bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferential Control of a Distillation Column Using an Online Estimator
Authors: Singh Vijander , Gupta Indra , Gupta Hari Om
Published: October 2008

The time to measure and maintain distillate quality in the presence of disturbances is the main objective of the distillation process. To maintain the product quality, a suitable tray temperature is kept constant with the help of a control strategy near its set point. As the controlled variables cannot be measured online easily due to measurement lags and sampling delays, the secondary measurement techniques are used to estimate the distillate quality by adjusting the values of manipulated variables (inferential control). This paper presents an inferential control scheme for a distillation column using an Ethernet-based data acquisition system to provide a standard online estimator. In the present scheme the distillation parameters are acquired from a client PC connected to the network and the distillate composition is estimated online by a developed ANN-based estimator. The above estimator is used for an inferential control strategy to control distillate composition. The inferential control scheme is exercised for various disturbances and the effect of the disturbances is observed on distillate quality.
Langerhans Cells in Feline Foetal Epidermis - Immunohistochemical Study of Spatial Distribution
Authors: Gorošová A. , Matalová E. , Kociánová I. , Tichý F.
Published: October 2008

Langerhans cells belong to the skin-associated lymphatic tissue (SALT). They are antigenpresenting cells derived from monocyte precursors in the bone marrow. The distribution of Langerhans cells was investigated in feline foetuses on day 40 of ontogenesis, in 9 selected body regions: regio intermandibularis, regio axilaris, regio prepubica, regio inguinalis, regio parietalis, regio interdigitalis, regio thoracis, regio sacralis and regio caudalis. Mouse monoclonal antibody against CD1 receptor (epitope CD1a) was applied to localize Langerhans cells in the skin samples. The highest number of Langerhans cells was found in biopsy of the dorsal part of the feline foetuses. Langerhans cells were present particularly among keratinocytes of stratum germinativum (stratum basale and stratum spinosum), scattered or clustered among epidermal cells closing the hair canal in the region close to the hair follicle. Langerhans cells were further located among cells of outer root sheath in the region of hair follicle infundibulum close to ostium of sebaceous glands ductus, some were found also in the upper part of the hair follicle isthmus. Langerhans cells seem to participate in skin disorders related to hypersensitivity and even tumour transformations. Distribution of these cells may play a role in disease predispositions; knowledge of the physiology and pathophysiology of Langerhans cells opens possible targeted treatments in veterinary medicine.
Effect of Humic Acids on Lead Accumulation in Chicken Organs and Muscles
Authors: Zralý Z. , Písaříková B. , Trčková M. , Navrátilová M.
Published: October 2008

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of feeding humic acid (HA) to pullets treated for 10 days on its concentrations in the organs and muscles. Forty pullets allocated to 4 groups with ten birds in each were used in the experiment. Control group (K) was fed the basic diet without supplementation. The second group (HA) was fed the basic diet with HA at the dose of 500 mg/chicken/day. Experimental group 1 (Pb) was fed basic diet containing lead acetate at the dose of 3.54 mg (1.42 mg Pb) per pullet/day and the second experimental group (Pb + HA) was moreover fed 500 mg HA/day. The lead content was determined in the samples of liver, kidney, bone and muscle tissue. Very low lead concentrations detected in the liver, kidneys and muscles of control group constituted the background, which reflected the current status of nutrition. The lead concentrations in the tissues were 4%, 12.6% and 10% of the highest admissible amounts (0.5 and 0.1 mg Pb/kg), respectively. In the experimental group (Pb), significantly increased lead concentrations were detected in liver, kidneys, bones (P < 0.001) and muscles (P < 0.05). The highest accumulation was found in bones (2.711 ± 0.59 mg/kg). Concurrent administration of HA and lead acetate (HA + Pb group) caused a significant decrease in the Pb content, i.e. by 30%, 43.8 %, 53.8 % and 50.6% in liver, kidneys, muscles and bones, respectively, in contrast to experimental group Pb. The values of selected biochemical indicators ranged in reference value limits, except the significant decrease of copper concentration in experimental groups.
Effects of Piperonyl Butoxide and Tetramethrin Combinations on Biological Activities of Selected Synthetic Pyrethroid Insecticides against Different Housefly (Musca domestica L., Diptera: Muscidae) Populations
Authors: Cakir G. , Yavuz O. , Kocak O.
Published: October 2008

