bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tissue culture and genetic analysis of somaclonal variations of Solanum melongena L. cv. Nirrala
Authors: Naseer Samar , Mahmood Tariq
Published: August 2014

The present study was designed to analyze genetically somaclonal variants using biochemical and molecular markers. Efficient tissue culture protocol for Solanum melongena L. cv. Nirrala was developed. Maximum callus induction (100%) was observed for Murashige and Skoog (MS) media supplemented with 2.0 mg L−1 naphthalene acetic acid +0.5 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine; and nodal explants gave best callusing response (88.8%) as compared to internodes (88.3%) and leaves (87.7%). The best shooting was induced on nodal and internodal callus in the presence of 2.0 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine. Total soluble protein content of callus and regenerated variant plants was estimated for biochemical analysis, and largest amount of soluble protein was found in callus (6.54 mg g−1 fresh tissue) followed by variant plant grown on 2.0 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine (5.96 mg g−1 fresh tissue). Random amplification of polymorphic DNA technique was done with five decamer primers (OPC1-OPC5) and maximum polymorphism was detected by OPC 2 (26.99%) among all samples, whereas nodal callus on media containing 1.0 mg L−1 naphthalene acetic acid +1.0 mg L−1 6-benzylaminopurine showed highest polymorphism producing 22 bands, out of which 8 bands were polymorphic. The study shows that this marker system can provide better evaluation of genetic variation induced by tissue culture.
Comparision of some models for estimation of reflectance of hypericum leaves under stress conditions
Authors: Temizel Kadir , Odabas Mehmet , Senyer Nurettin , Kayhan Gokhan , Bajwa Sreekala , Caliskan Omer , Ergun Erhan
Published: August 2014

Lack of water resources and high water salinity levels are among the most important growth-restricting factors for plants species of the world. This research investigates the effect of irrigation levels and salinity on reflectance of Saint John’s wort leaves (Hypericum perforatum L.) under stress conditions (water and salt stress) by multiple linear regression (MLR), artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). Empirical and heuristics modeling methods were employed in this study to relate stress conditions to leaf reflectance. It was found that the constructed ANN model exhibited a high performance than multiple regression and ANFIS in estimating leaf reflectance accurately.
Extreme chemical conditions of crystallisation of Umbrian Melilitolites and wealth of rare, late stage/hydrothermal minerals
Authors: Stoppa F. , Schiazza M.
Published: August 2014

Melilitolites of the Umbria Latium Ultra-alkaline District display a complete crystallisation sequence of peculiar, late-stage mineral phases and hydrothermal/cement minerals, analogous to fractionated mineral associations from the Kola Peninsula. This paper summarises 20 years of research which has resulted in the identification of a large number of mineral species, some very rare or completely new and some not yet classified. The progressive increasing alkalinity of the residual liquid allowed the formation of Zr-Ti phases and further delhayelitemacdonaldite mineral crystallisation in the groundmass. The presence of leucite and kalsilite in the igneous assemblage is unusual and gives a kamafugitic nature to the rocks. Passage to non-igneous temperatures (T<600 °C) is marked by the metastable reaction and formation of a rare and complex zeolite association (T<300 °C). Circulation of low-temperature (T<100 °C) K-Ca-Ba-CO2-SO2-fluids led to the precipitation of sulphates and hydrated and/or hydroxylated silicate-sulphate-carbonates. As a whole, this mineral assemblage can be considered typical of ultra-alkaline carbonatitic rocks.
Mineralogy, geochemistry and petrogenesis of the V-Ti-bearing and chromiferous magnetite deposits hosted by Neoarchaean Channagiri Mafic-Ultramafic Complex, Western Dharwar Craton, India: Implications for emplacement in differentiated pulses
Authors: Devaraju Tadasore , Jayaraj Kallada , Sudhakara Thavaraghatta , Alapieti Tuomo , Spiering Beate , Kaukonen Risto
Published: August 2014

The Channagiri Mafic-Ultramafic Complex occupies lowermost section of the Neoarchaean Shimoga supracrustal group in the Western Dharwar Craton. It is a segmented body occupying the interdomal troughs of granitoids. The magnetite deposits occur in the northeastern portion; typically occupying the interface zone between gabbro and anorthositic. Mineralogically, the deposits are simple with abundant magnetite and ilmenite. Hogbomite is a consistent minor mineral. Magnetites are typically vanadiferous (0.7–1.25% V2O5). Ilmenite consistently analyses more MgO and MnO than coexisting magnetite. Chlorite, almost the only silicate present; lies in the range of ripidolite, corundophilite and sheridanite. The chromiferous suit occupying eastern side of Hanumalapur block (HPB) contains Fe-Cr-oxide analysing 37.8–11.9% Cr2O3 and 40.5–80% FeOt. In these too, chlorite, typically chromiferous (0.6–1.2% Cr2O3), is the most dominant silicate mineral. Geochemistry of V-Ti-magnetite is dominated by Fe, Ti and V with Al, Si, Mg and Mn contributing most of the remaining. Cr, Ni, Zn, Co, Cu, Ga and Sc dominate trace element geochemistry. The Cr-magnetite is high in Cr2O3 and PGE. Two separate cycles of mafic magmatism are distinguished in the CMUC. The first phase of first cycle, viz., melagabbro-gabbro, emplaced in the southeastern portion, is devoid of magnetite deposits. The second phase, an evolved ferrogabbroic magma emplaced in differentiated pulses, occupying northeastern portion of the complex, consists of melagabbro→gabbro-anorthosite→V-Ti magnetite→ferrogabbro sequence. Increase in oxygen fugacity facilitated deposition of V-Ti magnetite from ferrogabbroic magma pulse emplaced in late stages. The second cycle of chromiferous PGE mineralized suite comprises fine-grained ultramafite→alternation of pyroxinite-picrite→Crmagnetite sequence formed from fractionation of ferropicritic magma. HPB also includes >65m thick sill-like dioritic phase at the base of the ferriferous suit and a sinuous band of coarse-grained ultramafite enclosed within the chromiferous suit; both unrelated to the two mafic magmatic cycles.
Mathiasite-loveringite and priderite in mantle xenoliths from the Alto Paranaíba Igneous Province, Brazil: genesis and constraints on mantle metasomatism
Authors: Almeida Vidyã , Janasi Valdecir , Svisero Darcy , Nannini Felix
Published: August 2014

