bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Syringe Sharing and HIV Incidence Among Injection Drug Users and Increased Access to Sterile Syringes
Authors: Kerr Thomas , Small Will , Buchner Chris , Zhang Ruth , Li Kathy , Montaner Julio , Wood Evan
Published: June 2010

Objectives. We assessed the effects of syringe exchange program (SEP) policy on rates of HIV risk behavior and HIV incidence among injection drug users.

Methods. Using a multivariate generalized estimating equation and Cox regression methods, we examined syringe borrowing, syringe lending, and HIV incidence among a prospective cohort of 1228 injection drug users in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Results. We observed substantial declines in rates of syringe borrowing (from 20.1% in 1998 to 9.2% in 2003) and syringe lending (from 19.1% in 1998 to 6.8% in 2003) following SEP policy change. These declines coincided with a statistically significant increase in the proportion of participants accessing sterile syringes from nontraditional SEP sources (P < .001). In multivariate analyses, the period following the change in SEP policy was independently associated with a greater than 40% reduction in syringe borrowing (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.49, 0.65) and lending (AOR = 0.52; 95% CI = 0.45, 0.60), as well as declining HIV incidence (adjusted hazard ratio = 0.13; 95% CI = 0.06, 0.31).

Conclusions. Widespread syringe distribution appears to be a more effective SEP policy than do more restrictive SEP policies that limit syringe access. Efforts should be made to ensure that SEP policies and program design serve to maximize rather than hinder syringe access.
Comparison of Planted Soil Infiltration Systems for Treatment of Log Yard Runoff
Authors: Hedmark Åsa , Scholz Miklas , Aronsson Par , Elowson Torbjorn
Published: June 2010

Treatment of log yard runoff is required to avoid contamination of receiving watercourses. The research aim was to assess if infiltration of log yard runoff through planted soil systems is successful and if different plant species affect the treatment performance at a field‐scale experimental site in Sweden (2005 to 2007). Contaminated runoff from the log yard of a sawmill was infiltrated through soil planted with Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gärtner (common alder), Salix schwerinii×viminalis (willow variety “Gudrun”), Lolium perenne (L.) (rye grass), and Phalaris arundinacea (L.) (reed canary grass). The study concluded that there were no treatment differences when comparing the four different plants with each other, and there also were no differences between the tree and the grass species. Furthermore, the infiltration treatment was effective in reducing total organic carbon (55%) and total phosphorus (45%) concentrations in the runoff, even when the loads on the infiltration system increased from year to year.
Sources of Nitrite in Streams of an Intensively Cropped Watershed
Authors: Corriveau J. , van Bochove E. , Cluis D.
Published: June 2010

The sources of high in‐stream nitrite (NO2−) concentrations were investigated in two major streams located in an intensively cropped watershed in Quebec, Canada. Nitrogen retention was determined to evaluate the dynamics in relation to nitrogen transport along both stream branches during summer‐low‐water and fall‐recharge regimes. In the first stream branch, NO2− and ammonium (NH4+) showed removal patterns during summer‐low‐water and fall‐recharge periods, whereas, in the second branch, NO2− and NH4+ exports occurred during both hydrologic regimes. The study also demonstrated that seepage water is a source of NO2− in‐stream, which varies within the watershed stream branches and with the hydrologic regime. The results highlighted a significant reductive microbial activity in seepage water from either denitrification or dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA), leading to nitrate (NO3−) consumption. Differences in groundwater NO3− concentrations feeding each stream branch may have significantly influenced NH4+ and NO2− concentrations found in seepage water, which potentially resulted in quantitatively significant NO2− formation.
Kinetics of Nitrite Reduction by Zinc Metal: Influence of Metal Shape on the Determination of Kinetic Parameters
Authors: Limousy L. , Dutournie P. , Hadjiev D.
Published: June 2010

Heterogeneous chemical reactions are complicated, especially in the case of competitive reactions. The aim of this study was to investigate the elimination of nitrite (NO2−) by applying a metallic reduction using zero‐valent zinc (Zn0). The effect of pH, stirring, and metal shape (powder and chips) on the rate and products of nitrite reduction were studied in a batch‐stirred reactor. The obtained data have been used to optimize the conditions for metallic reduction of NO2− and for kinetic parameters identification. It was found that the dissolution of zinc involves a pseudo‐first‐order reaction independent of the shape of the metal. Further, the influence of operating conditions on nitrogen (N2) and ammonium (NH4+) formation has been determined. It was found that a decrease in pH and in the Zn0 content enhances NH4+ production. If kinetic parameters can be approximated easily for constant surface area, it was demonstrated that surface evolution had to be integrated for metal powder. Finally, a numerical simulation has been used to determine the kinetic parameters for NO2− reduction with zinc powder.
Compensatory Growth Limits Opportunities for Artificial Selection in Alpine Chamois
Authors: RUGHETTI ARCO , FESTA‐BIANCHET MARCO
Published: June 2010