Piperonyl butoxide (PBO), a methylenedioxyphenyl compound, is primarily used as a synergist in combination with space spray, residual and admixture products for the control of insect pests in or around domestic and commercial premises, especially food preparation areas. Also, tetramethrin is known as a knockdown agent on target organism and it is generally used with piperonyl butoxide. In this study, effects of piperonyl butoxide and tetramethrin combinations on biological activities of synthetic pyrethroids, cypermethrin, deltamethrin, and permethrin against different housefly (Musca domestica Linnaeus, 1758) populations were evaluated. In addition, the biological efficiency of the insecticides used in the study, insecticide + PBO and insecticide + PBO + tetramethrin combinations, against the WHO standard sensitive housefly population and housefly populations collected from different parts of Turkey were compared. Results showed that PBO extensively promoted the ratio of knockdown and killing effect values of the insecticides. The results also indicated that PBO and PBO + tetramethrin combinations moderately reduced the knockdown effect times of all formulation in all housefly populations. The knockdown effect times were more decreased by insecticide + PBO + tetramethrin combinations than insecticides that are used alone and insecticide + PBO combinations.
Clinical Profile, Bacterial Isolates and Antibiotic Susceptibility Patterns in Urinary Tract Infection in Children – Hospital Based Study
Authors: Malla KK , Sarma MS , Malla T , Thapalial A
Published: October 2008

Keywords: Urinary tract infection; culture and suseptibility patternsDOI = 10.3126/jnps.v28i2.1388J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.28(2) 2008 p.52-61
Computers and Internet for Postgraduate Residents and Medical Students
Authors: Vidyashankar C
Published: October 2008

DOI = 10.3126/jnps.v28i2.1392J. Nepal Paediatr. Soc. Vol.28(2) 2008 p.69-71
Transhumant Pastoralism in Yak Production in the Lower Mustang District of Nepal
Authors: Degen A. Allan , Kam Michael , Pandey Shambhu B. , Upreti Chet R. , Pandey Sanjeev , Regmi Prajwal
Published: October 2008

There are thirty yak herd owners, all men and mainly Thakalis, between Jomsom and Lete in Lower Mustang. Transhumance is used in herding yaks, which migrate seasonally between winter pastures at about 3,000-4,000 metres and summer pastures at about 4,000-5,000 metres above sea level. Absentee herd ownership, in which shepherds (usually members of a non-Thakali ethnic group) herd only yaks and do not own any animals themselves, is common. Yaks are raised primarily for meat and milk, though substantial income is realized from selling blood during two blood-drinking ceremonies and from selling yaks as pack animals. Milk is used for products such as butter/ghee and a dry, hard curd cheese (chhurpi), which are mainly sold but also used for home consumption and for making 'salty butter tea'. Yak wool has little commercial value today but is used to make rope and tents. Yak owner estimations of how much of their income is derived from their herds range widely between 10 percent and 90 percent, but average about 50 percent. Additional income is made from the sale of seasonal crops, in particular apples, potatoes, maize, millet and barley that are produced on the owners' land. Owners also raise chickens, cows, buffalo, oxen, horses and goats. Two of the herd owners owned hotels that were run by their families. In this study, annual earnings from yaks totalled approximately Nepalese Rupees (N.Rs) 72,780 and total income for the herd owner was about N.Rs 145,560 (U.S. $2,079). We concluded that for these herd owners, yak raising is not a subsistence economic activity but rather part of a market economy based on speculative investments and accumulation. Moreover, yak production is a very high-risk enterprise as disasters can decimate large proportions of a herd quickly.
Effectiveness of Tutors Training Workshop of DYDW Programme at Bangladesh Open University
Authors: Sarker MS Alam , Alam MS
Published: October 2008