Alkali-bearing Ti oxides were identified in mantle xenoliths enclosed in kimberlite-like rocks from Limeira 1 alkaline intrusion from the Alto Paranaíba Igneous Province, southeastern Brazil. The metasomatic mineral assemblages include mathiasite-loveringite and priderite associated with clinopyroxene, phlogopite, ilmenite and rutile. Mathiasite-loveringite (55–60 wt.% TiO2; 5.2–6.7 wt.% ZrO2) occurs in peridotite xenoliths rimming chromite (∼50 wt.% Cr2O3) and subordinate ilmenite (12–13.4 wt.% MgO) in double reaction rim coronas. Priderite (Ba/(K+Ba)< 0.05) occurs in phlogopite-rich xenoliths as lamellae within Mg-ilmenite (8.4–9.8 wt.% MgO) or as intergrowths in rutile crystals that may be included in sagenitic phlogopite. Mathiasite-loveringite was formed by reaction of peridotite primary minerals with alkaline melts. The priderite was formed by reaction of peridotite minerals with ultrapotassic melts. Disequilibrium textures and chemical zoning of associated minerals suggest that the metasomatic reactions responsible for the formation of the alkali-bearing Ti oxides took place shortly prior the entrainment of the xenoliths in the host magma, and is not connected to old (Proterozoic) mantle enrichment events.
Fabrication of highly-transparent Er:CaF2 ceramics by hot-pressing technique
Authors: Zhou W. , Cai F. , Zhi G. , Mei B.
Published: August 2014

Highly-transparent trivalent erbium ion doped calcium fluoride (5 mol % Er:CaF2) ceramics were fabricated by a hotpressing (HP) method using high-purity Er:CaF2 nanoparticles, which were synthesized by co-precipitation method. The mean grain size of the nanoparticles was about 24.7 nm. The nanoparticles were sintered at 600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C and 900 °C, respectively, for 30 min under a uniaxial pressure of 30 MPa and vacuum of 10−3 Pa with 1 mol % lithium fluoride (LiF) as sintering additive. The 5 mol % Er:CaF2 ceramics sintered at 800 °C exhibits high density and pore-free microstructure with an average grain size of about 8 μm. The optical transmittance of the transparent ceramics is close to 85 % at visible and nearinfrared wavelengths. The strong and broad absorptions peaks corresponding to characteristic absorption of trivalent erbium ions make the ceramics a potential candidate for infrared and upconversion laser operating.
Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials in evaluation of whiplash syndrome disability
Authors: Calò Lea , Liberati Luca , Fiorita Antonella , Logroscino Giandomenico , Vetrugno Giuseppe , Scarano Emanuele , Paludetti Gaetano , Picciotti Pasqualina M.
Published: August 2014

Objective:

Whiplash is an acceleration-deceleration mechanism of energy transfer to the neck that may result from a rear-end or side impact, predominantly in motor vehicle accidents but also from other mishaps. Vertigo and dizziness after whiplash injury are the most frequent, persistent and disabling symptoms, even in the absence of anatomical and cervical spine damage. Vestibular disturbances in whiplash patients have been widely investigated; nevertheless, physiopathology of vertigo and dizziness still remains an unsolved problem. The aim of our study was to demonstrate that cVEMPs (cervical Vestibular Evoked Myogenic Potentials) represent a valid and non-invasive technique able to investigate vestibular function, in particular the vestibulo-collic reflex and macular function.

Study design:

We examined 25 patients affected by disabling post-whiplash injury by means of audiovestibular tests: audiometric and impedance tests, nystagmus evaluation, caloric test, dynamic posturography and cervical VEMPs. Data obtained were compared with those of a normal control group.

Results:

Audiological tests, impedance tests, nystagmus evaluation, and caloric tests were normal in all patients. Comparison of dynamic posturography values obtained in whiplash patients and in the normal control group demonstrated significant differences in the Composite Equilibrium Score and Visual Component. Finally, cVEMPs were bilaterally absent in 72% of patients, unilaterally absent in 16% and present in 12%.

Conclusions:

Based upon neurophysiological evidence and our results, we can hypothesize that a concussion of the macular receptors takes place and that the maculae are more sensitive than the ampulla or cochlea receptor to this kind of injury. We conclude that cervical VEMPs represent a valid and non-invasive technique to evaluate disability after whiplash injury.
Central auditory processing functions in learning disabled children assessed by behavioural tests
Authors: Ghannoum Mohamed Tarek , Shalaby Amani Ahmed , Dabbous Abeir Osman , Abd-El-Raouf Ehab Ragaa , Abd-El-Hady Hebatallah Sherif
Published: August 2014

Background:

There is a high prevalence of central auditory processing disorders (CAPD) in children diagnosed with learning disability (LD). It is important to identify any deficits early in order to determine appropriate management.

