bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dry Matter Accumulation and Nutrient Uptake by Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under Poplar (Populus deltoides) Based Agroforestry System
Authors: Sharma N. K. , Singh Raman Jeet , Kumar Kuldeep
Published: July 2012

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) being grown with association of boundary plantations of poplar (Populus deltoides M.) has to face competition for water and nutrients uptake. Field experiment was carried to study the dry matter accumulation pattern and nutrients uptake by wheat grown in association with boundary plantations of three- and four-year-old poplar plants under irrigated condition. Dry matter accumulation of wheat declined considerably due to presence of poplar tree line during all the growth stages as compared to pure crop. Maximum reduction in dry matter accumulation in wheat was observed near the tree line (0–3 m) under both three- as well as four-year-old plantation (21.1 and 17.8 per cent under three- and four-year-old trees, resp.) which tapered off beyond that, but synergetic effect caused by existence of trees increased dry matter significantly between 3–6 m distance and 6–9 m distance under both three- as well as four-year-old plantation. Similarly, minimum concentration of nutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) as well as their uptake in wheat plants was observed near the tree line (0–3 m) and increased subsequently with increase in distance from tree line.
Comparison of Endodontic Biomaterials as Apical Barriers in Simulated Open Apices
Authors: Adel Mamak , Nima Moradi Majd , Shivaie Kojoori Shiva , Norooz Oliaie Hooryeh , Naghavi Neda , Asgary Saeed
Published: July 2012

Objectives. To evaluate the effect of apical foramen diameter and apical barrier thickness on the sealing ability of mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium enriched mixture (CEM) plugs in open apices. Materials and Methods. The fluid filtration method was conducted on a total of 136 roots. Samples were randomly divided into two control (n=8) and four experimental groups (n=30). Apical foramen diameters measuring 1.1 and 1.7 mm were shaped for groups “1 and 3” and “2 and 4”, respectively. In groups 1 and 2 MTA plug and in groups 3 and 4 CEM plug was inserted. The groups were further divided into subgroups according to the thickness of the apical plugs (3- or 5-mm). Microleakage was measured at 1, 7, and 30 days. Results. Mixed ANOVA test showed that the microleakage in groups 1 and 3 as well as all 5-mm plug subgroups were significantly less than groups 2 and 4 (P<0.05) and 3-mm subgroups (P<0.05), respectively. Microleakage was significantly lower at 30th day (P<0.05). Conclusions. Reducing canal diameter or increasing apical plug thickness and the time interval increases the sealing ability of apical barriers. Furthermore, in comparison to MTA, CEM plugs demonstrated superior sealing ability.
A Cross-Sectional Study to Find Prevalence and Risk Factors for Childhood Asthma in Pune City, India
Authors: Cheraghi Maria , Dadgarinejad Alireza , Salvi Sundeep
Published: July 2012

We aimed to determine current prevalence of asthma and risk factors associated with it in Pune, India.Methods. This was a cross-sectional school-population-based study in which parents of school children aged 6-7 and 13-14 were administered an ISAAC questionnaire and an additional set of questions that detected the presence of potential risk factors known to be associated with asthma during 2008-2009 academic years.Results. Prevalence of current asthma was 6.7% (7% amongst 6-7-year olds and 6.3% amongst 13-14 year olds. Asthma was more common amongst boys (8.1%) than girls (4.9%) and more frequent in students studying in private schools (7.3%) than in those studying in public schools (5.8%). Risk factors such as family history of atopy, caesarian delivery, use of biomass fuel for cooking, absence of separate kitchen, absence of exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months of life, preterm birth, snoring, dampness at home, male sex, and parental smoking were significantly associated with asthma.Conclusion. There was a high prevalence of childhood asthma in Pune, India, which was associated with genetic and environmental risk factors.
Cochlear Dysfunction in Children following Cardiac Bypass Surgery
Authors: El Ganzoury Mona M. , Kamel Terez B. , Khalil Lobna H. , Seliem A. M.
Published: July 2012

Background. Sensorineural hearing loss after procedures including extracorporeal circulation and hypothermia is greater than general population. Mild hypothermia has a protective role on cochlea; however, deep hypothermia may result in cochlear injury. This research aimed at assessing auditory function in children after open heart surgery in relation to different hypothermic techniques. Subjects and Methods. Forty children with acyanotic heart diseases who underwent open heart surgery were included: group I: twenty patients subjected to mild hypothermia (33° to 37°C), group II: twenty patients subjected to moderate hypothermia (28° to 32°C). Audiological assessment included basic evaluation and otoacoustic emissions. Results. Both groups had distortion-product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) amplitude >3 dB SPL at all frequencies. However, group II showed lower amplitude at overall and at high frequencies (4.416–8.837 KHz) than group I. Transient evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs) showed partial pass in three patients of group I (15%) and in 15 patients of group II (75%). Moreover, group II showed statistical significant reduction in overall TEOAEs amplitude as well as at high frequencies (2–4 KHz). Conclusions. Patients exposed to moderate hypothermic technique had subtle cochlear dysfunction. Otoacoustic emissions should be used for early detection of subtle cochlear dysfunction in operated cardiac children.
Current Issues in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Khaykin Yaariv , Shamiss Yana
Published: July 2012