A three day long training programme of the tutors of Diploma in Youth in Development Work (DYDW) programme was held at Bangladesh Open University (BOU) during March 26-29, 2007 with the aim of upgrading the knowledge, skill, attitude, and quality for better educational exposure of the tutors in pertaining distance education. This evaluation was based on the views and opinion of the participants of the workshop which followed a questionnaire of regarding different parameters like resources personnel, discussed topics, duration of the workshop etc. Out of eighteen participants the highest number of respondents was found to make comment that the training programme was more effective. The participants were highly educated yet the success of the programme would be more if arranged with a training programme with a long duration. The result of the present evaluation demonstrated that the tutors training workshop was very much effective and such type of training workshop is needed at BOU to develop knowledge, skill, attitude, and quality for better performance of the tutors in DYDW Programme through distance mode. Key words: Tutors, training, evaluation, DYDW programme, distance learning. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1450 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 7-12, June 2007
Effect of Planting Time on Canopy Structure and Biomass Production in Some Soybean Genotypes
Authors: Uddin MK , Hasan MK , Alam AKMA
Published: October 2008

A field experiment was conducted in the Field Laboratory of the Department of Crop Botany, BAU, Mymensingh during November 2003 to May 2004 to assess the effect of planting time (November and December) on some morphological structure, and root & shoot biomass production in four soybean genotypes (GPB-1, GPB-2, AGS-332 and AGS-11-35). The plant height, stem base diameter, seed dry weight plant-1 were significantly greater in the late planting crops (December) but number of branches plant-1, number of leaves plant-1, leaves dry weight plant-1, shoots dry weight plant-1, roots dry weight plant-1, total dry matter plant-1 were also significantly greater in November planting. Highest plant height, branches plant-1 and leaves plant-1, shoot dry weight plant-1 and total dry matter were found in GPB-2 genotype. Key words: Early and late planting, shoot and root mass, Glycine max. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1453 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 25-29, June 2007
Preparation of Mixed Oil Pickling Using Capsicum, Green Chilli and Carrot
Authors: Molla MM , Nasrin TAA , Hossain M Alamgir
Published: October 2008

The study was conducted at Post Harvest Technology Section, HRC, BARI, Gazipur during 2006-2007 to find out a suitable formulation for preparation of mixed oil pickling using capsicum, green chilli and carrot. Three types of mixed oil pickling formulation viz. mature capsicum + green chilli + paste carrots (T1), ripen capsicum + green chilli + paste carrots (T2) and immature capsicum + green chilli + paste carrots (T3) were prepared using varying proportions of capsicum, green chilli and paste carrots. The prepared mixed oil pickles were packed in glass bottle with lug cap. The fresh ingredients and stored pickles were analyzed for nutritional composition. Among the formulation mature capsicum + green chilli + paste carrots (T1) performed the best according to the taste testing panel using sensory attributes comprised colour, flavour, consistency and overall acceptability along with 9-point hedonic scale. Recorded data were analyzed statistically. After 120 days storage periods the nutritional content found little deviation from the fresh ingredients of mentioned formulation. Therefore, it is recommended for prepare mixed oil pickling mature capsicum + green chilli + paste carrots (T1) which may be stored up to 120 days. Key words: Pickling, Vitamin-C, Pro-vitamin-A and storage studies. DOI = 10.3329/jard.v5i1.1458 J Agric Rural Dev 5(1&2), 52-57, June 2007
The Role of Isolated Sites in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Characterization and Modeling
Authors: Bordiga Silvia , Damin Alessandro , Berlier Gloria , Bonino Francesca , Ricchiardi Gabriele , Zecchina Adriano , Lamberti Carlo
Published: October 2008