Objective:

To assess central auditory processing functions in children with LD through behavioural testing.

Study design:

The present study comprised 60 normal hearing children of both genders. Cases included 30 children with LD, and the controls included 30 healthy children. Each group was further subdivided into three equal number subgroups according to age: 6–8 years, > 8–10 years and > 10–12 years. All subjects were submitted to full history taking, otological examination, basic audiological evaluation and central auditory processing testing which included: low pass filtered speech test, speech-in-noise test, dichotic digit test, pitch pattern sequence test, auditory fusion test and memory tests.

Results:

This study showed that the prevalence of CAPD in children with LD was 80%, with relatively more than soft CAPD criteria used. There were statistically significant differences between cases and controls regarding the central tests included in this study, except the LPF test and, in the youngest subgroup, the SPIN test. Age significantly affected psychophysical testing, and right ear advantage was found in our subjects. However, gender had no effect on testing.

Conclusion:

Central auditory processing functions were significantly affected in children with LD compared to controls.
Surgical Management of pleural Complications of Lung and Liver Hydatid Cysts in 34 Patients
Authors: Aghajanzadeh Manoucher , Asgary Mohammad Reza , Foumani Ali Alavi , Alavi Syrus Emir , Rimaz Siamak , Banihashemi Zohre , Hajipoor Ehsan , Massahnia Sara
Published: August 2014

The aim of this retrospective study was to review pleural complications and results of surgical management of patient with hydatid disease. Between 2000 and 2010, 34 patients among 260 patients with hydatid disease, were diagnosed with pleural complications. Findings are presented in relative frequencies tables. The most common pleural complication was empyema in 9 patients. The most common procedure was cystotomy, evacuation and decortication in 25 patients. In endemic area, pleural complications of hydatid cyst should be considered for differential diagnosis. And because of higher morbidity and mortality, surgical treatment should be carried out before complications.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i4.10893
Hip fracture patients, Complications and Nutritional demands for Healing
Authors: Firoozabadi Mohammad Ayati
Published: August 2014

In the population older than 60 years, fracturing of a hip is one of the main reasons for being admitted to a hospital. In 2006, the National Center for Health Statistics reported 330,000 hospital admissions for hip fracture: 293,000 (89%) occurred in patients over the age of 65; 238,000 (72%) affected women. Many of the patients operated on for a hip fracture can never return home; ultimately 19% will require long-term institutional care for the fracture, changing their life from an independent to a dependent one. Hip fracture patients also have a high mortality rate, 24% during the first postoperative year, with the expected one-year mortality rate two to three times lower in a normal population corrected for the same ages. Malnutrition is common in hip fracture patients, who appear to have a lower intake of energy, protein, calcium and vitamin D than non-fracture controls, but the effectiveness of nutritional support programs in routine clinical practice is controversial. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijls.v8i4.10894
Urinary Biomarker  A New Dimension for Quick Detection of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
Authors: Rahman Md Habibur
Published: August 2014

No Abstract Available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v38i1.20019 Bangladesh J Child Health 2014; VOL 38 (1) : 1-4
Pattern of Congenital Heart Disease in Children Admitted into Tertiary Care Hospitals of Sylhet: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Hoque Mujibul , Hussain Md Muazzem , Ahmad AT Reza , Uddin Md Shahab
Published: August 2014

Objective: This study was carried out to find out the prevalence of CHD and their type among Children attended in the inpatient and out patient department of district tertiary care hospital of Sylhet. Methodology: This prospective cross sectional study was carried out in the department of Paediatrics of 4 medical college hospitals of Sylhet over a period of 1 year from January 2012 to December 2012. All children with the confirmed diagnosis of CHD with the age ranging from 1st day of life to 12 years were analyzed considering the pattern of CHD. Results: A total of 234 cases of CHD were admitted. Maximum cases of CHD were admitted between 29 days to 1year age group and 148 (63.25%) were male and the rest 86 (36.75%) were female. The male-female ration was 1.72:1. Most of the CHD (65.38%) were acyanotic and 34.42% cases were cyanotic. The commonest CHD was found VSD (33.33%) which was followed by ASD (16.24%), TOF (11.54%), Complex CHD (11.54%) and PDA (10.68%). Conclusion: It was concluded from this study that the male children are mostly sufferer from CHD and acyanotic heart disease was commonest type of CHD. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjch.v38i1.20022 Bangladesh J Child Health 2014; VOL 38 (1) : 15-18
Kinetics and Mechanistic Studies on the Reaction between Cytochrome c and Tea Catechins
Authors: Wang Lihua , Santos Elizabeth , Schenk Desiree , Rabago-Smith Montserrat
Published: August 2014

