bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Remarkably Efficient Catalysts of Amidine Hydroiodides for the Synthesis of Cyclic Carbonates from Carbon Dioxide and Epoxides under Mild Conditions
Authors: Aoyagi Naoto , Furusho Yoshio , Endo Takeshi
Published: February 2012

Hydroiodides of amidines effectively catalyzed the reaction of CO2 and epoxides under mild conditions such as ordinary pressure and ambient temperature, and the corresponding 5-membered cyclic carbonates were obtained in moderate to high yields.
A Novel Method to Discriminate between Natural and Synthetic Fibers by Stable Carbon, Nitrogen, and Oxygen Isotope Analyses
Authors: Suzuki Yaeko , Kobe Ryo , Nakashita Rumiko
Published: February 2012

We determined stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotopic compositions (δ13C, δ15N, and δ18O) of fibers to discriminate between plant, animal, and synthetic fibers. The δ13C and δ15N values of synthetic fibers are significantly lower than animal fibers. Cashmere and alpaca have relatively lower δ18O values than other animal fibers. Moreover, there are significant differences between acrylic and cashmere (e.g., in δ15N values). These results suggest that the stable carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotope analysis would be useful in discrimination of natural and synthetic fibers.
HClO4·SiO2-mediated Improved Isomerization of Glycidic Esters to α-Hydroxy-β,γ-unsaturated Esters: Application in the Formal Synthesis of (R)-Baclofen and β-Phenyl GABA Analogues
Authors: Basak Ranjan , Dharuman Suresh , Reddy Y Suman , Doddi Venkata Ramana , Vankar Yashwant D
Published: February 2012

An efficient isomerization of glycidic esters to corresponding allylic alcohols, viz. α-hydroxy-β,γ-unsaturated esters has been brought about using HClO4·SiO2. Five of these allylic alcohols underwent selective SN2′ nucleophilic substitution to generate γ-azido-α,β-unsaturated esters which were readily converted to an antispastic drug Baclofen and four other β-phenyl GABA analogues.
Doppler spectrum analysis
Authors: Wu T. , Chen P-Y. , Chen C-H. , Wang C-L.
Published: February 2012

It is difficult to determine the safe timing of weight-bearing or reconstructive surgery in patients with Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle. In this study the Doppler spectrum of the first dorsal metatarsal artery was used to monitor the activity of the disease activity and served as a guideline for management. A total of 15 patients (seven men and eight women) with acute diabetic Charcot arthropathy of the foot and ankle were immobilised in a non-weight-bearing cast. They were followed at two-week intervals and bilateral Doppler spectra of the first dorsal metatarsal arteries were obtained using a 10 MHz linear ultrasound probe. The patients were allowed to start weight-bearing or undergo surgery after the Doppler spectrum had returned to normal pattern. The Doppler spectra in the unaffected limbs were triphasic in pattern, whereas those in limbs with active Charcot arthropathy showed monophasic forward flow. They returned to normal after a mean of 13.6 weeks (6 to 20) of immobilisation. Three patients underwent pan-talar arthrodesis to correct gross instability and deformity.

Doppler spectrum analysis of the foot may reflect the activity of the disease in patients with Charcot arthropathy, and may be used as a guide to begin weight-bearing or undergo reconstructive surgery.
Posterior lumbar interbody fusion using spinous process and laminae
Authors: Hu M. W. , Liu Z. L. , Zhou Y. , Shu Y. , L. Chen C. , Yuan X.
Published: February 2012

Posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) is indicated for many patients with pain and/or instability of the lumbar spine. We performed 36 PLIF procedures using the patient’s lumbar spinous process and laminae, which were inserted as a bone graft between two vertebral bodies without using a cage. The mean lumbar lordosis and mean disc height to vertebral body ratio were restored and preserved after surgery. There were no serious complications.

These results suggest that this procedure is safe and effective.
Multivariate Statistical Analysis of Raman Images of a Pharmaceutical Tablet
Authors: Lin Haisheng , Marjanović Ognjen , Lennox Barry , Šašić Slobodan , Clegg Ian M.
Published: February 2012

This paper describes the application of principal component analysis (PCA) and independent component analysis (ICA) to identify the reference spectra of a pharmaceutical tablet's constituent compounds from Raman spectroscopic data. The analysis shows, first with a simulated data set and then with data collected from a pharmaceutical tablet, that both PCA and ICA are able to identify most of the features present in the reference spectra of the constituent compounds. However, the results suggest that the ICA method may be more appropriate when attempting to identify unknown reference spectra from a sample. The resulting PCA and ICA models are subsequently used to estimate the relative concentrations of the constituent compounds and to produce spatial distribution images of the analyzed tablet. These images provide a visual representation of the spatial distribution of the constituent compounds throughout the tablet. Images associated with the ICA scores are found to be more informative and not as affected by measurement noise as the PCA based score images. The paper concludes with a discussion of the future work that needs to be undertaken for ICA to gain wider acceptance in the applied spectroscopy community.
Estimating Probabilistic Confidence for Mixture Components Identified Using a Spectral Search Algorithm
Authors: Vignesh Thirukazhukundram , Shanmukh Sarat , Yarra Malathi , Botonjic-Sehic Edita , Grassi James , Boudries Hacene , Dasaratha Sridhar
Published: February 2012