TS-1 and Fe-MFI systems have been chosen as cases studies for describing the behavior of single-site catalysts. We will report a concise review of the firmly established knowledge and of the open problems concerning the structure and the reactivity of Ti and Fe sites in TS-1 and Fe-MFI in partial oxidation catalysts. Some new experimental and theoretical results will also be described.
Foreword to the Special Issue Devoted to Professor R. S. Berry's 70th Birthday
Authors: Proykova Ana
Published: October 2008

R. Stephen Berry [1] became 70 years old on April 9, 2001.[...]
Use of Local Softness for the Interpretation of Reaction Mechanisms
Authors: Chandra Asit K. , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: October 2008

The application of reactivity parameters derived from density functional theory in a local sense, in particular the softness and Fukui function, to interpret and predict the mechanisms of various organic reactions has been discussed. Local softness is shown to be successful in determining the site-selectivity and regiochemistry and can be used as an alternative to the traditional frontier orbital theory.
Effect of Organic Solvents and Biologically Relevant Ions on the Light-Induced DNA Cleavage by Pyrene and Its Amino and Hydroxy Derivatives
Authors: Dong Shiming , Wang Shuguang , Stewart Gernerique , Hwang Huey-Min , Fu Peter P. N. , Yu Hongtao
Published: October 2008

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of carcinogenic compounds that are both naturally and artificially produced. Many PAHs are pro-carcinogens that require metabolic activation. Recently, it has been shown that PAH can induce DNA single strand cleavage and formation of PAH-DNA covalent adduct upon irradiation with UVA light. The light-induced DNA cleavage parallels phototoxicity in one instance. The DNA photocleavage efficiency depends on the structure of the PAHs. This article reports the effect of both organic solvents and the presence of biologically relevant ions, Na+, Mg2+, Ca2+, K+, Fe3+, Cu2+, Zn+2, Mn2+, and I-, on the light-induced DNA cleavage by pyrene, 1-hydroxypyrene and 1-aminopyrene. Since both 1-hydroxypyrene (0.6 μM) and 1-aminopyrene (6 μM) dissolve well in the minimum organic solvents used (2% methanol, dimethylsulfoxide, and dimethylformamide), increasing the amount of the organic solvent resulted in the decrease of the amount of DNA single strand cleavage caused by the combination effect of 1-hydroxy or 1-aminopyrene and UVA light. The result with the less watersoluble pyrene shows that increase of the amount of the organic solvent can increase the amount of DNA single strand DNA photocleavage cause by the combination of pyrene and UVA light. Therefore, there are two effects by the organic solvents: (i) to dissolve PAH and (ii) to quench DNA photocleavage. The presence of Fe3+ and Zn2+ enhances, while the presence of Ca2+ and Mn2+ inhibits the DNA photocleavage caused by 1-aminopyrene and UVA light. Other metal ions have minimal effect. This means that the effect of ions on DNA photocleavage by PAHs is complex. The presence of KI enhances DNA photocleavage. This indicates that the triplet-excited state of 1-aminopyrene is involved in causing DNA cleavage
Mercury Induces Cytotoxicity and Transcriptionally Activates Stress Genes in Human Liver Carcinoma (HepG2) Cells
Authors: Sutton Dwayne J. , Tchounwou Paul B. , Ninashvili Nanuli , Shen Elaine
Published: October 2008

