bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Immovable Property Tax in Latvia
Authors: Štucere Sandra , Mazūre Gunita
Published: April 2013

Immovable property tax is one of the national taxes the administration of which is subjected to continuous changes. Frequent amendments to the law “On Immovable Property Tax” (1997) also evidence the mentioned changes. The procedure for tax calculation, tax base, and tax rates has been considerably changed in the course of time. The research provides a discussion on the changes in tax formation, development, and administration in Latvia to understand better the essence of immovable property tax. The research aim was to analyse the development of immovable property tax and the course of reforms for the period of 1998-2012. The research also studies the expected changes in the application of immovable property tax from the year 2013. It is envisaged to transfer the rights to local governments to determine the immovable property tax rates in their administrative territories within the range of 0.2-3% from 2013. The research concludes that frequent reforms of immovable property tax have promoted the development of a new, stable, and predictable methodology for the future application of immovable property tax in Latvia. The analysis of revenues from immovable property tax for the period of 2006-2011 is based on the annually growing significance of immovable property tax. The research suggests that immovable property tax is the only tax the revenues of which have increased within the period of 2009-2011 and the largest revenues from immovable property tax are collected in Riga City municipality comprising 53% of the total revenues from immovable property tax collected in Latvia.
Characteristics of sunflower seed drying and microwave energy consumption
Authors: Darvishi H. , Hadi Khoshtaghaza M. , Najafi G. , Zarein M.
Published: April 2013

The effect of the microwave-convective drying technique on the moisture ratio, drying rate, drying time, effective moisture diffusivity, microwave specific energy consumption, and energy efficiency of sunflower seedswere investigated.Drying took place in the falling rate period. Increasing the microwave power caused a significant decrease in the drying time. The drying data were fitted to four thin-layer drying models. The performance of these models was compared using the coefficient of determination, reduced chi-square and root mean square error between the observed and predicted moisture ratios. The results showed that the Page model was found to satisfactorily describe themicrowave-convective drying curves of sunflower seeds. The effective moisture diffusivity values were estimated from Fick diffusion model and varied from 1.73 10-7 to 4.76 10-7m2s-1. Increasing the microwave power resulted in a considerable increase in drying efficiency and a significant decrease in microwave specific energy consumption. The highest energy efficiency and the lowestmicrowave specific energy consumption were obtained at the microwave power of 300 W.
Biases in methane chamber measurements in peatlands
Authors: Juszczak R.
Published: April 2013

The paper presents results of CH4 emission measurements at peatland with the application of the dynamic chamber technique. The measurements were conducted in two types of chambers differing in shape, height, volume and technology used to assure their tightness. The study tested how the following factors: 1) forced chamber headspace mixing or its absence, 2) mistakes of the person conducting measurements, 3) improper application of linear technique for calculating CH4 fluxes, and 4) simulated air sampling typical for static chambers, influence the significance of errors and the underestimation rate of CH4 fluxes measured in situ. It was indicated that chamber headspace mixing allows estimating methane fluxes with a smaller error than in the case of measurements conducted without mixing, and CH4 fluxes in such conditions can be 47 to 58% higher (depending on the chamber type) than in a chamber without fans. Using dynamic chambers and a fast analyzer to measure methane fluxes allows shortening the methane measurement process to a few minutes. On the other hand, using static chambers for methane flux measurements may lead to 70% underestimation of the calculated flux.
Mechanical properties of some granular agricultural materials used in silo design
Authors: Moya M. , Aguado P.J. , Ayuga F.
Published: April 2013

The aim of this research was to provide values for different material properties considered in either traditional or more recent numerical silo design methods. Different samples of granular agricultural materials commonly stored in silos were tested. Common geotechnical devices have been used in order to make the replications easier. Based on these experiments it was determined that the different material properties were not affected by the test velocity, except in the case of Poisson ratio. From a practical point of view, the test velocity correlates well with the sliding velocity of grain during discharge. The values obtained for material properties considered in traditional silo design methods were similar to those reported by other authors. No significant differences were observed in the results obtained when using either the square shear box or the circular shear cell. The same conclusion was reached when comparing the results from direct shear tests with preconsolidated and unconsolidated samples. This means that simplified devices and procedures can be used in agricultural grains against other products. Finally, a table with the recommended values for the different parameters determined for each sample tested was provided in this work.
Adsorption of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in soils
Authors: Rampazzo N. , Rampazzo Todorovic G. , Mentler A. , Blum W.E.H.
Published: April 2013

The results showed that glyphosate is initially adsorbed mostly in the upper 2 cm. It is than transported and adsorbed after few days in deeper soil horizons with concomitant increasing content of its metabolite aminomethylphosphonic acid. Moreover, Fe-oxides seem to be a key parameter for glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic adsorption in soils. This study confirmed previous studies: the analysis showed lower contents of dithionite-soluble and Fe-oxides for the Chernozem, with consequently lower adsorption of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic as compared with the Cambisol and the Stagnosol.
Head rice yield response to low and high drying and tempering conditions
Authors: Sadeghi M. , Nasrnia E. , Masoumi A.A. , Hemmat A.
Published: April 2013