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia. It places an enormous burden on the patients, caregivers, and the society at large. While the main themes in the care of an AF patient have not changed over the years and continue to focus on stroke prevention, control of the ventricular, rate and rhythm maintenance, there have been a number of new developments in each of these realms. This paper will discuss the “hot” topics in AF in 2012 including new and upcoming medical and invasive management strategies for this condition.
Factors Related to Long-Term Survival in Patients Affected by Well-Differentiated Endocrine Tumors of the Pancreas
Authors: Casadei Riccardo , Ricci Claudio , Tomassetti Paola , Campana Davide , Minni Francesco
Published: July 2012

Aim. To identify factors related to survival in patients affected by well-differentiated PETs (benign, uncertain behavior, and carcinoma) who underwent R0 pancreatic resection. Methods. Retrospective study of 74 consecutive patients followed up from January 1980 to December 2011. Prognostic factors were sex, age, type of tumor, presence of symptoms, type of surgical procedure, size of tumor, lymph nodes status, WHO classification, and TNM stage. Overall survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Cox regression analyses were used to identify the factors associated with prognosis in univariate and multivariate analysis. Results. The mean follow-up of all the patients was months. The 5–10-year long-term survival was 90.9% and 79.1%, respectively. At univariate analysis, patient age <55 years was significantly related to a better long-term survival compared to patients age ≥55 years ( months versus months; ). Multivariate analysis showed that female gender (), patients without comorbidities (), and patients affected by well-differentiated benign pancreatic endocrine tumors ( and in relation to tumors with uncertain behavior and carcinomas, resp.) were factors significantly related to a better long-term survival. Conclusions. Patients factors were strongly related to a better long-term survival in patients observed. WHO classification is a very useful prognostic tool for well-differentiated PETs.
An Algorithm for the Strong-Coupling of the Fluid-Structure Interaction Using a Staggered Approach
Authors: Pedro Josè C. , Sibanda P.
Published: July 2012

We present a staggered approach for the solution of the piston fluid-structure problem in a time-dependent domain. The one-dimensional fluid flow is modelled using the nonlinear Euler equations. We investigate the time marching fluid-structure interaction and integrate the fluid and structure equations alternately using separate solvers. The Euler equations are written in moving mesh coordinates using the arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE) approach and discretised in space using the finite element method while the structure is integrated in time using an implicit finite difference Newmark-Wilson scheme. The influence of the time lag is studied by comparing two different structural predictors.
Trust in the Provider and Glaucoma-Related Blindness
Authors: Muir Kelly W. , Alder Brian , Thomas Anitra , Crowell Sara S. , Stinnett Sandra S. , Lee Paul P.
Published: July 2012

Purpose.
We hypothesized that lower trust in the physician is associated with worse visual outcomes in glaucoma. Methods. Subjects completed the Trust in Provider Scale (TPS) and performed visual field tests at least two years apart. The primary outcome was glaucoma-related blindness. Results. Subjects with glaucoma-related blindness scored lower on the TPS (, ) than subjects without blindness (, ; ). In white subjects, TPS scores were similar for blind (, ) versus not blind subjects (, ; ). For nonwhite subjects, TPS scores were lower for blind (, ) versus not blind subjects (, ; ). In multiple regression models, the interaction between race and trust was significant (), indicating that the increase in odds for blindness with each unit decrease in TPS score was different for white versus nonwhite subjects. Discussion. Glaucoma patients’ trust in the physician is associated with glaucoma-related blindness in this study. The association between lower trust in the physician with blindness in patients of nonwhite race deserves further attention as we strive to reduce
disparities in visual outcomes.
Differential Transcendency in the Theory of Linear Differential Systems with Constant Coefficients
Authors: Malešević Branko , Todorić Dragana , Jovović Ivana , Telebaković Sonja
Published: July 2012

We consider a reduction of a nonhomogeneous linear system of first-order operator equations to a totally reduced system. Obtained results are applied to Cauchy problem for linear differential systems with constant coefficients and to the question of differential transcendency.
Effect of Soil Texture on Remediation of Hydrocarbons-Contaminated Soil at El-Minia District, Upper Egypt
Authors: Abdel-Moghny Th. , Mohamed Ramadan S. A. , El-Sayed E. , Mohammed Aly Shoukry , Snousy Moustafa Gamal
Published: July 2012

Soils polluted by waste lubricant oils may affect the hydrosphere compromising the quality of drinking water resources and threatening the aquatic ecosystems. The objective of this study focused to remove waste-lubricant oils from different polluted sites in El-Minia governorate. In this respect some samples were collected from four different industrial sites and identified as sand, loamy sand, clay loam and loam. Then the field conditions were simulates using two experimental models packed with contaminated soil. The remediation processes carried out in both models using surfactant enhanced by air injection then by water washing. The parameters such as soil type, soil heterogeneity, time and washing process was investigated. The results indicated that the high efficiency of oil removal is obtained from sand where the clay loam gives the worst results. The results also reveal that, the high flushing and washing duration time can be attributed to the high percentage of mud in some sites over other sites. This means that the performance of surfactant flushing/water washing can be adversely affected by geologic heterogeneity. Finally, it’s suitable to use pressurized liquid technologies in heterogeneous media, but cleanup times will be longer and more difficult than for the other similar homogeneous media.
M-CHAT Mexican Version Validity and Reliability and Some Cultural Considerations
Authors: Albores-Gallo Lilia , Roldán-Ceballos Ofelia , Villarreal-Valdes Gabriela , Betanzos-Cruz Blanca Xochitl , Santos-Sánchez Claudia , Martínez-Jaime Maria Magdalena , Lemus-Espinosa Isaac , Hilton Claudia List
Published: July 2012