Mercury is a non-essential element that exhibits a high degree of toxicity to humans and animals. Exposure to mercury has been associated with a significant number of adverse health effects including: cardiovascular disease, anemia, developmental abnormalities, neurobehavioral disorders, kidney and liver damage, and cancer in some cases. In several studies, the toxicity of mercury has been attributed to its high affinity to protein-containing sulfhydryl groups. However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanisms by which mercury exerts its toxicity, mutagenesis, and carcinogenesis. This research was therefore designed to assess the cellular and molecular responses of human liver carcinoma cells following exposure to mercury. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using the MTT-assay for cell viability, while the gene profile assay was performed to measure the transcriptional activation of stress genes in thirteen different recombinant cell lines generated from HepG2 cells. Cytotoxicity experiment yielded a LD50 value of 3.5 ± 0.6 μg/mL upon 48 hours of exposure, indicating that mercury is highly toxic. A dose response relationship was recorded with respect to both cytotoxicity and gene induction. Overall, nine out of the thirteen recombinant cell lines tested showed inductions to statistically significant levels (p < 0.05). At 2.5 μg/mL of mercury, the average fold inductions were 5.2 ± 0.9, 21.4 ± 3.9, 7.0 ± 6.2, 6.8 ± 1.1, 2.7 ± 1.0, 4.5 ± 2.0, 7.5 ± 6.0, 2.2 ± 0.7, and 2.5 ± 0.3, for GSTYa, HMTIIA, c-fos, HSP70, CRE, p53RE, GADD153, GADD45, and GRP78, respectively. These results indicate the potential of mercury to undergo Phase II biotransformation in the liver (GSTYa), and to cause protein damage (HMTIIA, HSP70, and GRP78), cell proliferation (c-fos), metabolic perturbation (CRE), growth arrest and DNA damage (GADD153, GADD45), and apoptosis (p53RE). No significant inductions (p > 0.05) were observed for CYP1A1, XRE, NFkBRE, and RARE.
Bioorganic Studies in AIDS: Synthetic Antifungals Against Pneumocystis carinii Based on the Multivalency Concept
Authors: Peng Langu , Chen Cunxiang , Gonzalez Christian R. , Balogh-Nair Valeria
Published: October 2008

We report the syntheses of antifungals containing the novel pharmacophores: oxaziridines, sulfonyloxaziridines, nitrones and nitronyl nitroxides. We hypothesized that multiple copies of the pharmacophore per molecule might be a prerequisite to enhance efficacy against the opportunistic pathogen, Pneumocystis carinii. Therefore structural optimization of the leads was based on this new “multivalency” approach. All bisoxaziridines were inactive, but a trisoxaziridine caused ca. 50% reduction of the number of P. carinii tropozoites, compared to TMP-SMX, and a hexaoxaziridine at 1 μg/ml showed activity comparable to the currently used drug, TMP-SMX. Insertion of three units of the nitronyl nitroxide pharmacophore per molecule afforded an antifungal triradical with activity comparable to TMP-SMX at 1 μg/ml; at 25 μg/ml and at 10 μg/ml the triradical was better. The results lend further support to the oxidoredox pharmacophore hypothesis, and the enhancement of activities observed demonstrates the high potential and benefits of applying the concept of multivalency to drug development.
Effects of Xenoestrogens on T Lymphocytes: Modulation of bcl-2, p53, and Apoptosis
Authors: Ndebele Kenneth , Tchounwou Paul B. , McMurray Robert W.
Published: October 2008

Endogenous estrogens have significant immunomodulatory effects characterized as suppression of cell mediated immunity and stimulation of humoral immunity. Xenoestrogens are environmental estrogens that have endocrine impact, acting as estrogen agonists and antagonists but whose immune effects are not well characterized. Using CD4+ Jurkat T cells as a model, the effects of representative xenoestrogens on T proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis were examined. Coumestrol (CM), a phytoestrogen, and tetrachlorodioxin (TCDD) in concentrations of 10-4 to 10-6M significantly inhibited Jurkat T cell lymphoproliferation, whereas bisphenol A (BPA) and DDT had minimal effect, but did antagonize 17-β-estrtadiol induced effects. Xenoestrogens, especially CM, produced accumulation of Jurkat T cells in G2/M phase, and subsequently induced apoptosis, particularly CM (% apoptotic cells = 30 ± 12 vs. control = 5 ± 2). These changes were associated with DNA fragmentation. BPA and DDT also induced DNA fragmentation but not significant DNA hypoploidy. Xenoestrogen – CM, BPA, DDT, and TCDD - exposure suppressed bcl-2 protein and mRNA transcript levels but augmented p53 protein and mRNA transcripts. Human purified peripheral blood lymphocytes responded with similar significant cell cycle changes (G0/G1 exodus and G2/M accumulation) for CM, BPA, and DDT exposure. These preliminary data, taken together, suggest that xenoestrogens have direct, compound-specific T lymphocyte effects that enhance our understanding of environmental modulation of immune and autoimmune responses.
Gas–Phase Studies of Spin–Spin Coupling Constants
Authors: Jackowski Karol
Published: October 2008