ABSTRACT  In ungulates, big males with large weapons typically outcompete other males over access to estrous females. In many species, rapid early growth leads to large adult mass and weapon size. We compared males in one hunted and one protected population of Alpine chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) to examine the relationship between horn length and body mass. We assessed whether early development and hunter selectivity affected age‐specific patterns of body and horn size and whether sport hunting could be an artificial selection pressure favoring smaller horns. Adult horn length was mostly independent of body mass. For adult males, the coefficient of variation of horn length (0.06) was <50% of that for body mass (0.16), suggesting that horn length presents a lower potential for selection and may be less important for male mating success than is body mass. Surprisingly, early development did not affect adult mass because of apparent compensatory growth. We found few differences in body and horn size between hunted and protected populations, suggesting the absence of strong effects of hunting on male phenotype. If horn length has a limited role in male reproductive success, hunter selectivity for males with longer horns is unlikely to lead to an artificial selective pressure on horn size. These results imply that the potential evolutionary effects of selective hunting depend on how the characteristics selected by hunters affect individual reproductive success.
Energy and Exergy Analysis of the Teduction Zone in a Downdraft (Biomass) Gasifier
Authors: Sharma Avdhesh Kr. , Singh Raj Kumar
Published: June 2010

This article describes the energy and exergy analysis of the reduction zone in a downdraft biomass gasifier. A simplistic formulation for describing the pyrolysis and oxidation of these products has been presented for initialization. Equilibrium and kinetic models are used to predict the reduction products leaving the reduction zone and thus the 1st law efficiency. In the reduction zone, exergy destruction due to chemical, physical, compositional, internal heat transfer and heat loss to the surrounding has been quantified to describe 2nd law efficiency. The comparison of equilibrium and kinetic models is carried out with experimental data for general validity. Parametric analysis of char bed length and inflow temperature on gas composition, un-converted char, exergy destruction, 1st law and the 2nd law efficiency has also been carried out. Simulation results identified a critical char bed length (where all char gets consumed) for a given feedstock, which depends on residence time and reaction temperature in the reduction zone. Near critical char bed length, predictions show high calorific value of gas with relatively less exergy destruction and thus optimum reactor performance. The accuracy of the prediction depends on the validity of initial input conditions.
Targeted Disruption of Pancreatic-Derived Factor (PANDER, FAM3B) Impairs Pancreatic β-Cell Function
Authors: Robert-Cooperman Claudia E. , Carnegie Jason R. , Wilson Camella G. , Yang Jichun , Cook Joshua R. , Wu Jianmei , Young Robert A. , Wolf Bryan A. , Burkhardt Brant R.
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic-derived factor (PANDER, FAM3B) is a pancreatic islet-specific cytokine-like protein that is secreted from β-cells upon glucose stimulation. The biological function of PANDER is unknown, and to address this we generated and characterized a PANDER knockout mouse.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

To generate the PANDER knockout mouse, the PANDER gene was disrupted and its expression was inhibited by homologous recombination via replacement of the first two exons, secretion signal peptide and transcriptional start site, with the neomycin gene. PANDER−/− mice were then phenotyped by a number of in vitro and in vivo tests to evaluate potential effects on glucose regulation, insulin sensitivity, and β-cell morphology and function.

RESULTS

Glucose tolerance tests demonstrated significantly higher blood glucose levels in PANDER−/− versus wild-type male mice. To identify the mechanism of the glucose intolerance, insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function were examined. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps and insulin tolerance testing showed similar insulin sensitivity for both the PANDER−/− and wild-type mice. The in vivo insulin response following intraperitoneal glucose injection surprisingly produced significantly higher insulin levels in the PANDER−/− mice, whereas insulin release was blunted with arginine administration. Islet perifusion and calcium imaging studies showed abnormal responses of the PANDER−/− islets to glucose stimulation. In contrast, neither islet architecture nor insulin content was impacted by the loss of PANDER. Interestingly, the elevated insulin levels identified in vivo were attributed to decreased hepatic insulin clearance in the PANDER−/− islets. Taken together, these results demonstrated decreased pancreatic β-cell function in the PANDER−/− mouse.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support a potential role of PANDER in the pancreatic β-cell for regulation or facilitation of insulin secretion.
Improvement of Retinal Vascular Injury in Diabetic Rats by Statins Is Associated With the Inhibition of Mitochondrial Reactive Oxygen Species Pathway Mediated by Peroxisome Proliferator–Activated Receptor γ Coactivator 1α
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Chen Haibing , Wang Hong , Ke Bilian , Zheng Bingqing , Li Qian , Li Peiyu , Su Li , Gu Qing , Xu Xun
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a key role in diabetic retinopathy (DR) pathogenesis. However, whether simvastatin decreases diabetes-induced mitochondrial ROS production remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to clarify the beneficial effects and mechanism of action of simvastatin against diabetes-induced retinal vascular damage.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Diabetic rats and control animals were randomly assigned to receive simvastatin or vehicle for 24 weeks, and bovine retinal capillary endothelial cells (BRECs) were incubated with normal or high glucose with or without simvastatin. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α) in the rat retinas or BRECs were examined by Western blotting and real-time RT-PCR, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), and p38 MAPK were examined by Western blotting. Mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and ROS production were assayed using the potentiometric dye 5,5′,6,6′- Tetrachloro1,1′,3,3′-tetraethyl-benzimidazolylcarbocyanine iodide (JC-1) or CM-H2DCFDA fluorescent probes.

RESULTS

Simvastatin significantly upregulated PGC-1α (P < 0.01), subsequently decreased Δψm (P < 0.05) and ROS generation (P < 0.01), inhibited PARP activation (P < 0.01), and further reduced VEGF expression (P < 0.01) and p38 MAPK activity (P < 0.01). Those changes were associated with the decrease of retinal vascular permeability, retinal capillary cells apoptosis, and formation of acellular capillaries.