The Modified Checklist for Autism in Toddlers (M-CHAT) questionnaire is a brief measure available in Spanish which needs to be validated for the Mexican population. Parents of children from (1) community with typical development (TD) and (2) psychiatric outpatient unit completed the CBCL/1.5–5 and the Mexican/MM-CHAT-version. The study sample consisted of 456 children (age M = 4.46, SD = 1.12), 74.34% TD children and 26.65% with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). The MM-CHAT mean score for failed key items was higher for the ASD group compared with the TD group. Internal consistency for the Mexican/M-CHAT version was .76 for total score and .70 for the 6 critical items. Correlations between the MM-CHAT and the CBCL/1.5: PDD and Withdrawn subscales and with ADI-R dimensions: B non verbal) and A were high, and were moderate with ADI-R dimensions B1 (verbal) and C The failure rate of the MM-CHAT between the groups did not reproduce all the critical items found in other studies. Although the instrument has good psychometric properties and can be used for screening purposes in primary settings or busy specialized psychiatric clinics, these results support evidence for cultural differences in item responses, making it difficult to compare M-CHAT results internationally.
Orbital IgG4-Related Disease: Clinical Features and Diagnosis
Authors: Kubota Toshinobu , Moritani Suzuko
Published: July 2012

Orbital IgG4-related disease, which can occur in adults of any age, is characterized by IgG4-positive lymphoplasmacytic infiltrations in ocular adnexal tissues. The signs and symptoms include chronic noninflammatory lid swelling and proptosis. Patients often have a history of allergic disease and elevated serum levels of IgG4 and IgE as well as hypergammaglobulinemia. Orbital IgG4-related disease must be differentiated from idiopathic orbital inflammation and ocular adnexal marginal zone B-cell lymphoma to ensure appropriate and effective treatment. Systemic steroid therapy decreases the size of the lesions, but relapse often occurs when systemic steroid therapy is discontinued.
The Impact of Biogas Conversion Technology for Economic Development: A Case Study in Kilimanjaro Region
Authors: Mkiramweni L. L. N.
Published: July 2012

In Tanzania the overall performance of the country’s social and economic development requires the minimization of the existing energy challenges. Currently, about 80% of Tanzanians live in rural areas, and 90% percent of the populations have no access to grid electricity but rely on fuel wood and charcoal, causing annual deforestation rates of about 500,000 hectares. This problem can be minimised, especially where there is potential, like Kilimanjaro region. However, the level of development of biogas in the region is low and no reliable data to show this effect quantitatively. The author here, therefore, attempts to fill the gap. He realizes that up to 0.5 giga m3 of biogas could be produced daily, exceeding by far the 0.72 million m3 required for cooking in the region. It was further observed that the energy required for small economic activity in the region is about 3.0 MWh, about 0.1% of the total energy that can be generated from agrowaste materials. The application of biogas in Kilimanjaro region is therefore technically feasible, socially acceptable, and economically viable, so sensitisation should therefore be enhanced and research conducted.
Effect of Hydrogen Content and Bonding Environment on Mechanical Properties of Hydrogenated Silicon Films Deposited by High-Frequency PECVD Process
Authors: Gope Jhuma , Kumar Sushil , Parashar A. , Dayal S. , Rauthan C. M. S. , Srivastava P. C.
Published: July 2012

The mechanical properties of hydrogenated silicon thin films deposited using high-frequency PECVD process were studied, which certainly have importance for optoelectronic devices particularly for getting stability and long operating lifetime in harsh conditions. Nanoindentation technique was used to measure the load versus displacement curves, hardness (H), elastic modulus (E), plastic resistance parameter (H/E), elastic recovery (ER), and plastic deformation energy (Ur), while laser scanning stress measurement setup was used to measure the intrinsic stress of these films. The concentration of bonded hydrogen in these films was found in the range of 3.6 to 6.5 at. % which was estimated using integrated intensity of IR absorption peak near 640 cm−1. Dependence of mechanical properties of these films on hydrogen content and bonding environment has been investigated. The film containing minimum hydrogen content (3.6%) shows the maximum elastic recovery (52.76%) and minimum plastic deformation energy (3.95×10−10 J). Surface roughness measured by AFM was found to decrease with the increase in hydrogen content in the film. The dependency of stress on the plasma frequency and applied power has also been discussed.
Evaluating Variable Speed Limits and Dynamic Lane Merging Systems in Work Zones: A Simulation Study
Authors: Zaidi Zaier , Radwan Essam , Harb Rami
Published: July 2012

