bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of clogging processes in injection wells used to pump highly mineralized thermal waters into the sandstone structures lying under the polish lowlands
Authors: Tomaszewska Barbara , Pająk Leszek
Published: January 2013

When identifying the conditions required for the sustainable and long-term exploitation of geothermal resources it is very important to assess the dynamics of processes linked to the formation, migration and deposition of particles in geothermal systems. Such particles often cause clogging and damage to the boreholes and source reservoirs. Solid particles: products of corrosion processes, secondary precipitation from geothermal water or particles from the rock formations holding the source reservoir, may settle in the surface installations and lead to clogging of the injection wells. The paper proposes a mathematical model for changes in the absorbance index and the water injection pressure required over time. This was determined from the operating conditions for a model system consisting of a doublet of geothermal wells (extraction and injection well) and using the water occurring in Liassic sandstone structures in the Polish Lowland. Calculations were based on real data and conditions found in the Skierniewice GT-2 source reservoir intake. The main product of secondary mineral precipitation is calcium carbonate in the form of aragonite and calcite. It has been demonstrated that clogging of the active zone causes a particularly high surge in injection pressure during the fi rst 24 hours of pumping. In subsequent hours, pressure increases are close to linear and gradually grow to a level of ~2.2 MPa after 120 hours. The absorbance index decreases at a particularly fast rate during the fi rst six hours (Figure 4). Over the period of time analysed, its value decreases from over 42 to approximately 18 m3/h/MPa after 120 hours from initiation of the injection. These estimated results have been confi rmed in practice by real-life investigation of an injection well. The absorbance index recorded during the hydrodynamic tests decreased to approximately 20 m3/h/MPa after 120 hours.
Possible applications of hardening slurries with fluidal ashes in environment protection structures
Authors: Falaciński Paweł
Published: January 2013

This article presents ways of possible utilization and application of fl uidal combustion wastes as active additives to hardening slurries which are used to seal environment protection structures, i.e. cut-off walls in waste dumps and wastewater treatment plants. Cut-off walls are often exposed to fi ltrating action of eluates - polluted (aggressive) waters. Results of hydraulic conductivity tests of slurries after their long-term (210 days) fi ltration with eluates from a municipal waste dump and with tap water are presented. Porosity tests were also conducted to show the porosity structure of the fi ltered slurries. Additionally, compressive strength of slurries maturing in tap water and waste dump eluates was tested in parallel.
Evaluation of anthropogenic pollution in river water based on the genetic diversity of Aeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Korzekwa Karol , Gołaś Iwona , Harnisz Monika
Published: January 2013

Aeromonas hydrophila is a valuable indicator of the quality of water polluted by sewage and pathogens that pose a risk for humans and cold-blooded animals, including fi sh. The main aim of this research was to evaluate anthropogenic pollution of river water based on genetic diversity of 82 A. hydrophila strains by means of RAPD, semi-random AP-PCR (ISJ) and the rep-BOX conservative repeats test. Genetic diversity of A. hydrophila was HT = 0.28 (SD = 0.02) for all DNA markers (RAPD, semi random and rep-BOX). None of the analyzed electrophoretic patterns was identical, implying that there were many sources of strain transmission. The presence of genes for aerolysin (aerA), hemolysin (ahh1) and the cytotoxic enzyme complex (AHCYTOGEN) was verifi ed for all tested strains, and drug resistance patterns for tetracycline, enrofl oxacin and erythromycin were determined. The most diverse A. hydrophila strains isolated from river water were susceptible to enrofl oxacine (HS = 0.27), whereas less diverse strains were susceptible to erythromycin (HS = 0.24). The presence of the multidrug resistance marker (ISJ4-25; 1100 bp locus) in the examined strains (resistant to three analyzed drugs) indicates that intensive fi sh cultivation affects the microbiological quality of river water.
Mit i egzystencja. Czarodziejska góra Tomasza Manna jako powieść antyinicjacyjna?
Authors: Brzozowska Sabina
Published: January 2013

This article presents one of the many possible interpretations of Thomas Mann’s The MagicMountain without drawing an definitive conclusion. Hans Castorp’s experiences at Davos are explored in the context of the ritual of initiation and regeneration featured in Friedrich Nietzsche’s The Birth of Tragedy. In Mann’s novel Castorp’s encounter with the death-tainted sanatorium routine carries a suggestion of an absorption into a community performing its rituals. However, unlike the Nietzschean mysteries these rituals pull its participants into a unregenerative circle of formlessness. In the initiation ritual the descent (kathodos) should be followed by an ascent (anodos). In the Hades of the Berghof Hans Castorp can be seen to dive into the recesses of his own memory, the primeval memory of mankind, the secrets of the human body and the depths of the subconscious. However, his dip does not issue in an ascent. His grip on reality remains at best enigmatic; he is not able to break out of the narrow compass of the sanatorium. When he returns to the plains, to historical time, it is a descent to the hell of war. To sum up, whereas the Dionysian myth is associated with the motif of a fertile underworld, Castorp is not likely to experience regeneration.
Teleowitalizm mityczny czy utopijna afazja? O „Wyspie” Leopolda Staffa
Authors: Maj Krzysztof M.
Published: January 2013