CONCLUSIONS

Simvastatin decreases diabetes-induced mitochondrial ROS production and exerts protective effects against early retinal vascular damage in diabetic rats in association with the inhibition of mitochondrial ROS/PARP pathway mediated by PGC-1α. The understanding of the mechanisms of action of statins has important implications in the prevention and treatment of mitochondrial oxidative stress-related illness such as DR.
A1C to Detect Diabetes in Healthy Adults
Authors: Takahashi Osamu , Farmer Andrew J. , Shimbo Takuro , Fukui Tsuguya , Glasziou Paul P.
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the optimal interval for rechecking A1C levels below the diagnostic threshold of 6.5% for healthy adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Participants were 16,313 apparently healthy Japanese adults not taking glucose-lowering medications at baseline. Annual A1C measures from 2005 to 2008 at the Center for Preventive Medicine, a community teaching hospital in Japan, estimated cumulative incidence of diabetes.

RESULTS

Mean age (±SD) of participants was 49.7 ± 12.3 years, and 53% were male. Mean A1C at baseline was 5.4 ± 0.5%. At 3 years, for those with A1C at baseline of <5.0%, 5.0–5.4%, 5.5–5.9%, and 6.0–6.4%, cumulative incidence (95% CI) was 0.05% (0.001–0.3), 0.05% (0.01–0.11), 1.2% (0.9–1.6), and 20% (18–23), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

In those with an A1C <6.0%, rescreening at intervals shorter than 3 years identifies few individuals (∼≤1%) with an A1C ≥6.5%.
Dapagliflozin Monotherapy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients With Inadequate Glycemic Control by Diet and Exercise
Authors: Ferrannini Ele , Ramos Silvia Jimenez , Salsali Afshin , Tang Weihua , List James F.
Published: June 2010

OBJECTIVE

Dapagliflozin, a highly selective inhibitor of the renal sodium-glucose cotransporter-2, increases urinary excretion of glucose and lowers plasma glucose levels in an insulin-independent manner. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in treatment-naive patients with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This was a 24-week parallel-group, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 3 trial. Patients with A1C 7.0–10% (n = 485) were randomly assigned to one of seven arms to receive once-daily placebo or 2.5, 5, or 10 mg dapagliflozin once daily in the morning (main cohort) or evening (exploratory cohort). Patients with A1C 10.1–12% (high-A1C exploratory cohort; n = 73) were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive blinded treatment with a morning dose of 5 or 10 mg/day dapagliflozin. The primary end point was change from baseline in A1C in the main cohort, statistically tested using an ANCOVA.

RESULTS

In the main cohort, mean A1C changes from baseline at week 24 were −0.23% with placebo and −0.58, −0.77 (P = 0.0005 vs. placebo), and −0.89% (P < 0.0001 vs. placebo) with 2.5, 5, and 10 mg dapagliflozin, respectively. Signs, symptoms, and other reports suggestive of urinary tract infections and genital infection were more frequently noted in the dapagliflozin arms. There were no major episodes of hypoglycemia. Data from exploratory cohorts were consistent with these results.

CONCLUSIONS

Dapagliflozin lowered hyperglycemia in treatment-naive patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes. The near absence of hypoglycemia and an insulin-independent mechanism of action make dapagliflozin a unique addition to existing treatment options for type 2 diabetes.
Rapid synthesis and bioactivities of 3-(nitromethylene)indolin-2-one analogues
Authors: Chen Gang , Hao Xiao-Jiang , Sun Qian-Yun , Ding Jian
Published: June 2010

A new synthesis method of 3-(nitromethylene)indolin-2-one analogues is described, using the Henry reaction of isatin and N-substituted isatins with nitromethane followed by dehydration of the nitroaldol adduct with mesyl chloride. The use of diethylamine (rather than DBU) as the base catalyst in a solvent-free Henry reaction gave the nitroaldol adduct in sufficient purity as to allow its direct dehydration to nitroalkene. Overall yields for this two-step synthesis are satisfactory (typically 50–77 % after chromatographic purification). 3-(Nitromethylene)indolin-2-one analogues are valued protective agents against H2O2-induced apoptosis using PC12 cells, and for their cytotoxicity against the A549 and P388 lung cancer cell lines. One compound, (E)-1-benzyl-3-(nitromethylene)indolin-2-one (VIII), exhibited potent activity in the latter assay.
Bilingual performance on nonword repetition in Spanish and English
Authors: Summers Connie , Bohman Thomas M. , Gillam Ronald B. , Peña Elizabeth D. , Bedore Lisa M.
Published: June 2010

Background: Nonword repetition (NWR) involves the ability to perceive, store, recall and reproduce phonological sequences. These same abilities play a role in word and morpheme learning. Cross‐linguistic studies of performance on NWR tasks, word learning, and morpheme learning yield patterns of increased performance on all three tasks as a function of age and language experience. These results are consistent with the idea that there may be universal information‐processing mechanisms supporting language learning. Because bilingual children's language experience is divided across two languages, studying performance in two languages on NWR could inform one's understanding of the relationship between information processing and language learning.

Aims: The primary aims of this study were to compare bilingual language learners' recall of Spanish‐like and English‐like items on NWR tasks and to assess the relationships between performance on NWR, semantics, and morphology tasks.

Methods & Procedures: Sixty‐two Hispanic children exposed to English and Spanish were recruited from schools in central Texas, USA. Their parents reported on the children's input and output in both languages. The children completed NWR tasks and short tests of semantics and morphosyntax in both languages. Mixed‐model analysis of variance was used to explore direct effects and interactions between the variables of nonword length, language experience, language outcome measures, and cumulative exposure on NWR performance.