The influence of drying and tempering conditions on head rice yield of long- and medium-grain rough rice varieties was investigated. The head rice yield values for the medium-grain variety at high drying conditions and 1.5 and 3% points moisture content removal were even significantly higher than the corresponding values for the long-grain variety at low drying conditions. 1.5% points moisture content removal yielded the least damage to the rough rice. Under low drying conditions, tempering had no meaningful effect on head rice yield for all drying durations. For both varieties, using high drying conditions with 6% points moisture content removal at first drying stage associated with 120 min tempering duration could be suggested as a rapid and energysaving operation to achieve high head rice yield values.
Determination of suitable drying curve model for bread moisture loss during baking
Authors: Soleimani Pour-Damanab A.R. , Jafary A. , Rafiee S.
Published: April 2013

This study presents mathematical modelling of bread moisture loss or drying during baking in a conventional bread baking process. In order to estimate and select the appropriate moisture loss curve equation, 11 different models, semi-theoretical and empirical, were applied to the experimental data and compared according to their correlation coefficients, chi-squared test and root mean square error which were predicted by nonlinear regression analysis. Consequently, of all the drying models, a Page model was selected as the best one, according to the correlation coefficients, chi-squared test, and root mean square error values and its simplicity. Mean absolute estimation error of the proposed model by linear regression analysis for natural and forced convection modes was 2.43, 4.74%, respectively.
A Graph-Based Approach to the Segmentation of Images with Mould Filled Foam Matrices
Authors: Gocławski Jarosław , Sekulska-Nalewajko Joanna
Published: April 2013

In the paper a method of MST (minimum spanning tree) graph-based image segmentation supported by parallel GPUprocessing has been presented. It has been applied to images of foam matrices filled with mould fungi of Mucor genus. The aim of the segmentation was to extract the profiles of the matrix objects from image background. Parallel computing methods were used to the initial image filtering, graph edge array building and sorting. The results obtained with graphbased method both with and without parallel processing have been compared with conventional analysis in MATLAB environment. It has been verified that GPU processing clearly reduce execution time of the algorithm.
Distributed Mobile Platform Management System
Authors: Łaski Maciej , Błaszczyk Sylwester , Duch Piotr , Jachowicz Rafał , Wulkiewicz Adam , Sankowski Dominik
Published: April 2013

This papers presents a concept of distributed computer control system of mobile platform. This system was designed and implemented at the Institute of Applied Computer Science (formerly the Computer Engineering Department) as a grant: "Autonomous robot for surveillance and mine detection tasks". The main task was to encapsulate the functionality of the system as independent modules. They cover: the physical layer control, acquisition and fusion of data from different sensors, communication between the modules, analysis of image data. Mentioned mechanisms are also designed to perform autonomous behaviors.
Integration of Digital Images and Laser Scanning Data for the Survey of Architectural Objects
Authors: Mikrut Sławomir
Published: April 2013

The goal of integration is to utilize a spatial model of an object obtained from the cloud of points and, possibly, to support it with a photogrammetric model in those places, where scanner measurements may be hard to perform, or even impossible. Since the image offers a possibility of texturing objects obtained most often from digital metric images, integration makes it possible to create a model of a view resembling the actual one. Another advantage of a photogrammetric model is the possibility of obtaining object edges with high accuracy (due to, among other things, the application of sub-pixel algorithms). It is just that aspect which, in relation to scanning, is described in the paper. The correctness of locating objects, which have been extracted from points, is tested by placing them on a photogrammetric model. In the proposed method, the authors tested extraction of objects, which was based on methods using the first and the second derivatives of a digital image. Those algorithms had been developed and tested earlier in many engineering projects that were based on a multilevel analysis of digital images. Research works were performed on several selected test facilities, located in the open-air ethnographic museum at Tokarnia, Poland.
Integrated Platform for Automatic Measurement of Wettability and Surface Tension of Liquid Metals and Alloys in the High Temperatures
Authors: Sankowski Dominik , Bąkała Marcin , Wojciechowski Rafał , Albrecht Andrzej
Published: April 2013

The article presents the construction of a new device that has been formed within the frames of a grant nr KBN N N519 441 839 - An integrated platform for automatic measurement of wettability and surface tension of solders at high temperatures. The authors have presented methodology and analytical concept of surface tension measurement using maximum pressure in gas bubble method. The results of examplary experiments are presented.
Survey of Modern Image Segmentation Algorithms on CT Scans of Hydrocephalic Brains
Authors: Węgliński Tomasz , Fabijańska Anna
Published: April 2013

Paper presents the concept of applying image segmentation algorithms for precise extraction of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from CT brain scans. Accurate segmentation of the CSF from the intracranial brain area is crucial for further reliable analysis and quantitative assessment of hydrocephalus. Presented research was aimed at the comparison of effectiveness of three modern segmentation approaches used for this purpose. Specifically, random walk, level set and min-cut/max-flow algorithms were considered. The visual and numerical comparison of the segmentation results leads to conclusion that the most effective algorithm for the considered problem is level set, although the positive medical verification of the results revealed that either of considered algorithms can be successfully applied in the diagnostic applications.
Realization of Scenarios for Video Surveillance
Authors: Chmiel Wojciech , Kwiecień Joanna , Mikrut Zbigniew
Published: April 2013