Green tea is characterized by the presence of an abundance of polyphenolic compounds, also known as catechins, including epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate (EGC) and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In addition to being a popular beverage, tea consumption has been suggested as a mean of chemoprevention. However, its mode of action is unclear. It was discovered that tea catechins can react with cytochrome c. When oxidized cytochrome c was mixed with catechins commonly found in green tea under non-steady-state conditions, a reduction of cytochrome c was observed. The reaction rate of the catechins was dependent on the pH and the nature of the catechin. The pseudo-first order rate constant obtained increased in the order of EC < ECG < EGC < EGCG, which is consistent with previously reported superoxide reduction activities and Cu2+ reduction activities of tea catechins.
Tobacco Exposure and Complications in Conservative Laryngeal Surgery
Authors: Fiorini Francesca , Deganello Alberto , Larotonda Guglielmo , Mannelli Giuditta , Gallo Oreste
Published: August 2014

Smoking is an important risk factor in the development of head and neck cancer. However, little is known about its effects on postoperative complications in head and neck cancer surgery. We performed a retrospective analysis on 535 consecutive laryngeal cancer patients submitted to open partial laryngectomy at the Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Department of Florence University to evaluate a possible correlation between smoking and surgical complications. Patients were grouped in non smokers and smokers and evaluated for airway, swallowing, local and fistula complications by multivariate analysis: 507 (95%) patients were smokers, 69% presented supraglottic, 30% glottic and 1% transglottic cancer. The most common operation was supraglottic horizontal laryngectomy in 58%, followed by supracricoid partial laryngectomy in 27% and frontolateral hemilaryngectomy in 15% of cases. The incidence of overall complications was 30%, airway complications representing the most frequent (14%), followed by swallowing (7%), local (6%) and fistula complications (3%). Smokers developed more local complications (p = 0.05, univariate, p = 0.04, multivariate analysis) and pharyngocutaneous fistula (p = 0.01, univariate, p = 0.03, multivariate analysis).
Phase Energy Determined from Stress and Electric-Field-Induced Phase Transformations in [011]C Cut 0.24PIN-PMN-PT Single Crystals
Authors: Carka Dorinamaria , Gallagher John , Lynch Christopher
Published: August 2014

The effect of composition and temperature on the large field behavior of [011]C cut and poled (d32-mode) rhombohedral relaxor ferroelectric 0.24PIN-(1−x)PMN-xPT single crystals was characterized under electromechanical loading and the relative phase energy determined. The electric field and stress induced polarization and strain response and field dependent material properties are reported for two concentrations of lead titanate (PT), with one PT concentration closer to the morphotropic phase boundary, at low and high temperature. A thermodynamic analysis to determine the relative energy levels of the rhombohedral and orthorhombic phases is based on the path integration of the measured data to determine external work done to drive the phase transition. The effect of heat generated by irreversible strain and electric displacement increments (hysteresis in the phase transformation) was removed from the work done during the loading cycle and the relative Helmholtz free energy density levels of the phases was determined.
High Pressure Treatment in Foods
Authors: Bello Edwin , Martínez Gerardo , Ceberio Bernadette , Rodrigo Dolores , López Antonio
Published: August 2014

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP), a non-thermal technology, which typically uses water as a pressure transfer medium, is characterized by a minimal impact on food characteristics (sensory, nutritional, and functional). Today, this technology, present in many food companies, can effectively inactivate bacterial cells and many enzymes. All this makes HHP very attractive, with very good acceptance by consumers, who value the organoleptic characteristics of products processed by this non-thermal food preservation technology because they associate these products with fresh-like. On the other hand, this technology reduces the need for non-natural synthetic additives of low consumer acceptance.
MiRNA-548ah, a Potential Molecule Associated with Transition from Immune Tolerance to Immune Activation of Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Xing Tong-Jing , Xu Hong-Tao , Yu Wen-Qing , Wang Bian , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2014

Objective: The present study aims to identify the differently expressed microRNA (miRNA) molecules and target genes of miRNA in the immune tolerance (IT) and immune activation (IA) stages of chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: miRNA expression profiles of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at the IT and IA stages of CHB were screened using miRNA microarrays and authenticated using a quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Gene ontology (GO) and the Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) were used to analyze the significant functions and pathways of possible target genes of miRNAs. Assays of the gain and loss of function of the miRNAs were performed to verify the target genes in THP-1 cell lines. The luciferase reporter test was used on 293T cells as direct targets. Results: Significantly upregulated miR-548 and miR-4804 were observed in the miRNA microarrays and confirmed by RT-PCR in PBMCs at the IT and IA stages of CHB. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that MiR-548 and miR-4804 could be involved in numerous signaling pathways and protein binding activity. IFNγR1 was predicted as a target gene and validated as the direct gene of MiR-548. Significant negative correlation was found between the miR-548ah and mRNA levels of IFN-γR1 in CHB patients. Conclusions: The abnormal expression profiles of miRNA in PBMCs could be closely associated with immune activation of chronic HBV infection. miR-548, by targeting IFN-γR1, may represent a mechanism that can facilitate viral pathogenesis and help determine new therapeutic molecular targets.
Fumigant Toxicity of Oriental Sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) and Valerian (Valeriana wallichii) Essential Oils and Their Components, Including Their Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity, against Japanese Termites (Reticulitermes speratus)
Authors: Park Il-Kwon
Published: August 2014