This is an attempt at outlining the philosophical and literary framework of Leopold Staff’s TheIsland. Rarely analyzed, the poem, made distinct by its universalist tone, does invite a fresh reading, especially one going beyond the narrow contexts and procedures of literary history. This approach is premised on the potential co-existence of the differentiae specificae of Staff’s poetic philosophy and the phenomena that are determined by it even though validated by a different discursive principle. Crucial to this analysis are two philosophical categories, mythical teleovitalism (a term coined by Jerzy Kwiatkowski and suited like no other to capture the specific quality of Staff’s poetry,) and a utopian aphasia (ie. a critical distance towards all utopias undercut by a longing for some form of utopian projection - an attitude that can be found across a wide range of classicist poetics). It is argued that these two categories have a key role in organizing the structure of the poem which deals with the submerged tensions between an appreciative and an unapproving view of a dream about ‘a mystery island’.
„Rzymski” Żyd – nieznana twórczość Romana Brandstaettera
Authors: Konrad Sikorski Dariusz
Published: January 2013

After 1946, ie. after embracing Christianity, Roman Brandstaetter would often point to the Biblical Jonah as a role model for both his life and his artistic endeavour. In the interwar period, when he was a columnist of Nowy Głos, a New York Polish-Jewish periodical, he used the penname Romanus. The ‘Roman’ Jew appears to have treated his columns as a form of an artistic and civic ‘investigation’ into scandalous cases of breaking the law, destruction of cultural values and violation of social norms. Although it his was hardly ‘a new voice’ with the potential to change the course of history, he did become an intransigent defender of free speech. Brought up on the Bible and the best traditions of Polish literature and culture, Brandstaetter, the self-appointed disciple of Adam Mickiewicz, could not but stand up to the challenge of anti-Semitic aggression.
Participation in Community Walking Following Stroke: The Influence of Self-Perceived Environmental Barriers
Authors: Robinson Cynthia A. , Matsuda Patricia Noritake , Ciol Marcia A. , Shumway-Cook Anne
Published: January 2013

Background

Community walking is limited among survivors of stroke; however, the contributing factors are not clearly understood.

Objective

This study examined the association of features in the environment with frequency of community walking following stroke.

Design

An observational study design was used, with frequency of community walking data collected prospectively.

Method

Thirty survivors of stroke (mean age=67 years; mean months since stroke=40), and 30 older adults without stroke (mean age=68 years) participated. Frequency of community walking (number of trips, walking-related activities [WRA], and the ratio of WRA to trips) and satisfaction were measured using self-report. The Environmental Analysis of Mobility Questionnaire (EAMQ) was used to determine frequency of encounter with versus avoidance of environmental features during community walking. Negative binomial and linear regression models were used to analyze the association of environmental features with measures of community walking.

Results

Survivors of stroke reported reduced community walking and fewer encounters with and greater avoidance of features within 8 dimensions of the environment compared with a control group of adults without stroke. Following stroke, avoidance of features in some environmental dimensions was associated with frequency of community walking as measured by number of trips, number of WRA, and the ratio of WRA to trips. Environmental features explained little of the variability in community walking.

Limitations

Limitations included a small sample size and limited diversity among participants. This study examined only physical features in the environment and did not include other environmental factors, such as social support, which may influence participation.

Conclusions

Avoidance of features within some, but not all, environmental dimensions was associated with self-reported frequency of community walking following stroke, suggesting that some environmental features may limit community walking more than others.
Simulation Experience Enhances Physical Therapist Student Confidence in Managing a Patient in the Critical Care Environment
Authors: Ohtake Patricia J. , Lazarus Marcilene , Schillo Rebecca , Rosen Michael
Published: January 2013

Background

Rehabilitation of patients in critical care environments improves functional outcomes. This finding has led to increased implementation of intensive care unit (ICU) rehabilitation programs, including early mobility, and an associated increased demand for physical therapists practicing in ICUs. Unfortunately, many physical therapists report being inadequately prepared to work in this high-risk environment. Simulation provides focused, deliberate practice in safe, controlled learning environments and may be a method to initiate academic preparation of physical therapists for ICU practice.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of participation in simulation-based management of a patient with critical illness in an ICU setting on levels of confidence and satisfaction in physical therapist students.

Design

A one-group, pretest-posttest, quasi-experimental design was used.

Methods

Physical therapist students (N=43) participated in a critical care simulation experience requiring technical (assessing bed mobility and pulmonary status), behavioral (patient and interprofessional communication), and cognitive (recognizing a patient status change and initiating appropriate responses) skill performance. Student confidence and satisfaction were surveyed before and after the simulation experience.

Results

Students' confidence in their technical, behavioral, and cognitive skill performance increased from “somewhat confident” to “confident” following the critical care simulation experience. Student satisfaction was highly positive, with strong agreement the simulation experience was valuable, reinforced course content, and was a useful educational tool.

Limitations

Limitations of the study were the small sample from one university and a control group was not included.