Outcomes & Results: Children produced the Spanish‐like nonwords more accurately than the English‐like nonwords. NWR performance was significantly correlated to cumulative language experience in both English and Spanish. There were also significant correlations between NWR and morphosyntax but not semantics.

Conclusions & Implications: Language knowledge appears to play a role in the task of NWR. The relationship between performance on morphosyntax and NWR tasks indicates children rely on similar language‐learning mechanisms to mediate these tasks. More exposure to Spanish may increase abilities to repeat longer nonwords. This knowledge may shift across levels of bilingualism. Further research is needed to understand this relationship, as it is likely to have implications for language teaching or intervention for children with language impairments.
Achilles Tendon Healing Response Following Failed Repair: An MRI Assessment
Authors: Lawrence Steven J. , Wise James N.
Published: June 2010

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
“Reappearance” of a Transferred Flexor Digitorum Longus Tendon Fixed with a Bioresorbable Interference Screw on Postoperative MRI: Case Report
Authors: Smith J. Christopher , Dorsay Theodore , Midis Nicholas A.
Published: June 2010

Level of Evidence: V, Expert Opinion
Synthesis of Some 3d Metal Complexes of Quinine and their Toxicological Studies
Authors: Tella Adedibu C. , Obaleya Joshua A.
Published: June 2010

Four metal complexes of antimalarials cinchona alkaloids; [Co(Quin)Cl3]-1,[Fe(Quin)Cl2H2O]SO3H2O-2, [Cu(Quin)ClSO4]∞-3 and [Cd(Quin)ClSO4]∞-4 have beensynthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity, magnetic moment, IR,UV-Vis and mass spectroscopic techniques. The tetrahedral geometry is assigned for all thefour complexes and the quinine ligand is protonated at quinuclidine N atom with thecoordination of the metal at quinoline N atom for all the complexes. Complexes 1 and 2have zwitterionic structures while complexes 3 and 4 are polymeric in nature with zig-zagextended chains (MCl- O -SO2- O -MCl- O –SO2---).Stability constant of the complexes were evaluated for the metal salts. The value of thestability constant (β) was found to be log 10.48, 9.92, 7.98 and 7.81 for Cu(II), Fe(III),Co(II) and Cd(II), respectively and the order of β was found to beCu(II)>Fe(III)>Co(II)>Cd(II). The stability constant data revealed that concomitantlyadministration of quinine with preparation containing these metals may reduce theirefficacy. Toxicological study was carried out by investigating the effect of administration ofthe complexes on alkaline phosphatase activity of kidney, liver and serum of Albino rats. Allthe examined four metal complexes were found to be non-toxic.Keywords: Quinine, stability constant, FTIR, MS, phosphates activity.DOI:  10.3126/jncs.v25i0.3280Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Volume 25, 2010 pp 19-28
(–)–Corydalmine from Corydalis chaerophylla Growing in Nepal
Authors: Jha R. N.
Published: June 2010

(–)–Corydalmine was isolated from the roots of Corydalis chaerophylla and identifiedby spectral analysis.Keywords: (–)–corydalmine, Corydalis chaerophyllaDOI:  10.3126/jncs.v25i0.3309Journal of Nepal Chemical Society Volume 25, 2010 pp 89-92
Antibacterial Activity of Solanum surattense Burm. F
Authors: Sheeba E
Published: June 2010

Ethanol extracts of Solanum surattense used in traditional medicine for treatmentof various infections. The antibacterial activity detected was againstStaphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus sp.; Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae and Vibriocholerae. The highest antibacterial activity was observed in 500μg concentrationof leaf extracts of all bacteria screened except Shigella dysenteriae. The minimumzone of inhibition observed in 25μg concentration of leaf extract exceptPseudomonas aeruginosa and Shigella dysenteriae. These results indicate that theextracts were bacteriostatic at higher concentrations.Keywords: Antibacterial activity; Solanum surattense; pathogenicmicro organisms.DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3278Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp 1-4
Ethnobotany of Moraceae in Meghalaya North-East India
Authors: Chhetri RB
Published: June 2010

Indigenous people of Meghalaya have ethnobotanical utility of 19 species of plants belonging to 3genera; Artocarpus, Ficus and Morus under the family Moraceae. Fruits of all these plants are eatenraw or cooked or pickled. Young vegetative shoot of Ficus virens sre eaten as vegetable. Woods areused as fuel woods and timber. Leaves and young shoots are lopped as fodder for stallfed cattle tosupplement paddy straw during winter. Young leaves of Morus australis and M. serrata are used forrearing silkworms. Children in the village use latex from the fruits of Artocarpus heterophyllus tomake sticky gum for hunting birds.Keywords: Ethnobotany; Moraceae; MeghalayaDOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3301Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp 5-10
Use of Dynamic Time Warping for Object Shape Classification through Signature
Authors: Santosh KC
Published: June 2010

This paper expresses an application of similarity matching of the signatures through DTW.Fundamental aspect of classification is template matching. The classification is robust tonoise, scaling, and rotation. Feature includes radius plus angle along the boundary points withrespect to center of gravity. The classification automatically and confidently discloses theshape of every object at once throughout page from top to bottom. The paper expresses itspromising results within an average of a few seconds (cheaper classification) for an object. Aseries of tests is done with all possible configurations of geometrical shapes.Keywords: Signature; Dynamic Time Warping; Uniform ScalingDOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3308Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp33-49
Physico-Chemical and Bacteriological Investigation on the River Cauvery of Kollegal Stretch in Karnataka
Authors: Venkatesharaju K , Ravikumar P , Somashekar RK , Prakash KL
Published: June 2010