This study investigated the fumigant toxicity of oriental sweetgum (Liquidambar orientalis) and valerian (Valeriana wallichii) essential oils and their components against the Japanese termite (Reticulitermes speratus). The fumigant toxicity of oriental sweetgum and valerian oil differed significantly according to exposure time. Oriental sweetgum showed toxicity at short exposure times (2 days), and the toxicity of valerian oil was high 7 days after treatment. The main constituents of oriental sweetgum and valerian oils were tested individually for their fumigant toxicity against Japanese termites. Among the test compounds, benzyl alcohol, acetophenone, 1-phenyl-1-ethanol, hydrocinnamyl alcohol, trans-cinnamyl aldehyde, trans-cinnamyl alcohol, cis-asarone, styrene, and cis-ocimene showed toxicity against Japanese termites 7 days after treatment. Hydrocinnamyl alcohol and trans-cinnamyl alcohol were found to be the major contributors to the fumigant antitermitic toxicity of oriental sweetgum oil. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition activity of two oils and their constituents was tested to determine their mode of action. Only cis-ocimene showed strong AChE inhibition activity with an IC50 value of 0.131 mg/mL. Further studies are warranted to determine the potential of these essential oils and their constituents as fumigants for termite control.
Developments in the Fermentation Process and Quality Improvement Strategies for Mead Production
Authors: Iglesias Antonio , Pascoal Ananias , Choupina Altino , Carvalho Carlos , Feás Xesús , Estevinho Leticia
Published: August 2014

Mead is a traditional alcoholic drink derived from the fermentation of diluted honey in the presence of appropriate yeast. Its modern production, in general terms, involves the addition of nutrients to initial diluted honey, pasteurization, yeast inoculation, fermentation and removal of impurities. Undesirable events along the process have been reported; among them, we highlight: delayed or arrested fermentations, modified and unpleasant sensory and quality parameters of the final product. These problems have been linked to the inability of yeasts to accomplish their role in extreme growth conditions. Emphasis has also been placed on the long fermentation times required, ranging from weeks to months, particularly when traditional procedures are applied and when the honey concentration is low. A series of alterations to the must and technological changes have been proposed in order to optimize the mead production process. In this context, this review examines the evidence that aims to improve meads’ quality and make the production process easier and more efficient, by clarifying the source of unexpected events, describing the implementation of different fermentative microorganisms and using new methodologies.
Preparative Isolation of Seven Diterpenoid Alkaloids from Aconitum coreanum by pH-Zone-Refining Counter-Current Chromatography
Authors: Wang Xueyong , Shu Xikai , Wang Xiao , Yu Jinqian , Jing Feng
Published: August 2014

The aim of this paper was to seek an efficient method to preparative separation of alkaloid compounds from Aconitum coreanum (Guanbaifu), a well-known traditional Chinese medicinal plant for heart disease. Seven alkaloid compounds were successfully purified by pH-zone-refining counter-current chromatography with two-phase solvent system of petroleum ether–ethyl acetate–methanol–water (5:5:1:9, v/v/v/v), 10 mM triethylamine in upper phase and 10 mM hydrochloric acid in lower phase. From 3.5 g of crude extract, 356 mg of Guanfu base I, 578 mg of Guanfu base A, 74 mg of atisine, 94 mg of Guanfu base F, 423 mg of Guanfu base G, 67 mg of Guanfu base R and 154 mg of Guanfu base P were obtained with the purity of 96.40%, 97.2%, 97.5%, 98.1%, 98.9%, 98.3% and 98.4%. Their chemical structures were identified by TOF-MS and 1H-NMR. This study indicated that pH-zone-refining counter-current chromatography was an efficient method for separating the kind of alkaloids with low absorbance values.
Studies of the in Vitro Antibacterial Activities of Several Polyphenols against Clinical Isolates of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Su Yanli , Ma Liyan , Wen Yan , Wang Hong , Zhang Shuwen
Published: August 2014

In this study, we report the antibacterial activities of six polyphenols (i.e., luteolin, quercetin, scutellarin, apigenin, chlorogenic acid, and resveratrol) against 29 clinical isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and in vitro antibacterial activities of two-drug combinations. All of the MRSA strains evaluated were clinical isolates from patients with MRSA bacteremia. The antibacterial activities were determined by agar dilution method, and the two-drug antibacterial activities were determined by the checkerboard agar dilution method. It was found that luteolin, quercetin and resveratrol show obvious antibacterial activities against MRSA, and the results of two-drug antibacterial activity show either synergy or additivity, without evidences of antagonistic effects.
Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Antioxidants in Misai Kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus)
Authors: Ho Swee , Tan Chin , Thoo Yin , Abas Faridah , Ho Chun
Published: August 2014

Ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) with ethanol was used to extract the compounds responsible for the antioxidant activities of Misai Kucing (Orthosiphon stamineus). Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize four independent variables: ethanol concentration (%), amplitude (%), duty cycle (W/s) and extraction time (min). Antioxidant compounds were determined by total phenolic content and total flavonoid content to be 1.4 g gallic acid equivalent/100 g DW and 45 g catechin equivalent/100 g DW, respectively. Antioxidant activities were evaluated using the 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+) radical scavenging capacity assay and the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) radical scavenging capacity assay to be 1,961.3 and 2,423.3 µmol Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC)/100 g DW, respectively. Based on the optimal conditions, experimental values were reported to be close to the predicted value by RSM modeling (p > 0.05), indicating the suitability of UAE for extracting the antioxidants of Misai Kucing. Rosmarinic acid, kaempferol-rutinoside and sinesetine were identified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
The Potential of Time Series Merged from Landsat-5 TM and HJ-1 CCD for Crop Classification: A Case Study for Bole and Manas Counties in Xinjiang, China
Authors: Hao Pengyu , Wang Li , Niu Zheng , Aablikim Abdullah , Huang Ni , Xu Shiguang , Chen Fang
Published: August 2014

