System with Flexible PDMS Dry Electrodes for Portable Ubiquitous Healthcare Applications
Authors: Chen Chih-Yuan , Chang Chia-Lin , Chang Chih-Wei , Lai Shin-Chi , Chien Tsung-Fu , Huang Hong-Yi , Chiou Jin-Chern , Luo Ching-Hsing
Published: March 2013

This work describes a bio-potential acquisition system for portable ubiquitous healthcare applications using flexible polydimethylsiloxane dry electrodes (FPDEs) and a low-power recording circuit. This novel FPDE used Au as the skin contact layer, which was made using a CO2 laser and replica method technology. The FPDE was revised from a commercial bio-potential electrode with a conductive snap using dry electrodes rather than wet electrodes that proposed reliable and robust attachment for the purpose of measurement, and attaching velcro made it wearable on the forearm for bio-potential applications. Furthermore, this study proposes a recording device to store bio-potential signal data and provides portability and low-power consumption for the proposed acquisition system. To acquire differential bio-potentials, such as electrocardiogram (ECG) signals, the proposed recording device includes a low-power front-end acquisition chip fabricated using a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) process, a commercial microcontroller (MSP430F149), and a secure digital (SD) card for portable healthcare applications. The proposed system can obtain ECG signals efficiently and are comfortable to the skin. The power consumption of the system is about 85 mW for continuous working over a 3 day period with two AA batteries. It can also be used as a compact Holter ECG system.