ITS technologies such as dynamic lane merging (DLM) and variable speed limits (VSL) have been deployed in roadway work zones in an attempt to enhance safety and mobility through vehicular traffic. The DLM system in its two main forms namely the early merge and the late merge was designed to advise drivers on definite merging locations whereas VSL were introduced to work zones to decrease speed fluctuations, variances, and to smoothen traffic through work zones. Up to date, there are no studies that contrast Maintenance Of Traffic (MOTs) plans including a combination of ITS technologies to standard work zones MOTs under matching work zone settings. This study simulates a two-to-one work zone lane closure configuration in VISSIM under six different MOT plans and compares work zone throughputs and travel times across MOTs namely Motorist Awareness System (MAS), early DLM, late DLM, VSL combined with MAS, a VSL and early DLM combination, and a VSL late DLM combination. Results showed that the combination of VSL and DLM or standalone DLM improve work zone throughputs and travel times compared to work zones with conventional static Florida MOT and work zones with VSL.
Safety and Efficacy of the ACE-Inhibitor Ramipril in Alport Syndrome: The Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multicenter Phase III EARLY PRO-TECT Alport Trial in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Gross Oliver , Friede Tim , Hilgers Reinhard , Görlitz Anke , Gavénis Karsten , Ahmed Raees , Dürr Ulrike
Published: July 2012

Introduction. Retrospective observational data show that ACE-inhibitor therapy delays renal failure and improves life expectancy in Alport patients with proteinuria. The EARLY PRO-TECT Alport trial assesses the safety and efficacy of early therapy onset with ramipril in pediatric Alport patients. Methods and analysis. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase III trial (NCT01485978; EudraCT-number 2010-024300-10) includes 120 pediatric patients aged 24 months to 18 years with early stages of Alport syndrome (isolated hematuria or microalbuminuria). From March 2012, up to 80 patients will be randomized 1:1 to ramipril or placebo. In the event of disease progression during 3-year treatment, patients are unblinded and ramipril is initiated, if applicable. Approximately 40 patients receive open-label ramipril contributing to the safety database. Primary end-points are “time to progression to next disease level” and “incidence of adverse drug events before disease progression.” Treatment effect estimates from the randomized comparison and Alport registry data will be combined in supportive analyses to maximize evidence. Conclusion. Without this trial, ACE inhibitors may become standard off-label treatment in Alport syndrome without satisfactory evidence base. The results are expected to be of relevance for therapy of all pediatric patients with kidney disease, and the trial protocol might serve as a model for other rare pediatric glomerulopathies.
Nanocrystalline Nd-Fe-B Alloys for Polymer-Bonded Magnets Production
Authors: Grujić Aleksandar , Ćosović Vladan , Ćosović Aleksandar , Stajić-Trošić Jasna
Published: July 2012

This study presents how different nanostructures of starting Nd-Fe-B particles have influence on magnetic properties of polymer-bonded Nd-Fe-B materials. Two types of nanocrystalline Nd-Fe-B alloys were used for polymer composite production by compression molding technique. The particles with low neodymium content (Nd-low) have nanocomposite structure with small exchange coupling effect between hard and soft magnetic phase. In other hand, practically monophase hard magnetic structure of Nd-Fe-B particles with stoichiometric neodymium content (Nd-stoich) shows improved magnetic properties. With increasing concentration of polymer matrix, the coercivity (Hcb), remanence (Br), and maximum energy product ((BH)max) decrease more prominenty for composites with stoichiometric Nd-Fe-B content.
Moss and Soil Substrates Interact with Moisture Level to Influence Germination by Three Wetland Tree Species
Authors: Staunch Alexander , Redlecki Marie , Wooten Jessica , Sleeper Jonathan , Titus Jonathan
Published: July 2012

To assess germination success in different microsites of a forested wetland environment, seeds of three common western New York wetland tree species, Acer x freemanii, Fraxinus pennsylvanica, and Ulmus americana, were sown into flats in the greenhouse with three substrates (mosses Hypnum imponens or Thuidium delicatulum or bare soil) and three hydrological conditions (wet, moist, or dry) in a factorial design. For the three species both treatment regimes and the interaction were highly significant, except for Acer, in which the substrate regime was not significant. Fraxinus germination had the highest tolerance for wet conditions and lowest for dry conditions followed by Acer and then Ulmus. Significant interactions showed that the effect of hydrological regime on germination is influenced by substrate type. Moss decreased germination under drier conditions and increased germination under wet conditions by lifting the seeds away from the soil and creating drier conditions than on bare soil. It is also possible that interspecific competition for moisture played a role in decreasing germination under dry conditions. By influencing the regeneration niche for three major tree species of swamps in the northeastern United States, the bryophyte layer plays an important role in determining community composition.
Thermal Efficiency of a Solar Wall in Tunisia
Authors: Dimassi Narjes , Dehmani Leila
Published: July 2012

Passive solar heating systems are very attractive because of their exploitation of solar energy which is available and abundant. A passive solar system contributes with storage and direct gain to heat a building without the use of mechanical equipment. This investigation is a verification of the Trombe wall efficiency in Tunisia via an experimental study on a real building with a specificity of the local weather. The experimental study was carried on a south wall under real scale in the laboratory of thermal processes in the Center of Research and Technology of Energy (CRTEn) in Borj Cedria. During two different winter periods (January and April), the thermal performance of the wall was investigated using the collected data of velocity and temperature at different positions of the wall. The heat gain through the wall was calculated and the efficiency was found to decrease from January period (45%) to April period (31.7%). The results show that the Trombe wall ensures free heat in winter and can greatly increase the energy efficiency of a building. Thus, the Trombe wall integration to the building design offers many opportunities to take advantage of the Tunisian moderate climate.
Effects of Aqueous Extract of Fresh Leaves of Abroma augusta L. on Oral Absorption of Glucose and Metformin Hydrochloride in Experimental Rats
Authors: Islam Tariqul , Rahman Ajijur , Islam Anwar Ul
Published: July 2012