The design of a methodology for the effective scene understanding systems is one of the main goals of the researchers in the analysis of video surveillance. The objects in the scene have to be identified. Hence, it is necessary to detect the parts belonging to the background. In the article we introduce the base algorithms, which enable us to realization of scenarios. We briefly describe base algorithms (object detection, object localization, recognition of humans, movement detection and configuration of scene) used in three selected scenarios: violation of protected zones, abandoned objects and vandalism (graffiti). These scenarios were tested on several films, obtained from Internet and made by participants of project SIMPOZ. The results of our experiments are presented. The basic algorithms for detecting and locating objects are very quickly, but movement detection ("optical flow") and recognition of humans algorithms work longer.
Real-Time Detection of Movement in Prohibited Direction for Video Surveillance System
Authors: Komorkiewicz Mateusz
Published: April 2013

Video surveillance systems are well established tools for monitoring important areas and detecting abnormal situations. In places such as one way road or tunnel, airport arrival gate, subway entry gate etc. it is important to monitor the direction of movement and to detect those which are prohibited. If the event is detected in the same time when the situation happens, a fast reaction can fix the problem (turning on the red light to prevent cars from entering the tunnel, sending security force to stop and search the suspect etc.). In the article a working system which is able to detect movement in prohibited direction is presented. The algorithm proved a very good detection rate for tested movie sequences. By optimizing various aspects of the algorithm a real-time efficiency (30fps) for 640×480 resolution frames is achieved.
The Evolution of Soil Fertility Under Longterm Experiments in The Moldavian Plateau
Authors: Ailincăi Despina , Ailincăi C.
Published: April 2013

The paper presented the results of investigations concerning the influence of long-term fertilization (43 years) on some chemical characteristics of soil from the Moldavian Plateau, of wheat-maize rotation. The studies were performed on a typical cambic chernozem soil, prevailing in the Moldavian Plateau, and followed the dosing of fertilizers which ensures an efficient production increases and determines maintain or increase soil organic carbon content. Soil that has been placed experiences-clay loam, neutral to slightly acid reaction and a medium nutrient supply. On lands from the Moldavian Plateau, maintaining a good supply in mobile phosphorus for field crops (37-72 mg/kg) was done in case of the annual application of a rate of N100P100, and a very good supply in mobile phosphorus (69-78) and mobile potassium (over 200 mg/kg) was found at a rate of N100P100+60 t/ha manure. In wheat-maize rotation, applying a rate of N100P100 , for 43 years, has determined the pH decrease until the limit of moderately acid interval (5.1-5.8) and was maintained within the weakly acid interval (5.9-6.8) in case of the annual application of a rate of N50P50 + 60 t/ha manure. Soil organic carbon content, in wheat - maize rotation, decreased after 43 years of experiences from 19.8 to 16.3 g/kg in unfertilized variant and until 18.1 g/kg in case of the annual application of a rate of N100P100. In wheat - maize rotation, the significant increase in organic carbon content from soil has been registered at higher than N50P50 + 40 t/ha manure and at N100P100 + 60 t/ha manure. The determinations of mean annual amounts of nitrogen exported from soil by wheat (grains + straw) have shown that in wheat crop, its values varied according to fertilizers system, between 71.5 and 128.4 kg/ha. In maize crop, of the mean annual amounts of nitrogen exported from soil varied according to applied fertilizers, between 64.6 and 178.9 kg/ha.
Studies on Treatments Results from Cows with Ovarian Disorders in Relation to Year and Season
Authors: Ruginosu Elena , Sofronie Mariana , Borş I. , Creangă Şt. , Dascălu L.
Published: April 2013

Abstract The studies were performed in the dairy farm from Dancu Research and Development Station for Cattle Breeding, Iaşi, Romania, for a period of 5 consecutive years (2007- 2011), an effective annual rolled of 450 cows Bălţată cu Negru Românească (Romanian Black Spotted) breed.The experimental groups were composed of cows with anoestrus in 60 days postpartum interval, diagnosed by rectal examination with various ovarian disorders: persistent corpus luteum - group E1-162 cows and luteal cysts- group E2-138 cows. The treatments according to diagnosis were applied: PGF2α-,500 mcg/cow- group E1 and Gn-RH, (Receptal, 5 ml/cow-group E2). In relation to the year in which treatments were applied some variations in reproduction indices were found. Regarding to average intervals from treatment to first insemination and from treatment to conception respectively, significant differences were not found. Regarding to average conception rates after treatments, significant differences were found: in E1group, conception rate at the first insemination was 30,9% (with annual variations between 15,0% in 2008 and 41,1% in 2009) (p<0,01); per total insemination was 64,42 % (with annual variations between 44,7% - 2011 and 76,9% - 2007) (p<0,001) and pregnancy index was of 2,4 (with annual variations between 1,9 - 2009 and 2,8 - 2008); in E2 group, conception rate to first insemination was 25,96% (with annual variations between 16,66% - 2011 and 40% - 2010) (p<0,01); per total insemination was 77,88% (with annual variation between 52,17% - 2008 and 85,0% - 2010) (p<0,001) and pregnancy index of 2,4 (with annual variations between 2,1 - 2007 and 2,6 - 2008 and 2009). In relation to season in which treatments were applied, we found different variations in conception rates: in group E1, the average conception rates at the first insemination were between 24,24 % (autumn) and 40,7% (summer) (p<0,05) and per total inseminations between 75,0% (spring) and 85,71% (autumn) (p<0,05); in group E2, the average conception rates at the first insemination were between 5,3% (summer) and 48,5% (spring) (p<0,001) and per total inseminations between 68,4% (summer) and 81,8% (spring) (p<0,05). We believe that annual and seasonal variations found in this work are due to some deficiencies of management system in dairy farms, such as the stalls prolonged maintenance and lack of active movement in the cold season, inadequate microclimate of shelters, heat stress and deficiencies in cows feeding , especially those with higher milk production.
Investigation of Avalanche Time and Carr’s Index of Poultry Litter Powder as Flowability Indices
Authors: Valaei I. , Hassan-Beygi S.R. , Kianmehr M.H. , Massah J.
Published: April 2013