Cauvery River is the major river system of south India was studied for 19 prime physicochemicaland 2 bacteriological parameters at six locations of the Kollegal stretch, for a periodof Two years (2006–2008) at monthly intervals. Over the years of time, river has beensubjected to human interference regularly and water quality was to be getting deterioratedprofoundly. Major anthropogenic activities practiced in and around the stretch: agriculture,abstraction of water for irrigation and drinking, washing cloths and utensils, discharging ofsewage waste, sand dredging, boating, fishing, open defecation and religious ritual activitiesalong the stretch were generating serious threat to the biota of the river by altering thephysicochemical and biological concentration of the river system. The seasonal and yearlytrends were discussed to comprehend anthropogenic interferences on the river stretch.Correlation analysis was also been tried in between physico-chemical parameters. The pH,Conductance, Alkalinity and Hardness levels indicate the moderate quality of water. Thevalues of DO, BOD and COD levels indicate the absence of major organic pollution sources.Seasonal and yearly averages of plant nutrients like phosphate, nitrates, potassium and alsosulphates at drain out falls and mixing zones, were not showing any significant variation intheir concentration indicate no sign of problems like eutrophication, which is generally raisedue to agricultural and sewage wastes. The other possibility is that since there are no majorindustries in the project area, the major source of organic pollutants is only the domesticsource. Population density spread over sparsely located villages like Dasanapura and Harlecertainly contributes towards total and fecal coliforms as excreta of the villagers due to lackof toilets in their houses. Thus present study concludes that river water was not polluted; allresults are within permissible limit when compared with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)and National River water quality standards.DOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3310Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp50-59
An Investigation of the Effect of Electrode Geometry and Frequency of Power Supply in the Homogeneity of Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Air
Authors: Tyata' RB , Subedi DP
Published: June 2010

An experimental investigation of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) produced in air isreported in the present paper. The discharge was produced by applying 0?20 kV AC source atfrequency 10?30 kHz. The main objective of the study was to investigate the dependence ofthe discharge homogeneity on the frequency of applied source and the geometry of theelectrodes. For this propose, three different types of electrodes were used. The discharge wassystematically investigated on an extended range of electrical parameters using highfrequency digital oscilloscope. Non-thermal nature of the discharge was tested by thetreatment of hydrophobic polymer surface by measuring the change in contact angle withwater drops.Key words: DBD; electrode geometry; contact angle measurement; surface treatmentDOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3316 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp96-101
Design and Evaluation of Polymeric Controlled Release Natamycin Ocular Inserts
Authors: Rajasekaran A , Sivakumar V , Karthika K , Preetha J Padma , Abirami T
Published: June 2010

The main aim of this study is to develop ocular drug delivery system for Natamycin; a polyeneantibiotic is highly useful for the treatment of conjunctivitis and keratitis. The ocuserts were preparedusing different polymers such as eudragit L-100, eudragit S-100, eudragit RL-100, hydroxy propylmethyl cellulose phthalate and cellulose acetate phthalate at various proportion and combinationsusing PEG-400 as plasticizer. The prepared ocuserts were evaluated for their physicochemicalparameters like drug content, weight uniformity, folding endurance, thickness, % moistureabsorption and water vapour transmission rate. The in vitro drug release from the formulations wasstudied using commercial semi permeable membrane and the in vitro release kinetic datas weretreated according to the diffusion models proposed by Higuchi and Peppas in order to access themechanism of drug release from the formulations, which were following zero order kinetics. All theformulations showed no change in the physical appearance and the FTIR studies indicated nopossibility of interaction between drug and polymer. The expected zero order release for one day wasobserved in the formulation D1 (3% Eudragit RL100 and 1% Eudragit L100)Keywords: Ocular Insert; Ocular Delivery; NatamycinDOI: 10.3126/kuset.v6i1.3318 Kathmandu University Journal of Science, Engineering and Technology Vol.6(1) 2010, pp108-115
Review of DC System Technologies for Large Scale Integration of Wind Energy Systems with Electricity Grids
Authors: Shao Sheng Jie , Agelidis Vassilios G.
Published: June 2010

The ever increasing development and availability of power electronic systems is the underpinning technology that enables large scale integration of wind generation plants with the electricity grid. As the size and power capacity of the wind turbine continues to increase, so is the need to place these significantly large structures at off-shore locations. DC grids and associated power transmission technologies provide opportunities for cost reduction and electricity grid impact minimization as the bulk power is concentrated at single point of entry. As a result, planning, optimization and impact can be studied and carefully controlled minimizing the risk of the investment as well as power system stability issues. This paper discusses the key technologies associated with DC grids for offshore wind farm applications.
Electrochemical Light-Emitting Gel
Authors: Itoh Nobuyuki
Published: June 2010