Time series data capture crop growth dynamics and are some of the most effective data sources for crop mapping. However, a drawback of precise crop classification at medium resolution (30 m) using multi-temporal data is that some images at crucial time periods are absent from a single sensor. In this research, a medium-resolution, 15-day time series was obtained by merging Landsat-5 TM and HJ-1 CCD data (with similar radiometric performances in multi-spectral bands). Subsequently, optimal temporal windows for accurate crop mapping were evaluated using an extension of the Jeffries–Matusita (JM) distance from the merged time series. A support vector machine (SVM) was then used to compare the classification accuracy of the optimal temporal windows and the entire time series. In addition, different training sample sizes (10% to 90% of the entire training sample in 10% increments; five repetitions for each sample size) were used to investigate the stability of optimal temporal windows. The results showed that time series in optimal temporal windows can achieve high classification accuracies. The optimal temporal windows were robust when the training sample size was sufficiently large. However, they were not stable when the sample size was too small (i.e., less than 300) and may shift in different agro-ecosystems, because of different classes. In addition, merged time series had higher temporal resolution and were more likely to comprise the optimal temporal periods than time series from single-sensor data. Therefore, the use of merged time series increased the possibility of precise crop classification.
Sustainable Urban Biophilia: The Case of Greenskins for Urban Density
Authors: Revell Grant , Anda Martin
Published: August 2014

Green infrastructure ameliorates the urban heat island effect, contributes positively to liveability and enables sustainability in higher density urban environments. Greenskins (living architectures) are a more specific form of green infrastructure, including green walls and green roofs, for dense urban areas. These offer a new approach for sustainable urban biophilia and some forms can be built using the ecological design principles of constructed wetlands. The paper compares findings from two urban centres in warm Mediterranean climates. In general from Adelaide, South Australia and more specifically from university collaborative projects on particular technical and social parameters necessary to sustain Greenskins in dense urban conditions in Fremantle, Western Australia. Results from trials of a prototype greywater Greenskin using vertical constructed wetland cells are reported. Through an experimental investigation of designing living green walls in urban Fremantle, this paper challenges the conventional “triple-bottom-line” approach to sustainable dense urban systems by addressing the greater aesthetic needs of sustainability and its thinking. Here landscape aesthetics looks to the collaborative fields of urban design, environmental engineering and landscape architecture to design new urban biophilic experiences and restorative landscapes for regenerative cultural pleasure, ecological responsibility, environmental stewardship and intellectual gain.
The Correlation of the Presence and Expression Levels of cry Genes with the Insecticidal Activities against Plutella xylostella for Bacillus thuringiensis Strains
Authors: Chen Ming-Lun , Chen Pin-Hsin , Pang Jen-Chieh , Lin Chia-Wei , Hwang Chin-Fa , Tsen Hau-Yang
Published: August 2014

The use of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains with high insecticidal activity is essential for the preparation of bioinsecticide. In this study, for 60 Bt strains isolated in Taiwan, their genotypes and the correlation of some cry genes as well as the expression levels of cry1 genes, with their insecticidal activities against Plutella xylostella, were investigated. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) results revealed that the genotypes of these Bt strains are highly diversified. Also, a considerable number of the Bt strains isolated in Taiwan were found to have high insecticidal activities. Since strains that showed individual combined patterns of PFGE and RAPD exhibited distinct insecticidal activities against P. xylostella, thus, these genotypes may be useful for the identification of the new Bt strains and those which have been used in bioinsecticides. In addition, although the presence of cry2Aa1 may have a greater effect on the insecticidal activity of Bt strains in bioassay than other cry genes, only high expression level of cry1 genes plays a key role to determine the insecticidal activity of Bt strains. In conclusion, both RAPD and PFGE are effective in the differentiation of Bt strains. The presence of cry2Aa1 and, especially, the expression level of cry1 genes are useful for the prediction of the insecticidal activities of Bt strains against P. xylostella.
Evolutionary trends and ecological differentiation in early Cenozoic Fagaceae of western North America
Authors: Bouchal Johannes , Zetter Reinhard , Grímsson Friðgeir , Denk Thomas
Published: August 2014

• Premise of the study: The early Cenozoic was a key period of evolutionary radiation in Fagaceae. The common notion is that species thriving in the modern summer‐dry climate of California originated in climates with ample summer rain during the Paleogene.

• Methods: We investigated in situ and dispersed pollen of Fagaceae from the uppermost Eocene Florissant fossil beds, Colorado, United States, using a combined light and scanning electron microscopy approach.

• Key results: Pollen types of Castaneoideae with affinities to modern Castanea, Lithocarpus, and Castanopsis were recognized. Pollen of the extinct genus Fagopsis represents a derived type of Castaneoideae pollen. Infrageneric groups of Quercus were well represented, including pollen of Group Protobalanus. The taxonomic diversity of Fagaceae and of the total plant assemblage indicates a mosaic of microclimates, that range from pronounced to weakly seasonal climates and depend on slope aspect and elevation. Continental climatic conditions may have triggered the evolution of sclerophyllous leaves and adaptive radiation in Quercus and other taxa thriving today under distinctly summer‐dry and winter‐dry climates.