The world’s dependence on chemical fertilizer as the primary source for enriching agricultural fields is continually increasing that cause nature pollution. This has led researchers to aggressively investigate renewable fertilizer resources, biomass, to produce organic crops and reduced wastage. Poultry litter is a bulk solid and biomass feed stocks. Flow behavior of bulk solid is a critical factor in designing and developing suitable equipments (e.g. pelletizing machine). The bulk density, tap density, Carr’s index and powder avalanche time technique were applied to evaluate the flow properties of poultry litter. The experiments were carried out at moisture content (10, 20 and 30% w.b.), particle size (0.3, 0.6 and 1.18 mm) for the bulk and tap densities as well as Carr’s index. In addition to the moisture content (10, 20 and 30 %w.b.) and particle size (0.3, 0.6 and 1.18 mm) the rotational speed of drum (0.5, 1 and1.5 rpm) were also investigated for the avalanche time. The results showed that with increasing moisture content Carr’s index increased significantly (P<0.01) in the ranges of 16.2% to 18.5% and with increasing particle size the Carr’s index decreased from 20.35% to 14.78%. The litter powder avalanche time (AT) increased significantly (P<0.01) with increasing moisture content and decreasing rotational speed and particle size. The bulk and tap densities of the litter powder was decreased with increasing moisture content and increasing the particle size. The bulk and tap densities of the driest and finest poultry litter sample were higher than other ones.
Phenolic Compounds in Merlot Wines Obtained Through Different Technologies in Iaşi Vineyard, Romania
Authors: Tudose-Sandu-Ville Şt. , Cotea V.V. , Colibaba Cintia , Nechita B. , Niculaua M. , Codreanu Maria
Published: April 2013

Obtaining red quality wines depends on the raw matter composition and also on the extraction technology, used in the processing of grape and must. Thus, two methods of maceration-fermentation on lees (classical and in rotating tanks), two thermal methods (thermomaceration and microwave maceration) and two methods rarely used industrially in wine-making (cryomaceration and ultrasound maceration) were experimented. Even in the years with less than favorable climatic conditions, from Merlot grape variety one obtained for the most part, legally speaking, quality wines (with the exception of microwave macerated and cryomacerated wines, which had only 21-22 g/L non-reducing extract. In regard to alcohol content, all obtained samples had more than 11% vol. The obtained Merlot wines were rich in glycerol (8-9 g/L), fact that favorably influenced their organoleptic traits. Total phenolic content had values between 1,97 and 2,86 g/L for the Merlot wines obtained through macerationfermentation and thermomaceration. Ultrasound maceration did not favor phenolic extraction from grape skins and the obtained wines were poor in anthocyans and tannins (0,94-1,1 g/L). In regard to the maceration technology used, free anthocyans were found in variable proportions in wines, between 77 and 91%. The sum of acylated anthocyans participation percentages was between 8,8 and 22,7%, and the ratio between the acetylated and cumarilated participation percentages registered small values, varietyspecific, between 1,1 and 2,8.
Pattern of Lipid Profile among Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Elham Nazia , Flora Meerjady Sabrina
Published: April 2013

Diabetes mellitus is recognized as a serious global health problem and frequently associated with disabling and lifethreatening complications related to some modifiable risk factors. One of the modifiable factors is dyslipidemia. This study addressed the dyslipidemic status of 124 subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) attending the outpatient department, Ibrahim General Hospital and Diabetic Care and Education Center Dhanmondi, Dhaka during the period from January to June 2010. The diagnosed diabetic subjects were interviewed and the biochemical investigation data were collected from record review. Three fourth of the respondents were female and majority (24.2%) of them were 46 to 50 years of age. Most of the respondents were graduates having neuclear families. The mean total cholesterol and triglyceride were found 181.7±43.0 mg/dl and 161.0±112.5 mg/dl respectively. According to NCEP ATP III (2001), 59.7% of the participants had high level of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and only 18% had desired level of high density lipoproteins (HDL). The mean (±SD) of LDL and HDL were 109.8±37.0 mg/dl and 41.0±7.9 mg/dl respectively. Men had elevated level of mean TG with wide variation (185.98±179.56 mg/dl) than women (151.63±72.16 mg/dl). The mean (±SD) of HDL was found lower in men than women (35.8 ± 6.3 vs. 42.9 ± 7.5 mg/dl, p< 0.05) though not significant. The study revealed that dyslipidemia (high TC, TG, LDL and low HDL) was prevalent among the T2DM subjects, which needs attention of equal importance to maintain within normal limit as with the control of hyperglycemia and hypertension. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v6i1.14712 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2012; 6(1): 12-17
Thickening of Gallbladder Wall in Chronic Liver Disease - A Marker for Esophageal Varices
Authors: Begum Shamsi Ara , Saibal Arif Akbar , Das Kanta , Dey Sharmistha , Ahmed Akhtar Uddin , Mohiuddin AS , Kabir Mohsin
Published: April 2013