Light-emitting gel, a gel state electroluminescence material, is reported. It is composed of a ruthenium complex as the emitter, an ionic liquid as the electrolyte, and oxide nanoparticles as the gelation filler. Emitted light was produced via electrogenerated chemiluminescence. The light-emitting gel operated at low voltage when an alternating current was passed through it, regardless of its structure, which is quite thick. The luminescence property of the gel is strongly affected by nanoparticle materials. TiO2 nanoparticles were a better gelation filler than silica or ZnO was, with respect to luminescence stability, thus indicating a catalytic effect. It is demonstrated that the light-emitting gel device, with quite a simple fabrication process, flashes with the application of voltage.
An Emergency-Adaptive Routing Scheme for Wireless Sensor Networks for Building Fire Hazard Monitoring
Authors: Zeng Yuanyuan , Xiong Naixue , Park Jong Hyuk , Zheng Guilin
Published: June 2010

This paper has been retracted on 4 March 2011. The paper is republished with the authorship and acknowledgements fully disclosed as Sensors 2011, 11, 2899-2919; doi:10.3390/s110302899. Available at http://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/11/3/2899/.
Glucose Signaling-Mediated Coordination of Cell Growth and Cell Cycle in Saccharomyces Cerevisiae
Authors: Busti Stefano , Coccetti Paola , Alberghina Lilia , Vanoni Marco
Published: June 2010

Besides being the favorite carbon and energy source for the budding yeast Sacchromyces cerevisiae, glucose can act as a signaling molecule to regulate multiple aspects of yeast physiology. Yeast cells have evolved several mechanisms for monitoring the level of glucose in their habitat and respond quickly to frequent changes in the sugar availability in the environment: the cAMP/PKA pathways (with its two branches comprising Ras and the Gpr1/Gpa2 module), the Rgt2/Snf3-Rgt1 pathway and the main repression pathway involving the kinase Snf1. The cAMP/PKA pathway plays the prominent role in responding to changes in glucose availability and initiating the signaling processes that promote cell growth and division. Snf1 (the yeast homologous to mammalian AMP-activated protein kinase) is primarily required for the adaptation of yeast cell to glucose limitation and for growth on alternative carbon source, but it is also involved in the cellular response to various environmental stresses. The Rgt2/Snf3-Rgt1 pathway regulates the expression of genes required for glucose uptake. Many interconnections exist between the diverse glucose sensing systems, which enables yeast cells to fine tune cell growth, cell cycle and their coordination in response to nutritional changes.
Addressing Climate Change at the State and Local Level: Using Land Use Controls to Reduce Automobile Emissions
Authors: Medina Rachel , Tarlock A. Dan
Published: June 2010

Automobiles are a major source of CO2 emissions. Because there is no immediate technological fix to reduce these emissions, the most promising current strategy is to promote less automobile use. In the United States, this is difficult because federal programs such as the interstate highway system and local land use planning and regulation have encouraged suburban sprawl. In 2006, the state of California passed legislation to roll back greenhouse emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. This legislation did not link the roll back target with land use policies. However, NGOs and the state Attorney General used the state’s pre-existing environmental impact assessment act to sue a large county east of Los Angeles alleging that its revised land use plan was inconsistent with the 2006 legislation. The state and the county settled the suit after the county agreed to new greenhouse gas mitigation duties, and in 2008 California passed additional legislation to implement its 2006 statute. Communities are strongly encouraged to adopt compact, transit-oriented development strategies to limit automobile use. The new legislation gives the attorney general and NGOs additional legal authority to challenge local land use plans and regulatory decisions which fail to adopt these strategies. California’s important experiment has lessons for all urban areas struggling to reduce automobile CO2 emissions. It suggests that local land use controls can be added to the list of workable greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.
Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Ochratoxin A Extraction and Analysis
Authors: Yu Jorn C. C. , Lai Edward P. C.
Published: June 2010

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are considered as polymeric materials that mimic the functionality of antibodies. MIPs have been utilized for a wide variety of applications in chromatography, solid phase extraction, immunoassays, and sensor recognition. In this article, recent advances of MIPs for the extraction and analysis of ochratoxins are discussed. Selection of functional monomers to bind ochratoxin A (OTA) with high affinities, optimization of extraction procedures, and limitations of MIPs are compared from different reports. The most relevant examples in the literature are described to clearly show how useful these materials are. Strategies on MIP preparation and schemes of analytical methods are also reviewed in order to suggest the next step that would make better use of MIPs in the field of ochratoxin research. The review ends by outlining the remaining issues and impediments.
Plasma/erythrocyte ribavirin x100 ratio as an indicator of sustained virological response in HCV genotype 1 patients with early virological response
Authors: Baiocchi Leonardo , De Leonardis Francesco , Monache Marco Delle , Nosotti Lorenzo , Conti Renato L , Lenci Ilaria , Carbone Marco , Di Paolo Daniele , Cucchiarelli Silvia , Angelico Mario
Published: June 2010

Background

On-treatment predictors during antiviral therapy of HCV are useful because they allow discontinuation of an unnecessary treatment in non-responders. Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of plasma and erythrocyte ribavirin levels in predicting sustained virological response (SVR) in HCV genotype 1 patients undergoing antiviral treatment.

Methods

A total of 40 HCV genotype 1 patients treated with pegylated interferon-α2a 180 μg weekly plus ribavirin 1,000 or 1,200 mg daily (according to body weight) were included in the study. Plasma and erythrocyte ribavirin levels were evaluated in all patients at week 12 by HPLC. At week 24, ribavirin levels were reassessed in those achieving early virological response (EVR).