Conclusions

Incorporating a simulated, interprofessional critical care experience into a required clinical course improved physical therapist student confidence in technical, behavioral, and cognitive performance measures and was associated with high student satisfaction. Using simulation, students were introduced to the critical care environment, which may increase interest in working in this practice area.
Development of a Computerized Adaptive Test for Assessing Activities of Daily Living in Outpatients With Stroke
Authors: Hsueh I-Ping , Chen Jyun-Hong , Wang Chun-Hou , Hou Wen-Hsuan , Hsieh Ching-Lin
Published: January 2013

Background

An efficient, reliable, and valid measure for assessing activities of daily living (ADL) function is useful to improve the efficiency of patient management and outcome measurement.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to construct a computerized adaptive testing (CAT) system for measuring ADL function in outpatients with stroke.

Design

Two cohort studies were conducted at 6 hospitals in Taiwan.

Methods

A candidate item bank (44 items) was developed, and 643 outpatients were interviewed. An item response theory model was fitted to the data and estimated the item parameters (eg, difficulty and discrimination) for developing the ADL CAT. Another sample of 51 outpatients was interviewed to examine the concurrent validity and efficiency of the CAT. The ADL CAT, as the outcome measure, and the Barthel index (BI) and Frenchay Activities index (FAI) were administered on the second group of participants.

Results

Ten items did not satisfy the model's expectations and were deleted. Thirty-four items were included in the final item bank. Two stopping rules (ie, reliability coefficient >.9 and maximum test length of 7 items) were set for the CAT. The participants' ADL scores had an average reliability of .93. The CAT scores were highly associated with those of the full 34 items (Pearson r=.98). The scores of the CAT were closely correlated with those of the combined BI and FAI (r=.82). The time required to complete the CAT was about one fifth of the time used to administer both the BI and FAI.

Limitations

The participants were outpatients living in the community. Further studies are needed to cross-validate the results.

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that the ADL CAT is quick to administer, reliable, and valid in outpatients with stroke.
Comparison of the accuracy of ventricular catheter placement using freehand placement, ultrasonic guidance, and stereotactic neuronavigation
Authors: Wilson Thomas J. , Stetler William R. , Al-Holou Wajd N. , Sullivan Stephen E.
Published: January 2013

Object

The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of 3 methods of ventricular catheter placement during CSF shunt operations: the freehand technique using surface anatomy, ultrasonic guidance, and stereotactic neuronavigation.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all patients from a single institution who underwent a ventricular CSF shunting procedure in which a new ventricular catheter was placed between January 2005 and March 2010. Data abstracted for each patient included age, sex, diagnosis, method of ventricular catheter placement, site and side of ventricular catheter placement, Evans ratio, and bifrontal ventricular span. Postoperative radiographic studies were reviewed for accuracy of ventricular catheter placement. Medical records were also reviewed for evidence of shunt failure requiring revision through December 2011. Statistical analysis was then performed comparing the 3 methods of ventricular catheter placement and to determine risk factors for inaccurate placement.

Results

There were 249 patients included in the study; 170 ventricular catheters were freehand passed, 51 were placed using stereotactic neuronavigation, and 28 were placed under intraoperative ultrasonic guidance. There was a statistically significant difference between freehand catheters and stereotactic-guided catheters (p < 0.001), as well as between freehand catheters and ultrasound-guided catheters (p < 0.001). The only risk factor for inaccurate placement identified in this study was use of the freehand technique. The use of stereotactic neuronavigation and ultrasonic guidance reduced proximal shunt failure rates (p < 0.05) in comparison with a freehand technique.

Conclusions

Stereotactic- and ultrasound-guided ventricular catheter placements are significantly more accurate than freehand placement, and the use of these intraoperative guidance techniques reduced proximal shunt failure in this study.
Venous preservation–guided resection: a changing paradigm in parasagittal meningioma surgery
Authors: Tomasello Francesco , Conti Alfredo , Cardali Salvatore , Angileri Filippo Flavio
Published: January 2013

Object

Surgical treatment of parasagittal meningiomas is challenging. Preserving the venous outflow is the key point, but this may preclude radical resection. Different surgical strategies have been proposed. To contribute to the debate on the optimal strategy for treating these tumors, a single-institutional, single-surgeon series of patients with parasagittal meningiomas was analyzed and the available literature reviewed.

Methods

Clinical charts of patients with parasagittal meningioma, managed at the University of Messina between 1988 and 2008, were retrospectively reviewed. A microsurgical resection, the goal of which was to preserve the venous outflow, was performed. Only if the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) was angiographically occluded, but if alternative venous outflow was clearly recognized, was the tumor resected, together with the sinus without further flow restoration. A MEDLINE review of the literature published between 1955 and 2011 was performed.

Results

Long-term follow-up (mean 80 months) data obtained in 67 patients with meningiomas involving the SSS were analyzed. The recurrence rate was 10.4%; the morbidity and mortality rates were 10.4% and 4.5%, respectively. The authors identified in the literature 19 relevant studies on this issue, and based on their review of the literature, there is no evidence that aggressive management offers an advantage in terms of recurrence rate.

Conclusions

Analysis of the data obtained in the 67 patients confirmed good outcome and long-term tumor control following a surgical strategy aimed to preserve venous outflow. These findings and the results of the authors' analysis of the literature emphasize that the goal of radical tumor resection should be balanced by an awareness of the increased surgical risk attendant on aggressive management of the SSS and bridging veins.
Distinct IDH1/IDH2 mutation profiles in purely insular versus paralimbic WHO Grade II gliomas
Authors: Gozé Catherine , Mansour Lamisse , Rigau Valérie , Duffau Hugues
Published: January 2013

Object

The molecular profile of diffuse WHO Grade II gliomas involving the insular lobe, with a possible impact on outcome, is controversial. The authors undertook this study to investigate a possible difference of molecular patterns between purely insular Grade II gliomas and paralimbic Grade II gliomas that involve both the insular lobe and the frontal and/or temporal structures.