To get better control in disease conditions, many people take herbs with conventional medicines, therefore, posing a risk of potential pharmacokinetic interactions between herbs and conventional drugs. The aqueous extract of the fresh leaves of Abroma augusta L. (Family: Sterculiaceae, Bengali name: Ulatkambal, English name: Devil's cotton, DC) is viscous and used traditionally to treat diabetes mellitus. This study was done to investigate the probable mechanism by which the aqueous extract of Abroma augusta L. is beneficial in managing type 2 DM and to observe the effects of this extract on absorption of metformin hydrochloride from the gastrointestinal tract. Studies were conducted in healthy Long Evans rats using Na-carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as positive control. Both Na-CMC and WSF of DC significantly () reduced the absorption of glucose administered orally in fasted rats. On the other hand, WSF of DC significantly () reduced the absorption of metformin hydrochloride in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The results of this study suggest that WSF of DC may be beneficial in diabetic patients to improve glycemic control but should not be coadministered with metformin HCl for management of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Microsatellite Instability in Sarcoma: Fact or Fiction?
Authors: Monument Michael J. , Lessnick Stephen L. , Schiffman Joshua D. , Randall Rl. Tx.
Published: July 2012

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is a unique molecular abnormality, indicative of a deficient DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system. Described and characterized in the colorectal cancer literature, the MSI-positive phenotype is predictive of disease susceptibility, pathogenesis, and prognosis. The clinical relevance of MSI in colorectal cancer has inspired similar inquisition within the sarcoma literature, although unfortunately, with very heterogeneous results. Evolving detection techniques, ill-defined sarcoma-specific microsatellite loci and small study numbers have hampered succinct conclusions. The literature does suggest that MSI in sarcoma is observed at a frequency similar to that of sporadic colorectal cancers, although there is little evidence to suggest that MSI-positive tumors share distinct biological attributes. Emerging evidence in Ewing sarcoma has demonstrated an intriguing mechanistic role of microsatellite DNA in the activation of key EWS/FLI-target genes. These findings provide an alternative perspective to the biological implications of microsatellite instability in sarcoma and warrant further investigation using sophisticated detection techniques, sensitive microsatellite loci, and appropriately powered study designs.
Lipoidal Soft Hybrid Biocarriers of Supramolecular Construction for Drug Delivery
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Sharma Deepak , Singh Gurmeet , Singh Mankaran , Rathore Mahendra Singh
Published: July 2012

Lipid-based innovations have achieved new heights during the last few years as an essential component of drug development. The current challenge of drug delivery is liberation of drug agents at the right time in a safe and reproducible manner to a specific target site. A number of novel drug delivery systems has emerged encompassing various routes of administration, to achieve controlled and targeted drug delivery. Microparticulate lipoidal vesicular system represents a unique technology platform suitable for the oral and systemic administration of a wide variety of molecules with important therapeutic biological activities, including drugs, genes, and vaccine antigens. The success of liposomes as drug carriers has been reflected in a number of liposome-based formulations, which are commercially available or are currently undergoing clinical trials. Also, novel lipid carrier-mediated vesicular systems are originated. This paper has focused on the lipid-based supramolecular vesicular carriers that are used in various drug delivery and drug targeting systems.
Intermittent Iron Folate Supplementation: Impact on Hematinic Status and Growth of School Girls
Authors: Sen Aditi , Kanani Shubhada
Published: July 2012

In view of high iron needs for adolescent growth, this paper studied the impact of daily vs. intermittent (once and twice weekly) iron folic acid (IFA) supplementation on hemoglobin levels and pubertal growth among primary school girls in early adolescence (9–13 years) of Vadodara, India. Methods. Hemoglobin (Hb), height and weight of the girls were assessed using standard methods. In three experimental schools (ES) IFA tablets in a dose of 100 mg Fe+0.5 mg folic acid was given either daily, once weekly or twice weekly for one year. The fourth school (control: CS) did not receive any intervention. Results. Hb levels significantly improved (P<0.01) in all ES compared to CS. Body Mass Index (BMI) increment in ES vs CS was significant (P<0.05) in twice weekly IFA and daily IFA. Within ES groups, mean Hb and BMI increments were comparable between twice weekly IFA and daily IFA. Anemic ES girls showed higher Hb and BMI increments vs. non-anemic girls. Better the Hb response, greater was the benefit on BMI. Conclusion: Twice-weekly IFA supplementation was comparable to daily IFA as regards impact on Hb and growth; at less cost and greater feasibility. Once-weekly dose was inadequate to significantly improve growth.
Diagnostic Value of Ultrasonography and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Ulnar Neuropathy at the Elbow
Authors: Ayromlou Hormoz , Tarzamni Mohammad K. , Daghighi Mohammad Hossein , Pezeshki Mohammad Zakaria , Yazdchi Mohammad , Sadeghi-Hokmabadi Elyar , Sharifipour Ehsan , Ghabili Kamyar
Published: July 2012