Providing a confidence measure associated with the substance(s) identified in an unknown mixture by a spectral search technique is critical for non-expert users of devices and techniques based on spectroscopy. In this work, a technique for estimating probabilities associated with substances identified by spectral searching is described. In the proposed approach, a mixture analysis algorithm processes the spectrum of an unknown sample using a spectral library to generate a list of substances that may be present in the sample. The partial correlation of each of the substances in the list is then computed. The estimation of the probability is accomplished through a generalized linear model that converts the partial correlation values to a probability measure for each of the mixture components. The statistical properties of partial correlation allow probability estimation irrespective of whether a substance is present in a pure form or within a mixture. The technique was evaluated using both simulated and real Raman spectra of multi-component mixtures, and adequate performance was demonstrated.
Phosphorylation Detection and Characterization in Ribonucleotides Using Raman and Raman Optical Activity(ROA) Spectroscopies
Authors: Ostovarpour Saeideh , Blanch Ewan W.
Published: February 2012

Raman and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectra are presented for adenosine and seven of its derivative ribonucleotides. Both of these spectroscopic techniques are shown to be sensitive to the site and degree of phosphorylation, with a considerable number of marker bands being identified for these ribonucleotides. ROA spectra are shown to provide the most sensitive diagnostic tool for phosphorylation characterization and quantification.
Quantum Cascade Laser-Based Measurement of Metal Alkylamide Density during Atomic Layer Deposition
Authors: Maslar James E. , Kimes William A. , Sperling Brent A.
Published: February 2012

An in situ gas-phase diagnostic for the metal alkylamide compound tetrakis(ethylmethylamido) hafnium (TEMAH), Hf[N(C2H5)(CH3)]4, was demonstrated. This diagnostic is based on direct absorption measurement of TEMAH vapor using an external cavity quantum cascade laser emitting at 979 cm−1, coinciding with the most intense TEMAH absorption in the mid-infrared spectral region, and employing 50 kHz amplitude modulation with synchronous detection. Measurements were performed in a single-pass configuration in a research-grade atomic layer deposition (ALD) chamber. To examine the detection limit of this technique for use as a TEMAH delivery monitor, this technique was demonstrated in the absence of any other deposition reactants or products, and to examine the selectivity of this technique in the presence of deposition products that potentially interfere with detection of TEMAH vapor, it was demonstrated during ALD of hafnium oxide using TEMAH and water. This technique successfully detected TEMAH at molecular densities present during simulated industrial ALD conditions. During hafnium oxide ALD using TEMAH and water, absorbance from gas-phase reaction products did not interfere with TEMAH measurements while absorption by reaction products deposited on the optical windows did interfere, although interfering absorption by deposited reaction products corresponded to only ≈4% of the total derived TEMAH density. With short measurement times and appropriate signal averaging, estimated TEMAH minimum detectable densities as low as ≈2 × 1012 molecules/cm3 could be obtained. While this technique was demonstrated specifically for TEMAH delivery and hafnium oxide ALD using TEMAH and water, it should be readily applicable to other metal alkylamide compounds and associated metal oxide and nitride deposition chemistries, assuming similar metal alkylamide molar absorptivity and molecular density in the measurement chamber.
Radiohead and the Media Fallout of OK Computer
Authors: ROSE PHIL
Published: February 2012

This article explores the response of the British rock group Radiohead to the almost fatal creative paralysis that resulted from the enormous success and critical attention generated by their 1997 landmark recording Ok Computer. This adaptive response consisted of a vast effort to recreate
and reidentify themselves, by way of a reconfiguration of both their artistic and commercial technological extensions, in an existential struggle to maintain an ongoing sense of authenticity.
One Pot Synthesis of Multifunctional Aramid Aerogels
Authors: Chidambareswarapattar Chakkaravarthy , Mohite Dhairyashil P. , Larimore Zachary J. , Lu Hongbing , Sotiriou-Leventis Chariklia , Leventis Nicholas
Published: February 2012

Aerogels are quasi-stable, low-density, three-dimensional assemblies of nanoparticles, but they are commonly associated with poor mechanical properties. The most successful efforts to improve their mechanical properties involve cross-linking of the skeletal nanoparticles with polymers. However, post gelation cross-linking is time-consuming. Hence, it is reasonable to seek robust all-polymer aerogels among polymers known for their high mechanical strength. As a result, here we report the facile one-pot synthesis of a new class of Kevlar-like aerogels based on the rather underutilized reaction of multifunctional isocyanates and carboxylic acids. The resulting materials are up to 84% v/v porous with surface areas as high as 380 m2 g-1. The ultimate compressive strength per unit density is within 10% equal to that of Kevlar 49. The high specific energy absorption (37 J g-1) and Styrofoam-like thermal conductivity (0.028 W m-1 K-1) combined with thermal stability up to 350 °C render aramid aerogels multifunctional materials suitable for defense, civil and transportation related applications. Upon pyrolysis at 800 °C they can be converted to 80% (v/v) porous, electrically conducting carbons with surface areas as high as 474 m2 g-1.
Roast Experiment Research of Vanadium Stone Coal
Authors: LIU Tao , ZHANG Yimin , HUANG Jing , CHEN Tiejun , BAO Shenxu , FU Lipan
Published: February 2012