Methods

From a consecutive series of 47 patients who underwent resection of a Grade II glioma invading the insula, 2 subgroups were identified. The first subgroup included 11 patients with a purely insular tumor. The second subgroup included 36 patients with a paralimbic Grade II glioma also involving the frontal and/or temporal lobe. The authors searched systematically for TP53 mutations, 1p19q codeletion, and IDH1/IDH2 mutations.

Results

There was no significant difference between the 2 subgroups with respect to 1p19q codeletion or TP53 mutations rates. Conversely, IDH1/IDH2 mutations were found in all 11 (100%) of the insular Grade II gliomas but only 20 (55%) of 36 paralimbic Grade II gliomas (p = 0.008). Ten (28%) of the 36 patients in the paralimbic tumor group experienced a malignant transformation, and 6 of them died; whereas neither transformation nor death occurred in the insular tumor group (trend toward significance, p = 0.088).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate for the first time distinct IDH1/IDH2 and consequently distinct “triplenegative” patterns in purely insular versus paralimbic Grade II gliomas. Such findings could explain discrepancies reported in the literature, because insular and paralimbic gliomas have not been separated in previous reports. These results may enable physicians to refine the management of Grade II gliomas involving the insula according to the presence or lack of invasion of the frontal and/or temporal areas.
Sociodemographic changes over 25 years of pediatric epilepsy surgery at UCLA
Authors: Hauptman Jason S. , Dadour Andrew , Oh Taemin , Baca Christine B. , Vickrey Barbara G. , Vassar Stefanie D. , Sankar Raman , Salamon Noriko , Vinters Harry V. , Mathern Gary W.
Published: January 2013

Object

Low income, government insurance, and minority status are associated with delayed treatment for neurosurgery patients. Less is known about the influence of referral location and how socioeconomic factors and referral patterns evolve over time. For pediatric epilepsy surgery patients at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), this study determined how referral location and sociodemographic features have evolved over 25 years.

Methods

Children undergoing epilepsy neurosurgery at UCLA (453 patients) were classified by location of residence and compared with clinical epilepsy and sociodemographic factors.

Results

From 1986 to 2010, referrals from Southern California increased (+33%) and referrals from outside of California decreased (−19%). Over the same period, the number of patients with preferred provider organization (PPO) and health maintenance organization (HMO) insurance increased (+148% and +69%, respectively) and indemnity insurance decreased (−96%). Likewise, the number of Hispanics (+117%) and Asians (100%) increased and Caucasians/whites decreased (−24%). The number of insurance companies decreased from 52 carriers per 100 surgical patients in 1986–1990 to 19 per 100 in 2006–2010. Patients living in the Eastern US had a younger age at surgery (−46%), shorter intervals from seizure onset to referral for evaluation (−28%) and from presurgical evaluation to surgery (−61%) compared with patients from Southern California. The interval from seizure onset to evaluation was shorter (−33%) for patients from Los Angeles County compared with those living in non-California Western US states.

Conclusions

Referral locations evolved over 25 years at UCLA, with more cases coming from local regions; the percentage of minority patients also increased. The interval from seizures onset to surgery was shortest for patients living farthest from UCLA but still within the US. Geographic location and race/ethnicity was not associated with differences in becoming seizure free after epilepsy surgery in children.
A rare case of posttraumatic eyelid swelling: cerebrospinal fluid blepharocele
Authors: Chandra Nagesh , Ojha Bal Krishan , Chandwani Vashdev , Srivastava Chhitij , Singh Sunil Kumar , Chandra Anil
Published: January 2013

Posttraumatic herniation of brain and CSF into the eyelid, variously termed as blepharocele, blepharoencephalocele, or encephalocele, is not a common entity, with only a few reported cases in the literature. A 4-year-old girl was seen for gradually increasing left upper eyelid swelling after she had sustained a head injury due to a fall from height. A few days later she developed swelling of the upper eyelid. Posttraumatic CSF blepharocele was suspected. The patient underwent surgery with excellent cosmetic outcome. This case is discussed with a review of literature.
Percutaneous posterior cervical fusion with the DTRAX Facet System for single-level radiculopathy: results in 60 patients
Authors: McCormack Bruce M. , Bundoc Rafael C. , Ver Mario R. , Ignacio Jose Manuel F. , Berven Sigurd H. , Eyster Edward F.
Published: January 2013

Object

The authors present 1-year results in 60 patients with cervical radiculopathy due to spondylosis and stenosis that was treated with a bilateral percutaneous facet implant. The implant consists of a screw and washer that distracts and immobilizes the cervical facet for root decompression and fusion. Clinical and radiological results are analyzed.