This study was done to find out the relationship between gallbladder wall thickening and esophageal varices in chronic liver disease (CLD) patients. A total of 61 CLD patients were included and divided into two groups. Group A included 13 CLD patients with no oesophageal varices and Group B composed of 48 CLD patients with esophageal varices. Mean gallbladder wall thickness (GBWT) of Group B was 5.6±0.2mm compared to 2.7±0.1mm of Group A. The mean differences of GBWT were statistically significant between group A and group B (P<0.05). The mean GBWT was significantly (p<0.05) higher in CLD patients with grade III and IV varices (6.1±.8 mm) compared to grade I and II (3.9±0.7 mm). The result suggests that GBWT may be considered as an important marker for the presence of esophageal varices in CLD patients. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v6i1.14713 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2012; 6(1): 18-20
Antidiabetic and Analgesic Effects of Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) in Swiss Albino Mice
Authors: Khatun Most. Chand Sultana , Mia M Ripon , Ali M Ashraf , Rahman M Moshiur , Begum Khadiza , Begum Kohinur
Published: April 2013

Background and purposes: Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) Correa, a medicinal plant is popularly used as herbal remedy for various ailments in Bangladesh. It was also reported that GP has both anti-hyperglycemic and analgesic effects and being widely used to reduce blood glucose and to alleviate pain for many years in this region though published literatures are scarce. The present study was designed to evaluate whether ethanolic extract of Glycosmis pentaphylla (GP) have antihyperglycemic and analgesic effects. A total of 60 Swiss Albino male mice of nine weeks (weight, 20-25g) were used for investigation. Of them, 40 were made diabetic by alloxan. They were investigated in two groups  a) 20 mice by oral glucose tolerance test (4 samples OGTT)  at 0, 30, 90 and 120 min; and b) 20 mice for a week-long antihyperglycemic activity on day 0, 1, 3 & 7. Both the groups were subdivided into four, each having 5 mice  i) the control received only 0.5% methyl cellulose as vehicle; ii) Standard received vehicle plus metformin; iii & iv) test DGP250 & DGP500 received vehicle plus GP extract with 250 & 500 mg /kg, respectively. For the analgesic activity, 20 mice were investigated in four subgroups, each having 5 mice and similar steps were adopted. Here, vehicle was used 1% Tween 80 and intra-peritoneal injection of Acetic acid for eliciting pain in all four subgroups. The standard group got diclofenac sodium for comparison with the test groups GP250 and GP500. In OGTT, Ethanolic extract of GP250 and GP500 reduced blood glucose at 90 min. But the levels of reduction were more significant at 120 min, 50.7% by GP250 and 66% by GP500 (p<0.001). The reduction is almost comparable with that induced by metformin. Likewise, for a weeklong anti-hyperglycemic activity, the GP extracts were found as equally effective as metfomin, which was also dose dependent. In addition to antihyperglycemic effect, the ethanolic extract of GP showed significant analgesic effect that was also dose dependent. Our results indicate that GP extract has antihyperglycemic effect in both short and in weeklong duration, which is almost comparable to Metformin HCL, a known and widely used antihyperglycemic agent. The GP extract was also found to have an analgesic effect almost comparable to diclofenac sodium, a known analgesic drug. Further study is needed to confirm the anti-hyperglycemic and analgesic effect of GP including its side effects in long term use. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v6i1.14721 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2012; 6(1): 21-26
Virulence Factors and Antibiotic Susceptibility Pattern of Acinetobacter Species in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Nahar Azizun , Anwar Shaheda , Saleh Ahmed Abu , Miah Md Ruhul Amin
Published: April 2013

Acinetobacter species are aerobic Gram variable coccobacilli that are now emerging as an important nosocomial pathogen. Infections caused by them are difficult to control due to multidrug resistance. The purpose of this study was to detect virulence factors namely gelatinase production, biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility of Acinetobacter species. Two hundred fifty six clinical samples collected from Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib medical University (BSMMU) and from burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital were included in the study. Gelatinase production was seen on Luria Bertani agar media containing gelatin (30 gm/l) and biofilm formation was detected in microtiter plate assay. Out of 256 clinical samples, 52 (20.3%) were Acinetobacter species. Out of 52 Acinetobacter isolates, none were gelatinase producer but 39 (75%) were found biofilm producers. Acinetobacter isolates were 100% resistant to ceftazidime, cefotaxime cefuroxime and ceftriaxone. High level of resistance was also recorded for amoxicillin (98.1%), aztreonam (98.1%), gentamicin (90.4%), ciprofloxacin (73.1%), amikacin (57.6%), netilmicin (53.8%) and imipenem (44.2%). Susceptibility to colistin was maximum (96.2%). The present study demonstrated a high propensity of biofilm formation by the clinical isolates of Acinetobacter species and most of the Acinetobacter were multidrug resistant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v6i1.14722 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2012; 6(1): 27-30
Recurrent Mediastinal Lipoma: A Case Report
Authors: Sultana Jafreen , Nasrin Zinat , Rahman Md Mahfuzar , Rahman Nayeema , Ahmedullah Abul Khair
Published: April 2013