A roast experiment was carried out by using vanadium stone coal from Hubei Province as object, in the condition of compound additive dosage is 6%, the effects of roasting temperature, roasting time and material size on vanadium lixiviate efficiency were investigated. Experimental results indicate that, for the vanadium stone coal from Hubei Province, at the condition of additive dosage is 6%, the ideal target of vanadium lixiviate efficiency 82.3% can be acquired in the optimum condition of roasting temperature at 850 oC, roasting time is 120 minutes, material size is minus 0.5mm.
Spark Plasma Sintering of Fuel Cermets for Nuclear Reactor Applications
Authors: Zhong Yang , O’Brien Robert C. , Howe Steven D. , Jerred Nathan D. , Schwinn Kristopher , Sudderth Laura , Hundley Joshua
Published: February 2012

The feasibility of the fabrication of tungsten based nuclear fuel cermets via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) is investigated in this work. CeO2 is used to simulate fuel loadings of UO2 or Mixed-Oxide (MOX) fuels within tungsten-based cermets due to the similar properties of these materials. This study shows that after a short time sintering, greater than 90 % density can be achieved, which is suitable to possess good strength as well as the ability to contain fission products. The mechanical properties and the densities of the samples are also investigated as functions of the applied pressures during the sintering.
Calix[8]arene Functionalized Polyglycerol Nanogels for Encapsulation and Stabilization of Fluorescent Dyes
Authors: Steinhilber Dirk , Paulus Florian , Zill Andrew T. , Zimmerman Steven C. , Haag Rainer
Published: February 2012

In this paper we report on the preparation of calix[8]arene functionalized polyglycerol nanogels by miniemulsion polymerization. The gel macromonomers were prepared by anionic ring-opening multibranching polymerization of glycidol using calix[8]arene as initiator. 1,1′,3,3,3′,3′-hexamethyl-2,2′-indotricarbocyanine iodide (HITC) red fluorescent dye was used as a guest molecule. Photobleaching upon strong laser illumination was significantly reduced when the dye was encapsulated inside the nanogel.
Demographic stochasticity reduces the synchronizing effect of dispersal in predator–prey metapopulations
Authors: Simonis Juniper L.
Published: February 2012

Dispersal may affect predator–prey metapopulations by rescuing local sink populations from extinction or by synchronizing population dynamics across the metapopulation, increasing the risk of regional extinction. Dispersal is likely influenced by demographic stochasticity, however, particularly because dispersal rates are often very low in metapopulations. Yet the effects of demographic stochasticity on predator–prey metapopulations are not well known. To that end, I constructed three models of a two‐patch predator–prey system. The models constitute a hierarchy of complexity, allowing direct comparisons. Two models included demographic stochasticity (pure jump process [PJP] and stochastic differential equations [SDE]), and the third was deterministic (ordinary differential equations [ODE]). One stochastic model (PJP) treated population sizes as discrete, while the other (SDE) allowed population sizes to change continuously. Both stochastic models only produced synchronized predator–prey dynamics when dispersal was high for both trophic levels. Frequent dispersal by only predators or prey in the PJP and SDE spatially decoupled the trophic interaction, reducing synchrony of the non‐dispersive species. Conversely, the ODE generated synchronized predator–prey dynamics across all dispersal rates, except when initial conditions produced anti‐phase transients. These results indicate that demographic stochasticity strongly reduces the synchronizing effect of dispersal, which is ironic because demographic stochasticity is often invoked post hoc as a driver of extinctions in synchronized metapopulations.
Inversion of plant dominance–diversity relationships along a latitudinal stress gradient
Authors: Richardson Paul J. , MacDougall Andrew S. , Stanley Amanda G. , Kaye Thomas N. , Dunwiddie Peter W.
Published: February 2012

Species interactions affect plant diversity through the net effects of competition and facilitation, with the latter more prevalent in physically stressful environments when plant cover ameliorates abiotic stress. One explanation for species loss in invader‐dominated systems is a shift in the competition–facilitation balance, with competition intensifying in areas formerly structured by facilitation. We test this possibility with a 10‐site prairie meta‐experiment along a 500‐km latitudinal stress gradient, quantifying the relationships among abiotic stress, exotic dominance, and native plant recruitment over five years. The latitudinal gradient is inversely correlated with abiotic stress, with lower latitudes more moisture‐ and nutrient‐limited. We observed strong negative effects by invasive dominant grasses on plant establishment, but only in northern sites with lower‐stress environments. At these locations, disturbance was critical for recruitment by reducing the suppressive dominant (invasive) canopy. In more stressful environments to the south, the impacts of the dominant invaders on plant establishment became facilitative, and diversity was more limited by seed availability. Disturbance prevented recruitment because seedling survival depended on a protective plant canopy, presumably because the canopy reduced temperature or moisture stress. Seed limitation was similarly prevalent in all sites. Our work confirms the importance of facilitation as an organizing process for plants in higher‐stress environments, even with transformations of species composition and dominance. It also demonstrates that the mechanisms regulating diversity, including invader impacts, can vary within the same plant community depending on environmental context. Because limits on native plant recruitment are environmentally contingent, management strategies that seek to increase diversity, including invader eradication, must account for site‐level variations in the balance between biotic and abiotic constraints.
Landscape‐level influences of terrestrial snake occupancy within the southeastern United States
Authors: Steen David A. , McClure Christopher J. W. , Brock Jean C. , Rudolph D. Craig , Pierce Josh B. , Lee James R. , Humphries W. Jeffrey , Gregory Beau B. , Sutton William B. , Smith Lora L. , Baxley Danna L. , Stevenson Dirk J. , Guyer Craig
Published: February 2012