Results

A total of 27 patients achieved EVR, whereas 17 achieved SVR. There was no difference among EVR and non-EVR patients in terms of plasma and erythrocyte ribavirin concentrations at week 12. At week 24, EVR patients obtaining SVR exhibited higher mean ±sd levels of ribavirin in plasma and lower levels in erythrocytes compared with non-SVR patients (in plasma 12.8 ±10 versus 5.8 ±4 μ M [ P<0.02] and in erythrocytes 1,053 ±504 versus 1,613 ±589 μ M [ P<0.03]). When the plasma ribavirin/erythrocyte ribavirin x100 ratio was compared, the difference was enhanced (1.5 ±1.3 versus 0.4 ±0.3 μM; P<0.01). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified a cutoff for plasma ribavirin/erythrocyte ribavirin x100 ratio in predicting SVR of 0.71 with a negative predictive value of 0.8 and a positive predictive value of 0.9, whereas those related to EVR were 1 and 0.6, respectively.

Conclusions

Plasma ribavirin/erythrocyte ribavirin x100 ratio at week 24 seems to be a good indicator of SVR in HCV genotype 1 patients achieving EVR.
El secesionismo austriaco
Authors: Rocamora García-Iglesias Carmen
Published: June 2010

Estudiamos en este artículo el enigma de la grandeza del sueño vienés, confrontando las obras de sus tres principales representantes: Klimt, Shiele y Kokoschka, que cerraron el s.XIX, y se adentraron con fuerza en el s.XX, mostrándonos su inquietante cambio, mediante los primeros destellos de una luz nueva, nacida en el corazón de la vieja Europa aún poderosa, pese al desgarro de la Primera Guerra Mundial.
KLIMT fue el auténtico creador de la Gran Escuela Vienesa. El carácter extraordinario de su arte consistió en haber logrado una síntesis entre las dos tendencias fundamentales de su momento: el Simbolismo y el Art Nouveau. Su idea fué la «creación de una obra de arte total», grande, moderna y democrática, en la que el progreso de la cultura se basase en una compenetración entre los fines artísticos y los aspectos más diversos de la vida moderna.
Su filosofía, basada en Shopenhauer, reunía las fuerzas de la voluntad con las del mal, afirmando que : «un sincero abrazo a todo el mundo no podía darlo la vida», sino solo el arte liberado de la voluntad.
Su discípulo Shiele, quien sobrevivió al maestro unos meses, (ya que solo vivió durante 28 años), se diferenció enseguida del «deseo de triunfo de la vida», presente en la obra de su profesor, mediante los ejemplos fantasmagóricos que confirió a sus telas, impregnando a sus mejores cuadros de toda la desesperación que es posible transmitir a través de sus torturados personajes.
Y finalmente Kokoschska, hizo que la sustancia misma de su obra, fuese la representación de un siglo, que al menos en dos ocasiones, había cambiado la faz de Europa, testimoniando con su mirada penetrante la degradación social y cultural del imperio. Secundado por el escritor y periodista Karl Kraus y el filósofo Wittgenstein, realizó imágenes de tal violencia plástica que se le ha considerado como un expresionista austriaco, más que como un auténtico secesionista.
Munch y el expresionismo alemán
Authors: Rocamora García Iglesias Carmen
Published: June 2010

Recogemos en este artículo, el movimiento cultural surgido en Alemania, como consecuencia de la primera Guerra Mundial, tomando como antecedente a Eduard Munch, nacido en Oslo, (Noruega), quien fue el primer artista que quiso reflejar en sus lienzos la desesperación extrema del hombre en su punto de mayor tensión, basada en la soledad y el sufrimiento, pintando «seres de la vida normal que respiran, sienten, aman, sufren, enferman y mueren».......A continuación , enumeramos los artistas que se integraron en los tres grandes grupos expresionistas: «EL PUENTE», «EL JINETE AZUL» y «LA NUEVA OBJETIVIDAD» narrando sus vidas, influencias y patetismo, expresado con una agresividad de estilo que no tiene precedentes en la Historia de la Pintura, y cuyo común denominador, es la aversión por la armonía y la belleza, mezclando lo grotesco con lo cínico, ensalzando la fealdad, la miseria física, la brutalidad y la grosería. Pero queremos hacer un llamamiento muy especial al lector de este estudio, para concienciarle de que este movimiento no solo se produjo en el arte, sino en las demás manifestaciones de la Cultura, que, basándose en el sentimiento revolucionario del momento, hicieron surgir, en el plano filosófico, las teorías psico-analíticas de Edmund Freud, la crítica del racionalismo de Bergson, la idea de la «negación» de Nietszche, el desprecio de la poesia tradicional de Strindberg, el teatro protesta de Bertold Brecht, la desaparición de la armonia en la música Dodecafònica con Shonberg, el rompimiento de la representación de la realidad, junto con la aparición de la Abstracción con Kandinsky, y finalmente la desintegración del átomo, como avance científico número uno, que dio lugar, años después, nada menos que a la primera bomba atómica.......
Todo ello, constituye la vanguardia que, abarcando la totalidad de las formas artísticas, culturales filosóficas y científicas, provocó una ruptura total con la forma de vida anterior.......
Su causa file la incomprensión y el dolor de toda una generación, angustiada por la desolación y el miedo, que no consiguió comprender el terrible destino que le tocó vivir y, manifestó su protesta mediante los cauces que estaban a su alcance, sin conseguir llenar esa soledad inconsolable, esa ausencia de esperanza y de ilusión, esa confianza en el futuro, a la que todo ser humano tiene derecho por su propia naturaleza.......
La realidad y el objeto: del Surrealismo al Pop Art
Authors: Nieto Alcaide Victor
Published: June 2010