Methods

Between 2009 and 2011, 60 patients were treated with the DTRAX Facet System in a multicenter prospective single-arm study. All patients had symptomatic clinical radiculopathy, and conservative management had failed. The majority of patients had multilevel radiographically confirmed disease. Only patients with single-level radiculopathy confirmed by history, physical examination, and in some cases confirmatory nerve blocks were included. Patients were assessed preoperatively with Neck Disability Index, visual analog scale, quality of life questionnaire (Short Form-12 version 2), CT scans, MRI, and dynamic radiographs. Surgery was percutaneous posterior bilateral facet implants consisting of a screw and expandable washer and iliac crest bone aspirate. Patients underwent postoperative assessments at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year with validated outcome questionnaires. Alterations of segmental and overall cervical lordosis, foraminal dimensions, device retention and fusion criteria were assessed for up to 1 year with CT reconstructions and radiographs. Fusion criteria were defined as bridging trabecular bone between the facets, translational motion < 2 mm, and angular motion < 5°.

Results

All patients were followed to 1 year postoperatively. Ages in this cohort ranged from 40 to 75 years, with a mean of 53 years. Forty-two patients were treated at C5–6, 8 at C6–7, 7 at C4–5, and 3 at C3–4. Fifty-six had bilateral implants; 4 had unilateral implants due to intraoperative facet fracture (2 patients) and inability to access the facet (2 patients). The Neck Disability Index, Short Form-12 version 2, and visual analog scale scores were significantly improved at 2 weeks and remained significantly improved up to 1 year. At the treated level, 93% had intrafacet bridging trabecular bone on CT scans, translational motion was < 2 mm in 100% and angular movement was < 5° in 83% at the 1-year follow-up. There was no significant change in overall cervical lordosis. There was a 1.6° loss of segmental lordosis at the treated level at 1 year that was significant. Foraminal width, volume, and posterior disc height was significantly increased at 6 months and returned to baseline levels at 1 year. There was no significant decrease in foraminal width and height at adjacent levels. There were no reoperations or surgery- or device-related complications, including implant failure or retained hardware.

Conclusions

Results indicate that the DTRAX Facet System is safe and effective for treatment of cervical radiculopathy.
Histopathology of stomach tissue of catfish magur, Clarias batrachus L. under chromium, cadmium and mercury stress
Authors: Begum Shawkat Ara , Banu Qamar , Hoque Baharul
Published: January 2013

Histopathological effect of three heavy metals- cadmium, chromium and mercury on the stomach tissue of catfish Magur, Clarias batrachus L. was studied under laboratory condition. Pathological symptoms due to metal stress showed significant damage of mucosal epithelium, hypertrophied epithelial cells with pyknotic nuclei and clear cytoplasm, separation of epithelium, separation of damaged digestive gland cells from the basement membrane, and vacuolation and rupture in submucosa and muscularis layer. Damages of the mucosal epithelial and gastric gland cells due to Cr treatment were significant while the epithelial hypertrophied cells undergone further deterioration due to Cd and Hg exposure. Blood vessels were hyperemic and necrosed in Cd and clumping of blood cells in the lamina propria beneath the mucosal epithelium in the fish exposed to Cr. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13365 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):09-17, 2010
Isolation and characterizaton of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli from hospital, dairy and student hall wastes
Authors: Naher Nazmun , Alam Md Zobaidul , Chowdhury AM Masudul Azad
Published: January 2013

In this investigation a total of 31 isolates of E. coli were isolated randomly from different samples to analyze the resistance pattern to the most frequently used antibiotics. Among these 31 isolates 17 were isolated from hospital, 9 from student hall and 5 from dairy farm wastes. The isolates from hospital wastes showed 100% resistance to ciprofloxacin and ampicillin, 94% to penicillin, 76% to tetracycline, 41% to gentamicin and 35% to chloramphenicol. In contrast, the isolates from dairy farm wastes showed 100% resistance to penicillin and ampicillin, 80% to ciprofloxacin, and 40% to tetracycline. On the other hand, among the isolates of hall wastes 66% showed resistance to penicillin and ampicillin, 55% against ciprofloxacin and 44% to tetracycline. However all the isolates of dairy farm and hall wastes were sensitive to gentamicin and chloramphenicol. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13366 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):19-25, 2010
Effects of some indigenous plant seed extracts on the haematology of a predatory fish singhi Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)
Authors: Nasiruddin Munira , Azadi Mohammad Ali , Rahman Monika , Rahman Israt Ara Shazia
Published: January 2013

Haemolytic effects of different extracts of five indigenous plant seeds viz. Datura innoxia (Mill) (Shada Dhutra), Clerodendrum viscosum (Vent.) (Vat), Amoora rohituka (Roxb.) Wt. ct. Arnott (Pitraj), Acacia auriculiformis A. Cunn. Ex. Benth. (Akashmoni) and Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (Karinja) were studied upon a predatory fish, Singhi, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch) under laboratory conditions. Toxicants inducing effects on the blood parameters included decreased RBC and WBC counts, low haemoglobin percentage and decreased PCV (packed cell volume), MCV (mean corpuscular volume) and MCH (mean corpuscular haemoglobin). Haemolysis action included shrunken or swollen RBCs, granulated nuclei of RBCs and pyknotic nuclei of WBCs, clumping of RBCs and syncitium of RBC matrix. Damage of blood cells with absolute ethyl alcohol extract was most pronounced with all of the seed extracts. The order of toxicity of the five seed extracts on the blood parameters of Singhi was: D. innoxia < A. auriculiformis < P. pinnata < C. viscosum < A. rohituka seed extracts. On the basis of haemolysis the toxicity was: A. rohituka > C. viscosum > P. pinnata > D. innoxia > A. auriculiformis seed extracts. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13367 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):27-36, 2010
Studies of the Helconinae (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) of Cox's Bazar and Chittagong in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman M Habibur
Published: January 2013