Habitat loss and degradation are thought to be the primary drivers of species extirpations, but for many species we have little information regarding specific habitats that influence occupancy. Snakes are of conservation concern throughout North America, but effective management and conservation are hindered by a lack of basic natural history information and the small number of large‐scale studies designed to assess general population trends. To address this information gap, we compiled detection/nondetection data for 13 large terrestrial species from 449 traps located across the southeastern United States, and we characterized the land cover surrounding each trap at multiple spatial scales (250‐, 500‐, and 1000‐m buffers). We used occupancy modeling, while accounting for heterogeneity in detection probability, to identify habitat variables that were influential in determining the presence of a particular species. We evaluated 12 competing models for each species, representing various hypotheses pertaining to important habitat features for terrestrial snakes. Overall, considerable interspecific variation existed in important habitat variables and relevant spatial scales. For example, kingsnakes (Lampropeltis getula) were negatively associated with evergreen forests, whereas Louisiana pinesnake (Pituophis ruthveni) occupancy increased with increasing coverage of this forest type. Some species were positively associated with grassland and scrub/shrub (e.g., Slowinski's cornsnake,Elaphe slowinskii) whereas others, (e.g., copperhead,Agkistrodon contortrix, and eastern diamond‐backed rattlesnake,Crotalus adamanteus) were positively associated with forested habitats. Although the species that we studied may persist in varied landscapes other than those we identified as important, our data were collected in relatively undeveloped areas. Thus, our findings may be relevant when generating conservation plans or restoration goals. Maintaining or restoring landscapes that are most consistent with the ancestral habitat preferences of terrestrial snake assemblages will require a diverse habitat matrix over large spatial scales.
Carbon dynamics of forests in Washington, USA: 21st century projections based on climate‐driven changes in fire regimes
Authors: Raymond Crystal L. , McKenzie Donald
Published: February 2012

During the 21st century, climate‐driven changes in fire regimes will be a key agent of change in forests of the U.S. Pacific Northwest (PNW). Understanding the response of forest carbon (C) dynamics to increases in fire will help quantify limits on the contribution of forest C storage to climate change mitigation and prioritize forest types for monitoring C storage and fire management to minimize C loss. In this study, we used projections of 21st century area burned to explore the consequences of changes in fire regimes on C dynamics in forests of Washington State. We used a novel empirical approach that takes advantage of chronosequences of C pools and fluxes and statistical properties of fire regimes to explore the effects of shifting age class distributions on C dynamics. Forests of the western Cascades are projected to be more sensitive to climate‐driven increases in fire, and thus projected changes in C dynamics, than forests of the eastern Cascades. In the western Cascades, mean live biomass C is projected to decrease by 24–37%, and coarse woody debris (CWD) biomass C by 15–25% for the 2040s. Loss of live biomass C is projected to be lower for forests of the eastern Cascades and Okanogan Highlands (17–26%), and CWD biomass is projected to increase. Landscape mean net primary productivity is projected to increase in wet low‐elevation forests of the western Cascades, but decrease elsewhere. These forests, and moist forests of the Okanogan Highlands, are projected to have the greatest percentage increases in consumption of live biomass. Percentage increases in consumption of CWD biomass are greater than 50% for all regions and up to four times greater than increases in consumption of live biomass. Carbon sequestration in PNW forests will be highly sensitive to increases in fire, suggesting a cautious approach to managing these forests for C sequestration to mitigate anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
Birthing Positions During Second Stage of Labor and Long-Term Psychological Outcomes in Low-Risk Women
Authors: de Jonge Ank , Rijnders Marlies , van Diem Mariet Th. , Scheepers Peer L. H. , Lagro-Janssen Antoine L. M.
Published: February 2012

PURPOSE: To examine the long-term influence of birthing positions during the second stage of labor, as well as other factors, on birth satisfaction, self-esteem (based on the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale [RSE]) and emotional well-being (based on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale [EPDS]).

STUDY DESIGN: Three to four years after delivery, a postal questionnaire was sent to all 3,200 women who received care in eight midwifery care practices from all over the country in 2001. Of those who responded (44%), we included 591 low-risk women in the study who were in midwife-led care at the time of birth.