Aim. To evaluate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in patients with ulnar neuropathy at the elbow (UNE). Methods. We prospectively performed electrodiagnostic, ultrasonographic, and MRI studies in UNE patients and healthy controls. Three cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements of the ulnar nerve at multiple levels along the arm and maximum CSA(-max) were recorded. Results. The ulnar nerve CSA measurements were different between the UNE severity grades (P<0.05). CSA-max had the greatest sensitivity (93%) and specificity (68%). Moreover, CSA-max ≥10 mm2 defined the severe UNE cases (sensitivity/specificity: 82%/72%). In MRI, ulnar nerve hyperintensity had the greatest sensitivity (90%) and specificity (80%). Conclusion. Ultrasonography using CSA-max is sensitive and specific in UNE diagnosis and discriminating the severe UNE cases. Furthermore, MRI particularly targeting at increased signal of the ulnar nerve can be a useful diagnostic test of UNE.
Development and Validation of HPTLC Method for Estimation of Propranolol Hydrochloride and Flunarizine Dihydrochloride in Combined Dosage Form
Authors: Patel Palak , Bhatt Kashyap K.
Published: July 2012

A simple, sensitive, and precise high-performance thin layer chromatographic method has been developed for the estimation of propranolol hydrochloride and Flunarizine dihydrochloride in combined dosage form. The method employed HPTLC aluminum plates precoated with silica gel 60F as the stationary phase while the solvent system was toluene:methanol: ethyl acetate: acetic acid (7 : 1.5 : 1.5 : 0.1 v/v/v/v). The Rf value was observed to be 0.07±0.02 and 0.67±0.02 for propranolol hydrochloride and flunarizine dihydrochloride. The densitometric analysis was carried out in absorbance mode at 240 nm. The method was linear in the range of 400–2400 ng/band for propranolol hydrochloride and 50–300 ng/band for flunarizine dihydrochloride. The method was validated with respected accuracy, precision and specificity. The limit of detection for Propranolol hydrochloride and flunarizine dihydrochloride were found to be 118.4 and 13.75 ng/spot, respectively. The limit of quantification for propranolol hydrochloride and flunarizine dihydrochloride was found to be 355.2 and 45.4 ng/band, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the estimation of propranolol hydrochloride and flunarizine dihydrochloride in combined dosage form.
Review of Pharmacological Properties and Chemical Constituents of Pimpinella anisum
Authors: Shojaii Asie , Abdollahi Fard Mehri
Published: July 2012

Pimpinella anisum (anise), belonging to Umbelliferae family, is an aromatic plant which has been used In Iranian traditional medicine (especially its fruits) as carminative, aromatic, disinfectant, and galactagogue. Because the wide traditional usage of Pimpinella anisum for treatment of diseases, in this review published scientific reports about the composition and pharmacological properties of this plant were collected with electronic literature search of GoogleScholar, PubMed, Sciencedirect, Scopus, and SID from 1970 to 2011. So far, different studies were performed on aniseeds and various properties such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, muscle relaxant, analgesic and anticonvulsant activity as well as different effects on gastrointestinal system have been reported of aniseeds. It can also reduce morphine dependence and has beneficial effects on dysmenorrhea and menopausal hot flashes in women. In diabetic patients, aniseeds showed hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effect and reduce lipid peroxidation. The most important compounds of aniseeds essential oil were trans-anetole, estragole, γ-hymachalen, para-anisaldehyde and methyl cavicol. Due to broad spectrum of pharmacological effects, and very few clinical studies of Pimpinella anisum, more clinical trials are recommended to evaluate the beneficial effects of this plant in human models and synthesis of new drugs from the active ingredients of this plant in future.
Bacteriological Quality of Abattoir Effluents Discharged into Water Bodies in Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Nafarnda W. D. , Ajayi I. E. , Shawulu J. C. , Kawe M. S. , Omeiza G. K. , Sani N. A. , Tenuche O. Z. , Dantong D. D. , Tags S. Z.
Published: July 2012

Bacteriological characteristics of abattoir effluents (wastewater), abattoir water source, and water bodies receiving abattoir wastewater were investigated in Abuja, Nigeria using the multiple-tube fermentation technique. Source of water to the abattoirs and the usage of water bodies receiving abattoir effluents were determined using questionnaires. Bacterial counts ranged from 4.8 × 106 to 5.8 × 105 /100 mL of total coliform (TC), 8.2 × 104 to 3.2 × 104/100 mL of Fecal coliform (FC), 5.2 × 104 to 2.0 × 104/100 mL of Fecal streptococcus and 1.2 × 104 to 2.0 × 103/100 mL of Escherichia coli for abattoir effluents 6.6 × 105 to 6.0 × 105/100 mL of TC, 6.2 × 104 to 1.8 × 104/100 mL of FC, 1.8 × 104 to 6.0 × 103/100 mL of F. streptococcus, and 4.8 × 103 to 6.6 × 102/100 mL of E. coli for water bodies receiving abattoir effluents 100 m downstream. TC bacteria counts for abattoir effluents exceeded recommended limit for discharge into surface water in Nigeria. No significant difference (P<0.05) was observed between bacterial counts of abattoir effluents and receiving water bodies 100 m downstream: an indication of contamination of receiving water bodies by abattoir effluents and possible public and environmental health hazards.
The Antarctic Oscillation Structure in an AOGCM with Interactive Stratospheric Ozone
Authors: Brand S. , Dethloff K. , Handorf D.
Published: July 2012