Two genera of Helconinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) have been described and illustrated from the districts of Coxs Bazar and Chittagong in Bangladesh and a key for the genera is given. The genera are: Helcon Nees and Eubazus Nees. The genera Helcon and Eubazus are new records to the fauna of Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13368 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):37-44, 2010
Effect of foliar application of IAA And GA on sex expression, yield attributes and yield of bitter gourd (Momordica Charantia L.)
Authors: Akter Pervin , Rahman MA
Published: January 2013

Three concentrations of each of IAA viz. 2.5 (T1), 5.0 (T2) and 10 (T3) ppm and GA3 viz. 2.5 (T4), 5.0 (T5) and 10 (T6) ppm were applied as foliar spray on bitter gourd. Results showed a positive stimulatory effect in the increase of female flowers at T3 where the male to female sex ratio was the lowest. The number of fruits, fresh weight of fruits and yield per plant were also found to be the highest at T3. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13370 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):55-62, 2010
Influence of culturing conditions for optimum antimicrobial metabolite production by Streptomyces fulvoviridis
Authors: Uddin MM , Mahmud MN , Anwar MN , Manchur MA
Published: January 2013

Chili field antagonistic actinomycetes Streptomyces fulvoviridis was isolated and tested for optimum antimicrobial metabolite production. Maximum antimicrobial metabolite production was found at temperature 35°C and pH 8.0 and on 4th day of incubation in shaking condition. The medium consisting of beef extract - 0.75%, peptone - 0.25%, NaCl - 1.5%, KCl - 1.0%, MgCl2 - 1.0%, FeSO4 - 1.0% was screened out as suitable medium for maximum antimicrobial production supplemented individually with four carbon sources of which sucrose was found as the best carbon source. The antimicrobial metabolite was found to be stable at pH and temperature up to 11.0 and 100ºC, respectively. The active agent was best extracted with chloroform. The antimicrobial spectrum of the metabolite was wide and shows activity against - Shigella dysenteriae (AE 14612), Shigella sonnei (CRL, ICDDR, B), Salmonella typhi (AE14296), Vibrio cholerae (AE14748), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRL, ICDDR, B), Bacillus cereus (BTCC19), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC6538), Bacillus subtilis (BTTC17) and Bacillus megaterium (BTTC18). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13371 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):63-75, 2010
Isolation of bacteria from various sites of a pharmaceutical industry and evaluation of their susceptibility to some commonly used disinfectants
Authors: Hossain Md Imran , Rahman SM Mahbubur , Bhuiyan Robiul Hasan , Islam Mohammad Sayedul , Chowdhury AM Masudul Azad , Alauddin Mohammad
Published: January 2013

The microbiological quality of air, surface and working personnel in a pharmaceutical industry was investigated. Bacterial isolates recovered from the processing environment were also identified. Phenol co-efficient of commonly used disinfectants such as sodium hypochlorite, savlon (chlorhexidine gluconate 0.3% w/v and cetrimide 3% w/v), ethanol, methanol and isopropyl alcohol were determined using standard methods against the most predominant organisms. This study reveals that the personnel involved in manufacturing were the main source of contamination and the common organisms found from samples of air, surface, and working personnel monitoring area were Staphylococcus sp., Pseudomonas sp. and Escherichia sp. Among the used disinfectants of this study, sodium hypochlorite showed the highest potency. Phenol coefficient of sodium hypochlorite, savlon, isopropyl alcohol, methanol and ethanol were 5.55 and 4.44; 2.77 and 2.22; 0.22 and 0.33; 0.33 and 0.44; 0.11 and 0.16 for Staphylococcus sp. and Pseudomonas sp., respectively. To reduce the risk of contamination, working personnel should follow the rules of cGMP (current good manufacturing protocol) and the disinfectants should be used in appropriate concentration for the beneficial cost effect of the pharmaceutical industry and also for a clean environment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13373 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):77-89, 2010
A comparative analysis on the nutritional contents of two varieties of pineapple of Chittagong region
Authors: Kader Abdul , Hossain Farah MAH Jabeen , Islam Mohammad Moinul , Kabir Golam , Sarkar Subod Kumar , Absar Nurul
Published: January 2013

The macro- and micro-nutrients of locally produced pineapples namely Giant Kew and Honey Queen were compared. The Giant Kew variety contained 6 g% of TSS, 3.88 g% of total sugar and 1.75 g% of non reducing sugar. On the contrary, the Honey Queen variety contained 10 g% of TSS, 4.84 g% of total sugar and 1.59 g% of non reducing sugar. The comparative study indicates that the Honey Queen variety is superior in nutritional content as well as sweetness than the Giant Kew variety of pineapple. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13375 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):105-112, 2010
Effect of applied lead on the growth and accumulation of lead in Indian spinach in three textural groups of soils
Authors: Kibria MG , Osman KT , Islam M , Ahammad MJ
Published: January 2013