Mediastinal lipoma (ML) is a rare entity. Though the mediastinum is the most common site of intrathoracic lipoma, ML constitutes less than 1% of all mediastinal tumours. ML frequently presents on incidental radiographic finding, CT scan is considered the investigation of choice. CT features of lipoma are quite characteristic. They are clinically significant because: (1) Despite their benign nature, these tumours tend to reach an enormous size and can cause compression of lungs and mediastinal structures; (2) It may not always be possible to differentiate a ML from a liposarcoma by CT or MRI alone. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/imcj.v6i1.14725 Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2012; 6(1): 37-38
Four New Chloro-Eremophilane Sesquiterpenes from an Antarctic Deep-Sea Derived Fungus, Penicillium sp. PR19N-1
Authors: Wu Guangwei , Lin Aiqun , Gu Qianqun , Zhu Tianjiao , Li Dehai
Published: April 2013

A new chloro-trinoreremophilane sesquiterpene 1, three new chlorinated eremophilane sesquiterpenes 2–4, together with a known compound, eremofortine C (5), were isolated from an Antarctic deep-sea derived fungus, Penicillium sp. PR19N-1. Structures were established using IR, HRMS, 1D and 2D NMR techniques. In addition, the plausible metabolic network of these isolated products is proposed. Compound 1 showed moderate cytotoxic activity against HL-60 and A549 cancer cell lines.
PTP1B Inhibitory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Secondary Metabolites Isolated from the Marine-Derived Fungus Penicillium sp. JF-55
Authors: Lee Dong-Sung , Jang Jae-Hyuk , Ko Wonmin , Kim Kyoung-Su , Sohn Jae , Kang Myeong-Suk , Ahn Jong , Kim Youn-Chul , Oh Hyuncheol
Published: April 2013

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) plays a major role in the negative regulation of insulin signaling, and is thus considered as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetes. Bioassay-guided investigation of the methylethylketone extract of marine-derived fungus Penicillium sp. JF-55 cultures afforded a new PTP1B inhibitory styrylpyrone-type metabolite named penstyrylpyrone (1), and two known metabolites, anhydrofulvic acid (2) and citromycetin (3). Compounds 1 and 2 inhibited PTP1B activity in a dose-dependent manner, and kinetic analyses of PTP1B inhibition suggested that these compounds inhibited PTP1B activity in a competitive manner. In an effort to gain more biological potential of the isolated compounds, the anti-inflammatory effects of compounds 1–3 were also evaluated. Among the tested compounds, only compound 1 inhibited the production of NO and PGE2, due to the inhibition of the expression of iNOS and COX-2. Penstyrylpyrone (1) also reduced TNF-α and IL-1β production, and these anti-inflammatory effects were shown to be correlated with the suppression of the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB-α, NF-κB nuclear translocation, and NF-κB DNA binding activity. In addition, using inhibitor tin protoporphyrin (SnPP), an inhibitor of HO-1, it was verified that the inhibitory effects of penstyrylpyrone (1) on the pro-inflammatory mediators and NF-κB DNA binding activity were associated with the HO-1 expression. Therefore, these results suggest that penstyrylpyrone (1) suppresses PTP1B activity, as well as the production of pro-inflammatory mediators via NF-κB pathway, through expression of anti-inflammatory HO-1.
Development of a Novel Lipophilic, Magnetic Nanoparticle for in Vivo Drug Delivery
Authors: Linemann Thomas , Thomsen Louiza , Jardin Kristian , Laursen Jens , Jensen Jesper , Lichota Jacek , Moos Torben
Published: April 2013

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the transfection potential of chitosan-coated, green-fluorescent magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) (chi-MNPs) after encapsulation inside polyethylglycol (PEG)ylated liposomes that produced lipid-encapsulated chitosan-coated MNPs (lip-MNPs), and also to evaluate how these particles would distribute in vivo after systemic injection. The transfection potential of both chi-MNPs and lip-MNPs was evaluated in vitro in rat brain endothelial 4 (RBE4) cells with and without applying a magnetic field. Subsequently, the MNPs were evaluated in vivo in young rats. The in vitro investigations revealed that the application of a magnetic field resulted in an increased cellular uptake of the particles. The lip-MNPs were able to transfect the RBE4 cells with an incidence of approximately 20% of a commercial transfection agent. The in vivo distribution studies revealed that lip-MNPs had superior pharmacokinetic properties due to evasion of the RES, including hepatic Kuppfer cells and macrophages in the spleen. In conclusion, we were able to design a novel lipid-encapsulated MNP with the ability to carry genetic material, with favorable pharmacokinetic properties, and under the influence of a magnetic field with the capability to mediate transfection in vitro.
Review of the Inhibition of Biological Activities of Food-Related Selected Toxins by Natural Compounds
Authors: Friedman Mendel , Rasooly Reuven
Published: April 2013