MAJOR FINDINGS: Birthing positions were not related to childbirth satisfaction, self-esteem, or emotional well-being. Age between 26 and 35 years was associated with being very satisfied and with enhanced emotional well-being. Pain, fear for own or baby’s life, and negative experience with the midwife were associated with reduced satisfaction. Only age between 26 and 35 years and higher education were related to higher self-esteem.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Concern about long-term psychological outcomes is not a reason to recommend either supine or nonsupine positions. Women should use positions that are most comfortable. Further research should clarify whether having a choice in the use of birthing positions rather than the type of position influences psychological outcomes.
Effect of low temperature thermochemical pretreatment on sludge reduction potential of membrane bioreactor treating primary treated dairy wastewater
Authors: Banu J. Rajesh , Kaliappan S. , Kumar Adish , Yeom Ick Tae , Uan Do Khac
Published: February 2012

In this present study, an aerobic submerged membrane bioreactor (MBR) was used to study the effect of thermochemical pretreatment on the efficiency of sludge reduction. For this purpose, two MBRs were fabricated. Between the two MBRs, one acted as a control reactor (CMBR) and the other acted as an experimental reactor (EMBR). The MBRs were operated with a mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) concentration in the range of 6,800–7,200 mg/L for a period of 160 days. In the EMBR, part of the MLSS was withdrawn at a ratio of 1% of Q and was pretreated by low temperature thermochemical treatment. The sludge pretreatment was carried out at 60 °C and an alkali dosage in the range of 0.49 to 0.56 mg NaOH/mg MLSS. During the pretreatment, 42% of COD solubilization and 22% of SS reduction were observed. The pretreated sludge was returned to the reactor for further degradation where it was found to be 42% reduced. During the 160 days of reactor operation, both of the MBRs maintained a relatively constant transmembrane pressure. The sludge digestion does not have any impact on the COD removal efficiency of the reactor.
Dystocia as a cause of untimely cesarean section
Authors: Djuric Janko , Arsenijevic Slobodan , Bankovic Dragic , Protrka Zoran , Sorak Marija , Dimitrijevic Aleksandra , Tanaskovic Irena
Published: February 2012

Background/Aim. One of the most frequent indications for cesarean section is
dystocia. It is impossible to predict, difficult to identify and coincident
with the rapid expiry of the expected time, so it is important to point out
some mistakes in expecting vaginal delivery. The aim of this study was to
examine the frequency and the length of dystocia-related cesarean delivery,
as well as the vitality of the newborn immediately after birth. Methods. A
prospective, 3-year study was conducted including a total number of 6,470
deliveries regardless of whether they were completed using cesarean section
after an unsuccessful attempt of spontaneous vaginal delivery or not. The
Apgar score, a proved useful tool for the assessment of the vitality of
newborn children in the first minute, was used. Results. On the basis of the
established indications, 653 (10.10%) of deliveries were completed using
cesarean section. Dystocia was the third most common indication for cesarean
section (16.38%). Deliveries in which dystocia was established as a diagnosis
lasted much longer (p = 0.030) which resulted in weaker vitality of newborn
children (p = 0.000) compared to the deliveries ended by spontaneous vaginal
delivery. Conclusion. This study shows that deliveries caused by dystocia
last much longer and newborn children are of weaker vitality compared to
other deliveries caused not by dystocia. Decisions concerning cesarean
section must be made in a timely fashion.
Assessment of reactive oxygen species production in cultured equine skeletal myoblasts in response to conditions of anoxia followed by reoxygenation with or without exposure to peroxidases
Authors: Ceusters Justine D. , Mouithys-Mickalad Ange A. , de la Rebière de Pouyade Geoffroy , Franck Thierry J. , Votion Dominique M. , Deby-Dupont Ginette P. , Serteyn Didier A.
Published: February 2012

Objective—To culture equine myoblasts from muscle microbiopsy specimens, examine myoblast production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in conditions of anoxia followed by reoxygenation, and assess the effects of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) on ROS production.

Animals—5 healthy horses (5 to 15 years old).

Procedures—Equine skeletal myoblast cultures were derived from 1 or 2 microbiopsy specimens obtained from a triceps brachii muscle of each horse. Cultured myoblasts were exposed to conditions of anoxia followed by reoxygenation or to conditions of normoxia (control cells). Cell production of ROS in the presence or absence of HRP or MPO was assessed by use of a gas chromatography method, after which cells were treated with a 3,3′-diaminobenzidine chromogen solution to detect peroxidase binding.

Results—Equine skeletal myoblasts were successfully cultured from microbiopsy specimens. In response to anoxia and reoxygenation, ROS production of myoblasts increased by 71%, compared with that of control cells. When experiments were performed in the presence of HRP or MPO, ROS production in myoblasts exposed to anoxia and reoxygenation was increased by 228% and 183%, respectively, compared with findings for control cells. Chromogen reaction revealed a close adherence of peroxidases to cells, even after several washes.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that equine skeletal myoblast cultures can be generated from muscle microbiopsy specimens. Anoxia-reoxygenationtreated myoblasts produced ROS, and production was enhanced in the presence of peroxidases. This experimental model could be used to study the damaging effect of exercise on muscles in athletic horses.
Effects of a urolith prevention diet on urine compositions of glycosaminoglycans, Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein, and nephrocalcin in cats with calcium oxalate urolithiasis
Authors: Lulich Jody P. , Osborne Carl A. , Carvalho Mauricio , Nakagawa Yasushi
Published: February 2012

Objective—To evaluate urine concentrations of glycosaminoglycans, Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein, and nephrocalcin in cats fed a diet formulated to prevent calcium oxalate uroliths.