Indian spinach (Basella rubra L.) was grown in earthen pots containing soils of three different textures and treated with different levels of lead. The effects of Pb treatments on growth and uptake of Pb were investigated. At the highest dose of Pb ( 50 mg Pb kg-1 soil) leaf, stem and root dry weight of Indian spinach were reduced by 22-34, 11- 43 and 30-47 %, respectively from control in clay loam, sandy clay loam and sandy loam soil, respectively. Lead concentration in leaf, stem and root generally increased with increasing rate of Pb application. The highest Pb concentrations in leaf, stem and root were obtained at 50 mg Pb kg-1 soil treatment and the values were in the ranges from 49.28 to 65.40, 57.72 to 77.51 and 46.69 to 71.78 mg kg-1, respectively. Bioaccumulation coefficients of Pb in leaf, stem and root of Indian spinach were in the ranges of 0.63- 1.94, 0.82-2.21 and 0.37-1.09, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13377 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):113-124, 2010
Influence of soil applied cadmium on the growth and cadmium content In Indian spinach (Basella rubra L.)
Authors: Kibria MG , Osman KT , Islam M , Ahammad MJ
Published: January 2013

Growth and accumulation of cadmium (Cd) in Indian spinach (Basella rubra L.) grown in three different textured soils treated with various levels of Cd was studied by a pot experiment. In general, Cd application caused a suppression of dry weights of leaves, stems and roots. The increasing application of Cd from 1 to 9 mg Cd kg-1 soil significantly increased Cd concentration in leaf, stem and root from that of the control. The highest concentrations of Cd were found in roots and the lowest concentrations were found in the stems with moderate values in leaves in clay loam soil while in other two soils, the Cd concentrations in leaves and stems were almost similar being lower than those in roots. Positive correlations were found between 0.1 M HCl extractable Cd in soils after harvest and concentrations of Cd in plant parts of Indian spinach. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13379 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):135-147, 2010
Antibacterial and antifungal activity of ethanol extract of Curcuma casiea
Authors: Chowdhury Zulkarnain , Islam Mohammad Sayedul , Hoque Mohammad Razaunul , Chowdhury AM Masadul Azad , Bhuiyan Robiul Hasan , Alauddin Mohammad
Published: January 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/cujbs.v5i1.13380 The Chittagong Univ. J. B. Sci.,Vol. 5(1 &2):149-154, 2010
Experimental Study on the Hygrothermal Behavior of a Coated Sprayed Hemp Concrete Wall
Authors: Colinart Thibaut , Glouannec Patrick , Pierre Thomas , Chauvelon Philippe , Magueresse Anthony
Published: January 2013

Hemp concrete is a sustainable lightweight concrete that became popular in the field of building construction because of its thermal and environmental properties. However; available experimental data on its hygrothermal behavior are rather scarce in the literature. This paper describes the design of a large-scale experiment developed to investigate the hygrothermal behavior of hemp concrete cast around a timber frame through a spraying process; and then coated with lime-based plaster. The equipment is composed of two climatic chambers surrounding the tested wall. The experiment consists of maintaining the indoor climate at constant values and applying incremental steps of temperature; relative humidity or vapor pressure in the outdoor chamber. Temperature and relative humidity of the room air and on various depths inside the wall are continuously registered during the experiments and evaporation phenomena are observed. The influence of the plaster on the hygrothermal behavior of hemp concrete is investigated. Moreover; a comparison of experimental temperatures with numerical results obtained from a purely conductive thermal model is proposed. Comparing the model with the measured data gave satisfactory agreement.
Brookite, the Least Known TiO2 Photocatalyst
Authors: Di Paola Agatino , Bellardita Marianna , Palmisano Leonardo
Published: January 2013

Brookite is the least studied TiO2 photocatalyst due to the difficulties usually encountered in order to obtain it as a pure phase. In this review, a comprehensive survey of the different methods available for preparing brookite powders and films is reported. Attention has been paid both to the most traditional methods, such as hydrothermal processes at high temperatures and pressures, and to environmentally benign syntheses using water soluble compounds and water as the solvent. Papers reporting the photocatalytic activity of pure and brookite-based samples have been reviewed.
Polyurethane Coatings Reinforced by Halloysite Nanotubes
Authors: Li Xin , Nikiforow Irina , Pohl Katja , Adams Jörg , Johannsmann Diethelm
Published: January 2013

The pencil hardness of a two-component polyurethane coating was improved by adding halloysite nanotubes to the recipe at a weight fraction of less than 10%. The pencil hardness was around F for the unfilled coating and increased to around 2H upon filling. It was important to silanize the surface of the filler in order to achieve good coupling to the matrix. Sonicating the sample during drying also improved the hardness. Scanning electron micrographs suggest that the nanotubes are always well immersed into the bulk of the film. With a thickness between 10 and 20 µm, the optical clarity was good enough to clearly read letters through the film. The films can be used in applications where transparency is required.
Hydrophobization by Means of Nanotechnology on Greek Sandstones Used as Building Facades
Authors: Stefanidou Maria , Matziaris Katia , Karagiannis Georgios
Published: January 2013