There is a need to develop food-compatible conditions to alter the structures of fungal, bacterial, and plant toxins, thus transforming toxins to nontoxic molecules. The term ‘chemical genetics’ has been used to describe this approach. This overview attempts to survey and consolidate the widely scattered literature on the inhibition by natural compounds and plant extracts of the biological (toxicological) activity of the following food-related toxins: aflatoxin B1, fumonisins, and ochratoxin A produced by fungi; cholera toxin produced by Vibrio cholerae bacteria; Shiga toxins produced by E. coli bacteria; staphylococcal enterotoxins produced by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria; ricin produced by seeds of the castor plant Ricinus communis; and the glycoalkaloid α-chaconine synthesized in potato tubers and leaves. The reduction of biological activity has been achieved by one or more of the following approaches: inhibition of the release of the toxin into the environment, especially food; an alteration of the structural integrity of the toxin molecules; changes in the optimum microenvironment, especially pH, for toxin activity; and protection against adverse effects of the toxins in cells, animals, and humans (chemoprevention). The results show that food-compatible and safe compounds with anti-toxin properties can be used to reduce the toxic potential of these toxins. Practical applications and research needs are suggested that may further facilitate reducing the toxic burden of the diet. Researchers are challenged to (a) apply the available methods without adversely affecting the nutritional quality, safety, and sensory attributes of animal feed and human food and (b) educate food producers and processors and the public about available approaches to mitigating the undesirable effects of natural toxins that may present in the diet.
Continuation of Long-Term Care for Cervical Dystonia at an Academic Movement Disorders Clinic
Authors: Gill Chandler , Manus Neil , Pelster Michael , Cook Jason , Title Wallace , Molinari Anna , Charles David
Published: April 2013

Patients with cervical dystonia (CD) receive much of their care at university based hospital outpatient clinics. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and treatment experiences of patients who continued care at our university based movement disorders clinic, and to document the reasons for which a subset discontinued care. Seventy patients (77% female) were recruited from all patients at the clinic (n = 323). Most (93%) were treated with botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) injection, and onabotulinumtoxinA was initially used in 97%. The average dose of onabotulinumtoxinA was 270.4 U (range 50–500) and the median number of injections was 14 (range: 1–39). Twenty one patients later received at least one cycle of rimabotulinumtoxinB (33%); of those, 10 switched back to onabotulinumtoxinA (48%). The initial rimabotulinumtoxinB dose averaged 11,996 units (range: 3000–25,000 over 1–18 injections). Twenty one patients (30%) discontinued care. Reasons cited included suboptimal response to BoNT therapy (62%), excessive cost (24%), excessive travel burden (10%), and side effects of BoNT therapy (10%). Most patients (76%) did not seek further care after leaving the clinic. Patients who terminated care received fewer treatment cycles (5.5 vs. 13.0, p = 0.020). There were no other identifiable differences between groups in gender, age, disease characteristics, toxin dose, or toxin formulation. These results indicate that a significant number of CD patients discontinue care due to addressable barriers to access, including cost and travel burden, and that when leaving specialty care, patients often discontinue treatment altogether. These data highlight the need for new initiatives to reduce out-of-pocket costs, as well as training for community physicians on neurotoxin injection in order to lessen the travel burden patients must accept in order to receive standard-of-care treatments.
Induced Degradation of Tat by Nucleocapsid (NC) via the Proteasome Pathway and Its Effect on HIV Transcription
Authors: Hong Hye-Won , Lee Seong-Wook , Myung Heejoon
Published: April 2013

Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) is a retrovirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). HIV-1 Tat protein upregulates transcriptional transactivation. The nucleocapsid protein NC of HIV-1 is a component of virion and plays a key role in genome packaging. Herein, we have demonstrated the interaction between NC and Tat by means of a yeast two-hybrid assay, GST pull-down analysis, co-immunoprecipitation and subcellular colocalization analysis. We observed that the level of Tat was significantly reduced in the presence of NC. But NC did not affect mRNA expression level of Tat. The level of Tat in the presence of NC was increased by treating cells with a proteasome inhibitor, MG132. The ubiquitination state of Tat was not seen to increase in the presence of NC, suggesting the proteasomal degradation was independent of ubiquitination. Lowered level of Tat in the presence of NC led to a decrease in Tat-mediated transcriptional transactivation.
Characterization of Clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Viruses Isolated from Wild Birds (Mandarin Duck and Eurasian Eagle Owl) in 2010 in Korea
Authors: Choi Jun-Gu , Kang Hyun-Mi , Jeon Woo-Jin , Choi Kang-Seuk , Kim Kwang-Il , Song Byung , Lee Hee-Soo , Kim Jae-Hong , Lee Youn-Jeong
Published: April 2013

Starting in late November 2010, the H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus was isolated from many types of wild ducks and raptors and was subsequently isolated from poultry in Korea. We assessed the genetic and pathogenic properties of the HPAI viruses isolated from a fecal sample from a mandarin duck and a dead Eurasian eagle owl, the most affected wild bird species during the 2010/2011 HPAI outbreak in Korea. These viruses have similar genetic backgrounds and exhibited the highest genetic similarity with recent Eurasian clade 2.3.2.1 HPAI viruses. In animal inoculation experiments, regardless of their originating hosts, the two Korean isolates produced highly pathogenic characteristics in chickens, ducks and mice without pre-adaptation. These results raise concerns about veterinary and public health. Surveillance of wild birds could provide a good early warning signal for possible HPAI infection in poultry as well as in humans.
Phylogeny and fruit evolution in Menispermaceae
Authors: Wefferling Keir M. , Hoot Sara B. , Neves Susana S.
Published: April 2013

• Premise of the study: This work surveys endocarp morphology of Menispermaceae in the context of a well‐supported molecular phylogeny. The study is important since menispermaceous endocarps appear often in the fossil record and indicate the presence of a wet forest ecosystem.