Animals—10 cats with calcium oxalate urolithiasis.

Procedures—In a previous study conducted in accordance with a balanced crossover design, cats were sequentially fed 2 diets (the diet each cat was consuming prior to urolith detection and a diet formulated to prevent calcium oxalate uroliths). Each diet was fed for 8 weeks. At the end of each 8-week period, a 72-hour urine sample was collected. Concentrations of glycosaminoglycans, Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein, and the 4 isoforms of nephrocalcin in urine samples collected during that previous study were measured in the study reported here.

Results—Diet had no effect on the quantity of Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein and nephrocalcin in urine. However, the urine concentration of glycosaminoglycans was significantly higher during consumption of the urolith prevention diet.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Feeding a urolith prevention diet increased the urine concentration of glycosaminoglycans, which are glycoprotein inhibitors of growth and aggregation of calcium oxalate crystals.
A Review On Antibiotics In An Animal Feed
Authors: Chowdhury R , Haque MN , Islam KMS , Khaleduzzaman ABM
Published: February 2012

Food safety is a term broadly applied to food quality that may adversely affect human health. There are two major areas of concern over the presence of residues of antibiotics in animal-derived foodstuffs with regard to human health. The first is allergic reaction and the second is development of antibiotic resistance in the gut bacteria of human. Antibiotic resistance in human pathogens is now a major public health issue. Some of the resistance problem can be attributed to the transfer of resistant bacteria from animals to human and the transfer of resistance genes from animal pathogens and commensal bacteria to human pathogens. Control measures include improvements in food hygiene to reduce the spread of zoonotic bacteria to human via the food chain. However, to specifically address the issue, the livestock industries and their advisors must reduce and refine the use of antibiotics in animal production and replace antibiotics with alternative disease control measures as much as possible. In addition, the medical profession must control misuse and overuse of antibiotics in hospitals and community practice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v38i1-2.9909 BJAS 2009; 38(1-2): 22-32
Bioavailability Of Phosphorus And Its Effect On The Nutrient Utilization In Cattle
Authors: Rahman MA , Khandaker ZH , Khaleduzzaman ABM
Published: February 2012

Eighteen indigenous growing cattle of two years old having initial live weight of 100 ± 4.5 kg were used to investigate the bioavailability of phosphorus from different sources (Di-calcium phosphate, Bone meal, Sesame oil cake, Mustard oil cake and Poultry liter) and its effect on the nutrient utilization and phosphorus balance of cattle. The animals were divided into 6 groups having 3 animals in each to one of group and randomly allocated into six diets in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Six dietary treatments are : T0 (control diet), T1 (Control + DCP), T2 (Control + Bone meal), T3 (Control+ mustard oil cake), T4 (Control+ sesame oil cake) and T5 (Control + poultry litter). The controlled diet contained 0.20% P and DCP, Bone meal, mustard oil cake, sesame oil cake and poultry litter were added to diets T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively to elevate the dietary P level of 0.45% for meet up the deficiency. The lowest daily DM intake (g/d) was observed in animals fed on diet T0 and the highest value was recorded for diet T5 and significantly (P<0.05) differences were observed among the dietary treatments. The P supplementation either from DCP (T1), bone meal (T2), mustard oil cake (T3), sesame oil cake (T4) or poultry litter ((T5) had no significant effect on organic matter (OM) and CP intake. The apparent digestibility of DM and OM were significantly (P<0.05 and P<0.01) affected by the supplementation of P either from DCP, bone meal, mustard oil cake, sesame oil cake or from poultry litter. But the digestibility of CP, CF, NFE and EE was not significantly (P>0.05) affected by the supplementation of P from these sources. There was no significant (P>0.05) difference in DCP and DCF contents among the dietary treatments. The apparent absorption of P (g/100g) was significantly (P>0.05) higher for dietary groups T2, T3 and T5 (74.50) than T0 (62.16), T1 (73.15) and T4 (70.16%). The true absorption of P for supplemented diets (T1, T2, T3 and T5) was numerically higher than the diet T0, and T4. P balance was significantly (P<0.01) higher for diets T1 (9.11 g/d), T2 (10.87 g/d), T3 (9.65g/d), T4 (8.62g/d) and T5 (11.16g/d) compared to diet T0 (2.75 g/d). The bioavailability of P from control diet, DCP, bone meal, mustard oil cake, sesame oil cake and poultry litter were 62.16, 80.46, 81.97, 81.84.75.22 and 81.47%, respectively among the test materials. It may be concluded that bone meal, mustard oil cake and poultry litter may be used as phosphorus supplement in cattle ration. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v38i1-2.9910 BJAS 2009; 38(1-2): 33-41
Duck Rearing System In Southern Coastal Districts Of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MM , Khan MJ , Chowdhury SD , Akbar MA
Published: February 2012