Based on 150-year equilibrium simulations using the atmosphere-ocean-sea ice general circulation model (AOGCM) ECHO-GiSP, the southern hemisphere winter circulation is examined focusing on tropo-stratosphere coupling and wave dynamics. The model covers the troposphere and strato-mesosphere up to 80 km height and includes an interactive stratospheric chemistry. Compared to the reference simulation without interactive chemistry, the interactive simulation shows a weaker polar vortex in the middle atmosphere and is shifted towards the negative phase of the Antarctic Oscillation (AAO) in the troposphere. Differing from the northern hemisphere winter situation, the tropospheric planetary wave activity is weakened. A detailed analysis shows, that the modelled AAO zonal mean signal behaves antisymmetrically between troposphere and strato-mesosphere. This conclusion is supported by reanalysis data and a discussion of planetary wave dynamics in terms of Eliassen-Palm fluxes. Thereby, the tropospheric planetary wave activity appears to be controlled from the middle atmosphere.
Cogredient Standard Forms of Symmetric Matrices over Galois Rings of Odd Characteristic
Authors: Cao Yonglin
Published: July 2012

Let R=GR(ps,psm) be a Galois ring of characteristic ps and cardinality psm, where s and m are positive integers and p is an odd prime number. Two kinds of cogredient standard forms of symmetric matrices over R are given, and an explicit formula to count the number of all distinct cogredient classes of symmetric matrices over R is obtained.
Selected Metals in Various Fractions of Soil and Fungi in a Swedish Forest
Authors: Vinichuk Mykhailo
Published: July 2012

The patterns of uptake and distribution of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in the soil-mycelium-sporocarps compartments in various transfer steps are presented. I attempted to find out whether there is a difference between the uptake of metals from soil to fungi (mycelium/soil ratio) and transport within fungal thalli (sporocarps/mycelium ratio). The concentration of Cu, Zn, and Cd increased in the order bulk soil < soil-root interface (or rhizosphere) < fungal mycelium < fungal sporocarps. The concentration of Co, Ni, and Pb decreased in the order bulk soil (or rhizosphere) < fungal mycelium < soil-root interface < fungal sporocarps. The uptake of Cu, Zn, and Cd during the entire transfer process in natural conditions between soil and sporocarps occurred against a concentration gradient. Mycorrhizal fungi (mycelium and sporocarps) only absorbed Co, Ni, and Pb but did not accumulate these elements in their thalli. Metal accumulation within fungal mycelium biomass in the top forest soil layer (0–5 cm) may account for about 5% of the total amount of Co, 4% Ni, 7% Cu, 8% Zn, 24% Cd, and 3% Pb.
New Way of Direct Nitrogen Atom Phenylation in Quinoline Derivatives
Authors: Shchepina Nadezhda E. , Avrorin Viktor V. , Badun Gennady A. , Lewis Scott B. , Shurov Sergey N.
Published: July 2012

Comparison of ion-molecular reactions of free-phenyl cations generated by tritium β-decay with 2-methyl- and 2-phenylquinolines has been investigated. The reaction of direct nitrogen atom phenylation with the help of nucleogenic phenyl cations has been fulfilled for the first time and a new one-step synthesis of tritium-labeled N-phenyl-2-phenylquinolinium salt—lipophilic radioactive biological marker has been elaborated.
Resolution of the Identity of the Classical Hardy Space by Means of Barut-Girardello Coherent States
Authors: Mouayn Zouhaïr
Published: July 2012

We construct a one-parameter family of coherent states of Barut-Girdrardello type performing a resolution of the identity of the classical Hardy space of complex-valued square integrable functions on the real line, whose Fourier transform is supported by the positive real semiaxis.
Transient Periodicity in a Morris-Lecar Neural System
Authors: Nadar Sreenivasan Rajamoni , Rai Vikas
Published: July 2012

The dynamical complexity of a system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) modeling the dynamics of a neuron that interacts with other neurons through on-off excitatory and inhibitory synapses in a neural system was investigated in detail. The model used Morris-Lecar (ML) equations with an additional autonomous variable representing the input from interaction of excitatory neuronal cells with local interneurons. Numerical simulations yielded a rich repertoire of dynamical behavior associated with this three-dimensional system, which included periodic, chaotic oscillation and rare bursts of episodic periodicity called the transient periodicity.
Parasitic Prevalence in a Suburban School of Famaillá, Tucumán, Argentina
Authors: Dib Julián , Oquilla Juana , Lazarte Silvia G. , Gonzalez Silvia N.
Published: July 2012

Prevalence of intestinal parasites was investigated in rural primary school children in Famaillá city, Tucumán province, Argentina. Stool specimens from 149 school children were collected. The prevalence rate of intestinal parasite infections was 86.6%. No significant differences were observed in the distribution by age or by sex. Blastocystis hominis was the most commonly found protozoan parasite (54.4%), followed by Entamoeba coli (35.6%), Giardia lamblia (24.8%), and others (16.7%). Enterobius vermicularis was the most prevalent intestinal helminth (27.5%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (20.8%), Trichuris trichiura (12.8%), and others (5.4%). Most of the patients had polyparasitism (62.4%), and protozoan infections prevailed over helminthic infections. These results show high rates of parasitism in the school children of Famaillá, which would be associated with socioeconomic factors and poor environmental sanitation conditions in this area.
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, and Free Radical Scavenging Potential of Aerial Parts ofPeriploca aphyllaandRicinus communis
Authors: Iqbal Jamshed , Zaib Sumera , Farooq Umar , Khan Afsar , Bibi Irum , Suleman Saba
Published: July 2012