• Conclusions: Vegetation types similar to modern vegetation belts of the Coastal Ranges (chaparral, nemoral conifer forest) were established in the Front Range in the late Eocene. Coeval plant assemblages from the Coastal Ranges of California indicate distinctly subtropical, moist climates. Hence, characteristic elements found today in the summer‐dry and winter‐dry climates of Pacific North America (Quercus Group Protobalanus, Notholithocarpus) may opportunistically have dispersed into their modern ranges later in the Cenozoic. This scenario is in contrast to the evolution and migration patterns of their western Eurasian Mediterranean counterparts (Quercus Group Ilex).
Charcoal morphometry for paleoecological analysis: The effects of fuel type and transportation on morphological parameters
Authors: Crawford Alastair J. , Belcher Claire M.
Published: August 2014

• Premise of the study: Charcoal particles preserved in sediments are used as indicators of paleowildfire. Most research focuses on abundance as an indicator of fire frequency, but charcoals also convey information about the vegetation from which they are derived. One potential source of information is their morphology, which is influenced by the parent material, the nature of the fire, and subsequent transportation and burial.

• Methods: We charcoalified 26 materials from a range of plant taxa, and subjected them to simulated fluvial transport by tumbling them with water and gravel. We photographed the resulting particles, and used image analysis software to measure morphological parameters.

• Results: Leaf charcoal displayed a logarithmic decrease in area, and a logarithmic increase in circularity, with transportation time. Trends were less clear for stem or wood charcoal. Grass charcoal displayed significantly higher aspect ratios than other charcoal types.

• Conclusions: Leaf charcoal displays more easily definable relationships between morphological parameters and degree of breakdown than stem or wood charcoal. The aspect ratios of fossil mesocharcoal can indicate the broad botanical source of an assemblage. Coupled to estimates of charcoal abundance, this will improve understanding of the variation in flammability of ancient ecosystems.
PEGylated versus non-PEGylated magnetic nanoparticles as camptothecin delivery system
Authors: Castillo Paula M , Mata Mario de la , Casula Maria F , Sánchez-Alcázar José A , Zaderenko Ana P
Published: August 2014

Camptothecin (CPT; (S)-(+)-4-ethyl-4-hydroxy-1H-pyrano[3',4':6,7]indolizino[1,2-b]quinoline-3,14-(4H,12H)-dione) is a highly cytotoxic natural alkaloid that has not yet found use as chemotherapeutic agent due to its poor water-solubility and chemical instability and, as a consequence, no effective administration means have been designed. In this work, camptothecin has been successfully loaded into iron oxide superparamagnetic nanoparticles with an average size of 14 nm. It was found that surface modification of the nanoparticles by polyethylene glycol enables loading a large amount of camptothecin. While the unloaded nanoparticles do not induce apoptosis in the H460 lung cancer cell line, the camptothecin-loaded nanoparticle formulations exhibit remarkable pro-apoptotic activity. These results indicate that camptothecin retains its biological activity after loading onto the magnetic nanoparticles. The proposed materials represent novel materials based on naturally occurring bioactive molecules loaded onto nanoparticles to be used as chemotherapeutic formulations. The procedure seems apt to be extended to other active molecules extracted from natural products. In addition, these materials offer the potential of being further implemented for combined imaging and therapeutics, as magnetic nanoparticles are known to be multifunctional tools for biomedicine.
Music Therapy for Chronic Tinnitus: Variability of Tinnitus Pitch in the Course of Therapy
Authors: Hutter Elisabeth , Grapp Miriam , Argstatter Heike , Bolay Hans Volker
Published: August 2014

Background:In general, tinnitus pitch has been observed to be variable across time for most patients experiencing tinnitus. Some tinnitus therapies relate to the dominant tinnitus pitch in order to adjust therapeutic interventions. As studies focusing on tinnitus pitch rarely
conduct consecutive pitch matching in therapeutic settings, little is known about the course and variability of tinnitus pitch during therapeutic interventions.Purpose:The purpose of this study was to investigate the variability and development of tinnitus pitch in the course of therapeutic
interventions. Tinnitus pitch was suspected to be highly variable.Research design:The researchers conducted a descriptive, retrospective analysis of data.Study Sample:A total of 175 adult patients experiencing chronic tinnitus served as participants. All patients had received
a neuro-music therapy according to the “Heidelberg Model of Music Therapy for Chronic Tinnitus.”Data Collection and Analysis:During therapeutic interventions lasting for 5 consecutive days, the individual tinnitus frequency was assessed daily by means of a tinnitus pitch‐matching
procedure. The extent of variability in tinnitus pitch was calculated by mean ratios of frequencies between subsequent tinnitus measurements. Analysis of variance of repeated measures and post hoc paired samples t-tests were used for comparison of means in tinnitus frequencies, and
the test-retest reliability of measurements was obtained by the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient.Results:Tinnitus pitch displayed a variability of approximately 3/5 to 4/5 octaves per day. Overall, the mean frequency declined in the course of the therapy. Detailed analysis
revealed three groups of patients with diverging tinnitus progression. The test-retest reliability between assessments turned out to be robust (r = 0.74 or higher).Conclusions:Considerable variation in tinnitus pitch was found. Consequently, a frequent rechecking of tinnitus frequency
is suggested during frequency-specific acoustic stimulation in order to train appropriate frequency bands.
Is HLA-B27 Increased in Patients Diagnosed with Undifferentiated Arthritis? Results from the Leiden Early Arthritis Cohort
Authors: van Gaalen Floris , van den Berg Rosaline , Verhoog Inge , Schonkeren Joris , van der Helm-van Mil Annette , Huizinga Tom , van der Heijde Désirée M.
Published: August 2014

Objective.