A study was conducted in two southern coastal districts of Bangladesh (Noakhali and Lakshmipur) to assess the potentiality of the existing duck rearing system of the regions in summer and rainy season. One upazila from each district and three villages from each upazila were selected randomly. Fifty farmers were selected from each village having at least 5 ducks throughout the year. Thus, a total of 300 farmers were selected for this study. The informations were collected by using an interview schedule. The majority of the farmers (39%) belonged to middle-aged category. Thirty per cent farmers have got primary level of education. About 50 per cent farmers had large family size having an average of 7 persons per family. Twenty seven per cent farmers had small land size with an average of 1.00 ha per household. Sixty one per cent of the respondents considered agriculture as a main occupation. About 99 per cent farmers annually earned Taka 1502.00 from duck rearing. The majority of farmers (82.25%) are rearing Desi ducks followed by Crossbred (12%) and Hybrid (5.75%). Forty four per cent of the farmers cleaned their duck houses 2-3 times in a month whereas only 11 per cent cleaned their duck houses everyday, 22 per cent once in month, 18 per cent 4-6 times in a month and 5 per cent farmers cleaned their duck houses 7-10 times in a month. About 39 per cent farmers reared ducks under scavenging system with only natural feed resources and 61.5 per cent farmers used supplemental feed, mainly rice polish (118 g/bird/day) in summer season. Eighty five per cent farmers in both districts did not use vaccines against duck diseases. However, 10 per cent of the farmers buried their dead ducks somewhere else. It was found from the study that 70 per cent farmers preferred to sell their eggs and ducks to the foria and in local market. It was also observed that duck raising would be more profitable business if the problems related to it could be solved. In terms of profitability, income and employment generation, duck rearing appeared to be a promising sub-sector in agriculture. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v38i1-2.9922 BJAS 2009; 38(1-2): 132-141
Biomarker Gene Signature Discovery Integrating Network Knowledge
Authors: Cun Yupeng , Fröhlich Holger
Published: February 2012

Discovery of prognostic and diagnostic biomarker gene signatures for diseases, such as cancer, is seen as a major step towards a better personalized medicine. During the last decade various methods, mainly coming from the machine learning or statistical domain, have been proposed for that purpose. However, one important obstacle for making gene signatures a standard tool in clinical diagnosis is the typical low reproducibility of these signatures combined with the difficulty to achieve a clear biological interpretation. For that purpose in the last years there has been a growing interest in approaches that try to integrate information from molecular interaction networks. Here we review the current state of research in this field by giving an overview about so-far proposed approaches.
Linking Energy- and Land-Use Systems: Energy Potentials and Environmental Risks of Using Agricultural Residues in Tanzania
Authors: Terrapon-Pfaff Julia C.
Published: February 2012

This paper attempts to assess whether renewable energy self-sufficiency can be achieved in the crop production and processing sector in Tanzania and if this could be accomplished in an environmentally sustainable manner. In order to answer these questions the theoretical energy potential of process residues from commercially produced agricultural crops in Tanzania is evaluated. Furthermore, a set of sustainability indicators with focus on environmental criteria is applied to identify risks and opportunities of using these residues for energy generation. In particular, the positive and negative effects on the land-use-system (soil fertility, water use and quality, biodiversity, etc.) are evaluated. The results show that energy generation with certain agricultural process residues could not only improve and secure the energy supply but could also improve the sustainability of current land-use practices.
Preparation and Properties of Poly(vinylamine/acrylonitrile) Fiber
Authors: Chen Quan , Xu Rui , Yao Da Hu
Published: February 2012

A novel method for the preparation of the chelating fiber with amine as functional group has been investigated. Poly (N-vinylformamide/acrylonitrile) solution was directly spun into fiber via a wet-spinning. The as-spun fiber was then hydrolyzed into poly(vinylamine/acrylonitrile)fiber in acidic condition. The morphology and properties of the fiber were determined by SEM, TGA and Tensile Strength Tester. The results indicated that the chelating fiber has a good adsorption ability of Cu2+, high thermal stability and appropriate mechanical properties.
Prediction of Ground Settlement Based on Immune Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Bi Gui Quan
Published: February 2012

It is very important to predict ground settlement and provide effective dada for construction on soft soil foundation. There are several prediction methods.However, back analysis method is identified as the most effective method in all these methods. The most primarily used method in back analysis methods is optimization algorithm. In this paper, to realize accurate prediction and calculation of soft soil foundation settlement, an improved immune genetic algorithm is presented by introducing immune mechanism to genetic algorithm. A example was given and illustrated that this algorithm can greatly improve calculation speed and accuracy in predicting soft soil foundation settlement.
On-Line Centralized Path Planning of Multiple Mobile Robots in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Zhang Zi Hui , Xiong Yue Shan
Published: February 2012

To study the path planning problem of multiple mobile robots in dynamic environments, an on-line centralized path planning algorithm is proposed. It is difficult to obtain real-time performance for path planning of multiple robots in dynamic environment. The harmonic potential field for multiple mobile robots is built by using the panel method known in fluid mechanics, which represents the outward normal velocity of each line of a polygonal obstacle as a function of the length of its characteristic line. The simulation results indicate that it is a simple, efficient and effective path planning algorithm for multiple mobile robots in the dynamic environments that the geometries and trajectories of obstacles are known in advance, and can achieve real-time performance.
Effects of PCL Deficient on Biomechanics of Knee's Cartilage and Menisci at Different Flexion Angles
Authors: Huang Rong Ying , Zhang Gao Long , Guo Yun Fei , Zheng Hong Guang
Published: February 2012