Modern sustainable architecture indicates the use of local natural stones for building. Greek sandstones from Epirus (Demati, Greece, EN 12440) used as building facades meet aesthetic and have high mechanical properties, but the inevitable interaction between stone materials and natural or anthropogenic weathering factors controls the type, and extent of stone damages. In the present paper, samples of sandstone were treated with a conventional hydrophobic product and four solutions of the same product, enriched with nanosilica of different concentrations. The properties of the treated samples, such as porosity and pore size distribution, microstructure, static contact angle of a water droplet, and durability to deterioration cycles (freeze-thaw) were recorded and conclusions were drawn. The research indicates the increased hydrophobic properties in nanosilica solutions but also the optimum content in nanoparticles that provides hydrophobicity without altering the properties of the stone.
Nanomagnetic Gene Transfection for Non-Viral Gene Delivery in NIH 3T3 Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts
Authors: Fouriki Angeliki , Dobson Jon
Published: January 2013

The objective of this work was to examine the potential of oscillating nanomagnetic gene transfection systems (magnefect-nano™) for improving the transfection efficiency of NIH3T3 mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) in comparison to other non-viral transfection techniques—static magnetofection™ and the cationic lipid agent, Lipofectamine 2000™. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) associated with the plasmid coding for green fluorescent protein (GFP) were used to transfect NIH3T3 cells. The magnefect-nano system was evaluated for transfection efficiency, and any potential associated effects on cell viability were investigated. MNPs associated with the plasmid coding for GFP were efficiently delivered into NIH3T3 cells, and the magnefect-nano system significantly enhanced overall transfection efficiency in comparison to lipid-mediated gene delivery. MNP dosage used in this work was not found to affect the cell viability and/or morphology of the cells. Non-viral transfection using MNPs and the magnefect-nano system can be used to transfect NIH3T3 cells and direct reporter gene delivery, highlighting the wide potential of nanomagnetic gene transfection in gene therapy.
A Review on Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Monoterpenes
Authors: De Cássia da Silveira e Sá Rita , Andrade Luciana , De Sousa Damião
Published: January 2013

Faced with the need to find new anti-inflammatory agents, great effort has been expended on the development of drugs for the treatment of inflammation. This disorder reduces the quality of life and overall average productivity, causing huge financial losses. In this review the anti-inflammatory activity of 32 bioactive monoterpenes found in essential oils is discussed. The data demonstrate the pharmacological potential of this group of natural chemicals to act as anti-inflammatory drugs.
A New Phenolic Glycoside from Chamaecyparis obtusa var. breviramea f. crippsii
Authors: Zhang Yu-Mei , Xu Jian , Xiao Lin , Zeng Guang-Zhi , Sun Zhang-Hua , Tan Ning-Hua
Published: January 2013

A new phenolic glycoside, 3-methoxyphenol 1-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)- O-β-D-glucopyranoside (1), was isolated from the 90% acetone extract of the branches and leaves of Chamaecyparis obtusa var. breviramea f. crippsii along with another 10 known phenolics 2–11. Their structures were determined mainly by means of MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR data. Cytotoxicities of compounds 3 and 5–11 were tested on BGC-823, Hela and A549 cancer cell lines, the results showed that compound 8 was bioactive and its IC50 values were 6.9, 29.7 and 52.9 μM, respectively.
Neurotransmitter CART as a New Therapeutic Candidate for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mao Peizhong , Meshul Charles , Thuillier Philippe , Reddy P.
Published: January 2013

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. To date, there is no effective treatment that halts its progression. Increasing evidence indicates that mitochondria play an important role in the development of PD. Hence mitochondria-targeted approaches or agents may have therapeutic promise for treatment of the disease. Neuropeptide CART (cocaine-amphetamine-regulated transcript), a hypothalamus and midbrain enriched neurotransmitter with an antioxidant property, can be found in mitochondria, which is the main source of reactive oxygen species. Systemic administration of CART has been found to ameliorate dopaminergic neuronal loss and improve motor functions in a mouse model of PD. In this article, we summarize recent progress in studies investigating the relationship between CART, dopamine, and the pathophysiology of PD, with a focus on mitochondria-related topics.
Customized Multiwavelets for Planetary Gearbox Fault Detection Based on Vibration Sensor Signals
Authors: Sun Hailiang , Zi Yanyang , He Zhengjia , Yuan Jing , Wang Xiaodong , Chen Lue
Published: January 2013

Planetary gearboxes exhibit complicated dynamic responses which are more difficult to detect in vibration signals than fixed-axis gear trains because of the special gear transmission structures. Diverse advanced methods have been developed for this challenging task to reduce or avoid unscheduled breakdown and catastrophic accidents. It is feasible to make fault features distinct by using multiwavelet denoising which depends on the feature separation and the threshold denoising. However, standard and fixed multiwavelets are not suitable for accurate fault feature detections because they are usually independent of the measured signals. To overcome this drawback, a method to construct customized multiwavelets based on the redundant symmetric lifting scheme is proposed in this paper. A novel indicator which combines kurtosis and entropy is applied to select the optimal multiwavelets, because kurtosis is sensitive to sharp impulses and entropy is effective for periodic impulses. The improved neighboring coefficients method is introduced into multiwavelet denoising. The vibration signals of a planetary gearbox from a satellite communication antenna on a measurement ship are captured under various motor speeds. The results show the proposed method could accurately detect the incipient pitting faults on two neighboring teeth in the planetary gearbox.