Undifferentiated arthritis (UA) is a common form of arthritis. According to the Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society (ASAS) criteria for peripheral spondyloarthritis (pSpA), HLA-B27 can be used to help classify patients with pSpA. We tested whether HLA-B27 is increased in patients diagnosed with UA.

Methods.

Prevalence of HLA-B27 was compared between healthy controls and patients with UA. SpA features were compared between HLA-B27-positive and -negative UA, and SpA.

Results.

We found 10.1% of UA (38/375) versus 7.2% (403/5584) of controls were HLA-B27-positive (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.1; p = 0.037). HLA-B27-positive patients with UA had more SpA features than HLA-B27-negative patients (mean 1.6, SD 1.0, and 0.9 SD 0.6; p < 0.001), but patients with SpA had significantly more SpA features (mean 4.5, SD 1.5; p < 0.001). Family history and preceding infection were features more common in HLA-B27-positive than in HLA-B27-negative UA (15.8% vs 1.3%, p = 0.04 and 15.8% vs 2.6%, p = 0.04). After HLA-B27 testing, 21 additional patients (5.6%) with UA could potentially have been classified with pSpA according to the ASAS criteria.

Conclusion.

HLA-B27 is more common in patients with UA than in controls. However, the yield of HLA-B27 testing in UA is low. Our results suggest that HLA-B27 testing should be reserved for patients with additional SpA features.
Tocilizumab Treatment Increases Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction and Decreases Left Ventricular Mass Index in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis without Cardiac Symptoms: Assessed Using 3.0 Tesla Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Kobayashi Hitomi , Kobayashi Yasuyuki , Giles Jon T. , Yoneyama Kihei , Nakajima Yasuo , Takei Masami
Published: August 2014

Objective.

The aim of our pilot study was to prospectively evaluate the effect of inhibiting interleukin 6 on the left ventricular (LV) structure and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without cardiac symptoms, using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR).

Methods.

Female patients with RA with active disease and healthy controls were enrolled. Cardiac symptoms were absent in all subjects. Tocilizumab (TCZ; 8 mg/kg IV every 4 weeks) was prescribed for patients with RA with an inadequate clinical response to methotrexate. All subjects underwent baseline evaluation of LV function and structure measured by CMR. We compared measures of LV geometry and function between patients with RA and patients without RA controls at baseline, and changes in the same variables between baseline and after 52 weeks of treatment among the group with RA.

Results.

Twenty women with RA were compared with 20 women without RA of similar mean age. In patients with RA at baseline, ejection fraction (EF) was significantly lower (−3.7%) and LV mass index (LVMI) significantly higher (+9.2%) compared with controls. TCZ treatment resulted in a significant decrease in the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) after 52 weeks of treatment, paralleling a significant increase in EF (+8.2%) and a significant decrease in LVMI (−24.4%) over the same period. The percentage change in LVMI correlated strongly with the percentage change in SDAI (r = −0.63, p = 0.0028). LV geometry in the group with RA at baseline showed eccentric hyper-trophy compared with the group without RA, a condition that normalized after TCZ treatment.

Conclusion.

TCZ treatment significantly increased EF and decreased LVMI associated with disease activity.
Transition to an Electronic Professional Nurse Portfolio: Part II
Authors: Smith Charlene M. , McDonald Katie
Published: August 2014

Part I, published last month, described the background and purpose for a professional portfolio that showcases accomplishments supporting professional goals, scholarship, service, and competency in one’s professional nursing practice. This column reviews the benefits, options, and issues to consider when developing a professional portfolio online.

J Contin Educ Nurs
2013;44(8):340–341.
Rankism in Nursing and Health Care
Authors: Bleich Michael R.
Published: August 2014

Professional development educators can frame their practice by understanding rankism from an organizational development framework. Forms and functions of rankism are presented with reference to the work of Robert Fuller.
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2014;45(3):108–109.
Using a Board Game to Reinforce Learning
Authors: Yoon Bona , Rodriguez Leslie , Faselis Charles J. , Liappis Angelike P.
Published: August 2014

Experiential gaming strategies offer a variation on traditional learning. A board game was used to present synthesized content of fundamental catheter care concepts and reinforce evidence-based practices relevant to nursing. Board games are innovative educational tools that can enhance active learning.
J Contin Educ Nurs
. 2014;45(3):110–111.
Learn to Lead in the Boardroom
Authors: Westphal Judith , McNiel Paula
Published: August 2014

Nurses, positioned as members of one of the most highly trusted professions, are called to meet the health needs of patients and communities in a variety of ways. The Institute of Medicine calls nurses to partner with physicians and other professionals to redesign health care in the United States. One way that nurses can answer the call is by serving in the boardroom, where decisions regarding health and health care are made. Identified competencies for board leadership include (a) open communication, (b) planning, (c) active engagement, (d) collaboration, (e) decision-making skills, (f) financial stewardship, (g) organizational skills, (h) advocacy, and (i) visionary skills. Board competency development begins in nursing school and continues throughout one's professional career. A board leadership self-assessment tool is provided as a guide for personal and professional growth. Continuing education professionals play an important role in development of boardroom competency.
J Contin Educ Nurs.
2014;45(4):162–168.