No disponible
Un relato: la colección Thyssen-Bomemisza en España
Authors: Uría Meruéndano Rodrigo
Published: June 2010

No disponible
La tecnología y la defensa
Authors: Torrón Durán Ricardo
Published: June 2010

Desde los albores de la Historia (el Neolítico) ha existido siempre una estrecha relación entre la Tecnología y la Defensa, Esta relación presenta aspectos de gran interés en la primera y segunda Revolución Industrial. Hoy día, introducida ya la 3ª Revolución Industrial o Era de los Sistemas, el uso de las Nuevas Tecnologías (y principalmente las referentes a la Información/Comunicación) hacen a la sociedad más vulnerable. La Ingeniería Militar no debe ser ajena al planteamiento y solución de este problema.
La Comunidad reconocida: familias, escuelas, regantes y vecinos
Authors: García de la Cruz Herrero J. José , Prieto Novosco Evaristo
Published: June 2010

En este trabajo se estudia la intervención del Derecho en la comunidad. Se parte de una definición social de comunidad rechazando como tales aquellas que el Derecho llama comunidades pero no lo son socialmente.
El Derecho interviene en las comunidades como la familia, pero lo hace pensando esencialmente en los individuos que la componen no en la comunidad social como tal. El diseño individualista del Derecho occidental vigente impide o, incluso, produce consecuencias no buscadas cuando el Derecho actúa sobre comunidades sociales.
El comunitarismo en los pueblos indígenas de México
Authors: Jiménez Ottalengo Regina
Published: June 2010

Los pueblos indígenas mexicanos son culturas postergadas que sobreviven gracias a una organización comunal basada en un sistema de cargos cívico religiosos de carácter democrático y rotativo y que les imprime un sello corporativo. Su cohesión esta sustentada por los núcleos domésticos que se articulan entre s¿, por la vía de la solidaridad y la ayuda recíproca.
Ciencias agrarias
Authors: Cerdá Cerdá Antonio
Published: June 2010

La actividad investigadora en el área de Ciencias Agrarias compatibiliza y complementa la investigación básica con la aplicada en los aspectos relacionados con el suelo, el agua, la mejora vegetal y ganadera, los estreses bióticos y abióticos, los organismos fijadores de nitrógeno atmosférico, la fotosíntesis, etc. Los inicios de la actividad investigadora en este campo, la importancia en la actualidad, el potencial científico, el número y ubicación de los Institutos que la practican y las principales líneas de investigación del área se describen en esta publicación. Finalmente, se hace una reflexión acerca del papel de las Ciencias Agrarias en el futuro, basándose en que el sector primario tiene que seguir alimentando a la humanidad. La investigación agraria en el próximo milenio tendrá que desarrollar sistemas productivos que mejoren el manejo del suelo, agua y medio ambiente. Incidencia especial en todo lo referente a la transformación genética, a la protección vegetal, etc. En definitiva, desarrollar variedades de plantas que presente caracteres deseables en un concepto de agricultura sostenible.
Química y Tecnologías Químicas
Authors: García Fierro José Luis
Published: June 2010

En esta contribución se hace una sencilla revisión de la química que se realiza en los Institutos del CSIC con la finalidad de obtener una idea general de su estado y de las posibilidades de evolución en un futuro cercano. Para una mejor comprensión de la situación actual, se hace imprescindible un acercamiento a la historia y ala génesis de los Institutos. El estudio comprende, en primer lugar, un examen de la dimensión del potencial de la química, para hacer después un recorrido por cada uno de los Institutos y revisar las actividades de actualidad. Finalmente, se concluye con unas previsiones de futuro y se incide en algunas temáticas que se presentan como especialmente atractivas, dentro del esquema de los programas nacionales y de la UE y de las necesidades o deficiencias del sistema productivo.
La prospectiva como herramienta para la política científica y tecnológica
Authors: Sanz Menéndez Luis , Cabello Cecilia , Antón Fina
Published: June 2010

El artículo trata sobre la utilización de la prospectiva tecnológica en el diseño y desarrollo de las políticas científicas y tecnológicas. Primero, hace una aproximación conceptual en la que se presenta una doble visión de la prospectiva como fuente de información para los decisores públicos y como proceso de coordinación en los sistemas nacionales de innovación. Después se repasa el uso de la prospectiva en otros países, explicando cómo y en qué contexto surgen. Por último, se analiza la situación española y sus tendencias y se plantean algunas reflexiones sobre la utilización de la prospectiva como instrumento de las políticas públicas.
La sociedad de la información: ¿calidad de vida o desigualdad?
Authors: Morán Criado José Manuel
Published: June 2010

No disponible
Física cuántica y objetividad
Authors: Ferrero Melgar Miguel
Published: June 2010

El mito Einstein se ha formado básicamente en torno a sus teorías relativistas que, entre otras implicaciones, conducían a una original concepción del espacio-tiempo e incluso a una nueva forma de descripción del mundo físico. No obstante, sus contribuciones a la teoría cuántica -aunque no tan divulgadas- son de tal envergadura que por sí solas constituyen un aporte más que suficiente para que su autor ocupara un destacadísimo lugar entre los grandes creadores científicos de todos los tiempos. En el presente trabajo nos proponemos justificar tan categórica afirmación, empleando los medios que la historiografía moderna ofrece e incluyendo también resultados de algunas investigaciones propias.
Alimentos para la salud
Authors: Bello Gutiérrez José
Published: June 2010

No disponible