Context. Many diseases are associated with oxidative stress caused by free radicals.Objective. The present study evaluated thein vitroantioxidant and antibacterial activities of various extracts of aerial parts ofPeriploca aphyllaandRicinus communis.Materials and Methods.In vitroantioxidant activities of the plant extract were determined by DPPH and NO scavenging method. Superoxide anion radical activity was measured by the reduction of nitro blue tetrazolium as compared with standard antioxidants. Total phenolic contents and antibacterial activities of these plants were determined by gallic acid equivalent (GAE) and serial tube dilution method, respectively.Results. Plants showed significant radical scavenging activity. The results were expressed asIC50.n-Propyl gallate and 3-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole were used as standards for antioxidant assay. All the extracts of both plants showed comparableIC50to those of standards. Plants extract exhibited high phenolic contents and antibacterial activities were comparable with standard drug, Ciprofloxacin.Discussion and Conclusion. The present study provides evidence thatPeriploca aphyllaandRicinus communisprove to be potent natural antioxidants and could replace synthetic antioxidants. Plants can also be used against pathogenic bacterial strains.
Natural Convection of a Solar Wall in a Test Room under Tunisian Climate
Authors: Dimassi N. , Dehmani L.
Published: July 2012

Tunisia has a great potential of solar energy, which is the most important source of renewable energy; however, sufficient benefit can be obtained from this clean energy source especially for building heating. This paper reports on an experimental investigation on the natural convection of a Trombe wall in a test room located in Borj Cedria under the Mediterranean climatic conditions of Tunisia. Temperatures were recorded throughout the test room, as were the air velocity and the climatic parameters affecting the Trombe wall operation. This work deals with analyzing the natural convection heat transfer process with the evaluation of Rayleigh number, Nusselt number, the wall convection coefficient, and the convective flux. The results show that many parameters affect the wall function and therefore the thermocirculation process. The flow along the wall was found to be composite and turbulent most of the time.
Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in Asians
Authors: Jang Min Soo , Kang Dong Young , Park Jong Bin , Kim Sang Tae , Suh Kee Suck
Published: July 2012

Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma describes a heterogeneous group of neoplasms of skin homing T cells that vary considerably in clinical presentation, histologic appearance, immunophenotype, and prognosis. This paper addresses the cutaneous T-cell lymphoma in Asians with respect to clinical-epidemiologic and histopathological features. Compared with Western countries, Asia usually has higher rates of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas such as extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma, hydroa vacciniforme-like lymphoma, subcutaneous panniculitis T-cell lymphoma, and adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma and lower rates of cutaneous B-cell lymphomas. Among many variants of mycosis fungoides, hypopigmented lesions, pityriasis lichenoides-like lesions, and ichthyosiform lesions are more prevalent in Asia than in the West. Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma is endemic in southwestern Japan especially in the Kyushu island. The clinicopathologic characteristics of cutaneous lymphoma vary according to geography, and this may be ascribed to genetic and environmental etiologic factors.
Matrix Metalloproteinases and Bladder Cancer: What is New?
Authors: Rodriguez Faba O. , Palou-Redorta J. , Fernández-Gómez J. M. , Algaba F. , Eiró N. , Villavicencio H. , Vizoso F. J.
Published: July 2012

Urothelial bladder cancer represents a heterogeneous disease with divergent pathways of tumorigenesis. Tumor invasion and progression are a multifactorial process promoted by microenvironmental changes that include overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Recent data clearly challenge the classic dogma that MMPs promote metastasis only by modulating the remodeling of extracellular matrix. Indeed, MMPs have also been attributed as an impact on tumor cell behavior in vivo as a consequence of their ability to cleave growth factors, cell surface receptors, cell adhesion molecules, and chemokines/cytokines. Levels of the different MMPs can be measured in several sample types, including tissue, blood (serum and plasma), and urine, and using different methodologies, such as immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, western and northern blot analyses, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and zymography. Several MMPs have been identified as having potential diagnostic or prognostic utility, whether alone or in combination with cytology. Although MMP inhibitors have shown limited efficacy, advances in the understanding of the complex physiologic and pathologic roles of MMPs might permit the development of new MMP-specific and tumor-specific therapies. In this paper we update the understanding of MMPs based on a systematic PubMed search encompassing papers published up to December 2011.
EPR and Optical Absorption Spectral Investigations of Cu2+ in Bi2O3-ZnO-B2O3-Li2O Glasses
Authors: Bale Shashidhar , Rahman Syed
Published: July 2012

Electron paramagnetic resonance and optical absorption studies of Bi2O3-ZnO-B2O3-Li2O glasses were made by introducing Cu2+ as spin probe. The EPR spectra of Cu2+ in all the glass samples recorded in the X-band frequency have similar spectral features. The variation in glass composition influences the spin Hamiltonian parameters calculated from the spectra. The spin Hamiltonian parameters indicate that the Cu2+ ions are coordinated with six ligand atoms in a distorted octahedron elongated along one of the axes and the ground state of the Cu2+ is dx2−y2 orbital. The optical absorption spectra exhibited a broad band corresponding to d-d transition bands of Cu2+ ion. The values of bonding parameters indicate a covalent nature for the in-plane σ bonding and pure ionic nature for the in-plane and out-of-plane π bonding. The theoretical optical basicity parameter values were evaluated, and it was observed that the value of Γσ increases whereas Γπ
decreases with the increase in optical basicity.