• Methods: Three chloroplast regions were used to derive phylogenies for 53 genera and 60 species. Endocarps of 47 genera and 92 species were dissected and morphological characters scored. Photographs of key features are presented. We superimposed our morphological matrix onto the phylogeny to explore character evolution. A detailed key to fruits is presented, allowing identification of extant and fossil specimens to the level of clade or genus.

• Key results: Menispermaceae consists of two major subfamilies: Tinosporoideae and Menispermoideae. Within Tinosporoideae, tribe Coscineae is basal. Within Menispermoideae, tribe Menispermeae is basal. Tinosporoideae consists mainly of taxa with apical style scars, bilateral curvature, subhemispherical condyles, and foliaceous cotyledons with divaricate or imbricate orientation. Menispermoideae consists almost entirely of taxa with basal or subbasal style scars, dorsoventral curvature, bilaterally and/or dorsoventrally compressed condyles, and subterete or fleshy cotyledons oriented dorsoventrally or laterally.

• Conclusions: Several fruit characters differentiate major clades, and further synapomorphies are diagnostic of various subclades. Fruit characters that can be inferred as ancestral in the family are basal or subbasal stylar scars, endocarps with dorsoventral curvature, endocarp walls woody or bony, presence of a condyle, locule without ribs, sublateral vascular traces, presence of endosperm, and foliaceous or subterete cotyledons.
Jean Fourastié : diachronie d'une pensée comptable
Authors: Degos Jean-Guy
Published: April 2013

Jean Fourastié est un penseur connu et respecté pour ses travaux relatifs à la croissance, au développement et au progrès économiques. Il est aussi l’auteur de l’ouvrage de comptabilité qui a eu, au xx e siècle, le plus d’éditions. Le présent article étudie les variantes successives de cet ouvrage porteur de cinquante ans d’histoire, écrit pendant la Seconde Guerre mondiale puis modifié au cours d’une longue période où les mentalités et les systèmes politiques, économiques et comptables ont beaucoup changé. Dans la version originale du livre, l’auteur avait compris l’essentiel de la comptabilité et l’avait décrit selon une approche historique très suggestive. Dans les versions suivantes, il a su préserver l’essentiel de ses conceptions profondes sans simplifier les mécanismes d’évolution et sans négliger l’exactitude de la réglementation. L’ensemble de son œuvre comptable constitue une référence et un exemple pour les chercheurs d’aujourd’hui.
Une activité d'apprentissage individuel dans le cadre de la formation des comptables
Authors: Durocher Sylvain , Fortin Anne , Brouard François
Published: April 2013

L’une des préoccupations des membres de la profession comptable et des enseignants universitaires est d’outiller l’étudiant au niveau de sa capacité d’apprentissage individuel afin qu’il soit capable d’acquérir de nouvelles connaissances par lui-même et de s’adapter aux changements, et ce aussi bien durant sa formation universitaire initiale que durant sa carrière professionnelle. Ce compte rendu fait état d’une activité favorisant l’apprentissage individuel menée au sein d’un groupe de 39 étudiants inscrits à un cours de comptabilité financière offert durant la dernière année d’un programme menant à l’obtention d’un baccalauréat en sciences comptables. Les réponses reçues suite à une enquête par questionnaire démontrent que la majorité des étudiants ont trouvé que l’expérience acquise au moyen de l’activité d’apprentissage individuel leur sera utile pour faciliter leur étude personnelle dans le futur, qu elle a amélioré au moins de façon moyenne leur capacité à étudier par eux-mêmes une nouvelle norme comptable, et qu’ils sont satisfaits de l’activité.
Pour une approche structurelle des coûts des activités cliniques
Authors: Regnard Yann
Published: April 2013

Les préoccupations financières dans le secteur de la Santé conduisent à une recherche de la connaissance des coûts. Mais les spécificités de l’activité mettent en doute l’information produite. En effet, les concepts utilisés lors du calcul des coûts traduisent la réalité des soins de façon impropre, compte tenu de la multiplicité et de l’enchevêtrement des facteurs de coût. Dans ce contexte, l’objectif de cet article est donc de contribuer à l’intelligibilité de la consommation de ressources des cliniques commerciales. Il propose une démarche de résolution de ce problème de contrôle de gestion. L’étude empirique consiste en une analyse statistique visant à identifier les facteurs explicatifs des coûts d’un établissement.
« Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose » : gestion des élites gouvernantes sous Saddam Hussein
Authors: Chams El-Dine Chérine
Published: April 2013

Cet article porte sur la question de la survie de l’autoritarisme, et ce par le biais de l’étude des modes de gestion et de circulation de l’élite gouvernante comme stratégie contribuant à la survie des régimes autoritaires. L’auteur a choisi le régime irakien de Saddam Hussein comme cas d’étude, compte tenu de l’habileté dont ce dernier a fait preuve pour faire face à des crises déstabilisatrices. L’examen des modes de gestion et de la composition de l’élite gouvernante irakienne à travers une étude à la fois temporelle et statistique fera l’objet de ce travail.