To investigate the response of PCL rupture on the biomechanics of cartilage and menisci, the MRI images of normal human knee at various flexion angles(0°,25°,60° and 80°)were developed 1.5T and the intact and PCL deficient knee models were built based on these images. Then three different loads were applied on these models for the finite element simulation to obtain the von Mises equivalent stress of cartilages and menisci and the reaction force among them. Based on the four flexion angles finite element simulation in ANSYS11.0, we drew the conclusions that: (1) the reaction forces and equivalent stresses were sensitive to PCL deficient at 0° and 60° degrees, (2) The reaction force and equivalent stress of the lateral components increased at 0° and 60°, while the medial components increased at 0 degree and decreased at 60 degree after PCL deficient.
Contrast Test on Fender Forces Between Flexible and Rigid Berthing Systems
Authors: Liu Jian Hui , Shen Ke Li , Ding Hong Yan , Diao Jing Hua
Published: February 2012

The fender forces in the rigid and flexible berthing systems, the displacement of berthing platform were determined in the ship berthing with different berthing speeds, as 10,000 tons oil storage tanker vessel for example. The comparison on test data were carried out for the differential analysis on the fender forces between the rigid and flexible berthing in still water. In contrast to the rigid berthing system, if the berthing speed of the ship is limited to 1 knot, the fender force can be decreased by 50% around in flexible berthing which absorbs energy through the displacement of the berthing platform and the power-absorbing effect was improved with the increase of the ship berthing speed; while the fender force were diminished dramatically, the displacement of berthing platform can satisfy the requirement of the engineering.
Analysis of the Influence of Fillet Curves on Gear Bending Strength Based on Space Contact
Authors: Wang Zhong Hou , Zhang Ning , Dong De Min , Chen Xi Jiang
Published: February 2012

An analytical method was presented on some pairs of gear teeth contacting each other at the same time. First, the software Pro/E is applied to establish two kinds of gear whose fillet curves are typical double circular and single circular respectively. Second, changes of meshing locations is made to get omni-directional contact analysis results. At last a conclusion was drawn that bending stress on dedendum double circular gear is 1.3~1.5 times bigger than that on dedendum single circular gear,that is dedendum single circular gear has better carrying capacity. The study provides a good method for studying gear bending stress.
Tracking Time-Varying Powerline Interference in Electrocardiogram Using Robust Extended Kalman Filter
Authors: Li Guo Jun , Zhang Shu Ting , Xiao Nan , Zhou Xiao Na
Published: February 2012

Powerline interference (PLI) often exhibits variations in frequency and amplitude, whose frequency lies in the spectrum range of the ECG signal. Most previous attempts of tracking time-varying PLI signal are based on Least Squared (LS) algorithm. This makes their methods susceptible to QRS complex in tracking low-level PLI signal. This study presents a new robust Kalman filter-based PLI suppressor to overcome the limitation of existing methods. M-estimation is incorporated into the kalman filter to combat the adverse effect of QRS impulsive. Simulation results indicate that our method outperforms the former LS-based PLI cancellers in both suppressing interference and preserving meaningful ECG components at various interference levels.
Adaptive Management of Process Communication Mechanism Base on White Matter Model
Authors: Fang Hui
Published: February 2012

Process communication in Software engineering is often involved in technical methods, the traditional process of communication between processes rarely take into account the degree of mutual relations and affinities for the inter-process security control are rarely involved. In this paper, the use of complex network theory to describe the process communication model based on the analysis of the characteristics of the process of communication and management processes in complex network theory on the lack of communication, then learn from bio-neurological principles proposed in the white matter to form an adaptive white matter model, and applied communication management in a dynamic process to improve the efficiency of the process of communication and security issues.
The Development and Research of the Three-Dimensional Simulation System of the Garments CAD
Authors: Yang Li Na
Published: February 2012

The development and research of three-dimensional (3D) simulation system of the garments CAD (Computer Aided Design) will change the traditional graphic design concepts and design methods, which will develop from two-dimensional (2D) to 3D. It means to build a comprehensive calculating methodology for forming real garments simulation system on the computer. Combining with the advanced CAD technology and technical works of Chinese garments industry will greatly improve the level of the sustainable development and intelligentialization of the software, and will accelerate the technical upgrade of modern garments industry and push the rapid development of national economy.
A Quick Edit Method of Curve Network’s Interpolated Surface Based on Combined Subdivision
Authors: He Gang , Zhu Ding Lin , Zhang Min , Pan Zheng Yu
Published: February 2012

A simple and effective combined subdivision surface’s modification method is proposed, which is realized by editing its curve network locally. After discussing the overlapping principles of Catmull-Clark subdivision and combined subdivision, a quick update method of the modified surface is given by building the difference curve network from the original curve network and the edited curve network and overlapping the mesh from the difference curve network to the mesh from the original curve network. This method is closely related with the features of combined subdivision, so it is simple and high efficiency. It is useful in the concept design of complex product.