Recent results of experimental spin-spin coupling constants are reviewed and their relation to ab initio calculations is discussed. It is shown that the NMR measurements of spin-spin coupling are density dependent in the gas phase. The extrapolation to the zerodensity limit is required in order to obtain the Jo coupling constants which are free from intermolecular interactions. Such coupling constants can be used as the experimental standards for any comparison with the results of appropriate calculations. It is also pointed out that the effects of the rotational and vibrational motion of nuclei in a molecule can be estimated completely only by theoretical methods.
Molecular Similarity of MDR Inhibitors
Authors: Zloh Mire , Gibbons Simon
Published: October 2008

The molecular similarity of multidrug resistance (MDR) inhibitors was evaluated using the point centred atom charge approach in an attempt to find some common features of structurally unrelated inhibitors. A series of inhibitors of bacterial MDR were studied and there is a high similarity between these in terms of their shape, presence and orientation of aromatic ring moieties. A comparison of the lipophilic properties of these molecules has also been conducted suggesting that this factor is important in MDR inhibition.
Nucleic Acid Quadratic Indices of the “Macromolecular Graph’s Nucleotides Adjacency Matrix”. Modeling of Footprints after the Interaction of Paromomycin with the HIV-1 Ψ-RNA Packaging Region
Authors: Ponce Yovani Marrero , Nodarse Delvin , Díaz Humberto González , De Armas Ronal Ramos , Zaldivar Vicente Romero , Torrens Francisco , Castro Eduardo A.
Published: October 2008

This report describes a new set of macromolecular descriptors of relevance to nucleic acid QSAR/QSPR studies, nucleic acids’ quadratic indices. These descriptors are calculated from the macromolecular graph’s nucleotide adjacency matrix. A study of the interaction of the antibiotic Paromomycin with the packaging region of the RNA present in type-1 HIV illustrates this approach. A linear discriminant function gave rise to excellent discrimination between 90.10% (91/101) and 81.82% (9/11) of interacting/noninteracting sites of nucleotides in training and test set, respectively. The LOO crossvalidation procedure was used to assess the stability and predictability of the model. Using this approach, the classification model has shown a LOO global good classification of 91.09%. In addition, the model’s overall predictability oscillates from 89.11% until 87.13%, when n varies from 2 to 3 in leave-n-out jackknife method. This value stabilizes around 88.12% when n was > 3. On the other hand, a linear regression model predicted the local binding affinity constants [log K (10-4M-1)] between a specific nucleotide and the aforementioned antibiotic. The linear model explains almost 92% of the variance of the experimental log K (R = 0.96 and s = 0.07) and LOO press statistics evidenced its predictive ability (q2 = 0.85 and scv = 0.09). These models also permit the interpretation of the driving forces of the interaction process. In this sense, developed equations involve short-reaching (k < 3), middle-reaching (4 < k < 9) and far-reaching (k = 10 or greater) nucleotide’s quadratic indices. This situation points to electronic and topologic nucleotide’s backbone interactions control of the stability profile of Paromomycin-RNA complexes. Consequently, the present approach represents a novel and rather promising way to chem & bioinformatics research.
Conformations of 1-Butyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride Probed by High Pressure Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Chang Hai-Chou , Chang Chao-Yen , Su Jong-Chang , Chu Wen-Chi , Jiang Jyh-Chiang , Lin Sheng Hsien
Published: October 2008

The behavior of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride has been investigated byRaman spectroscopy as a function of hydrostatic pressure. Under ambient pressure tworotational isomers (GA and AA forms) of the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium cation coexist inthe ionic liquid state. As the supercooled liquid was compressed from ambient to 0.9 GPa,the contribution of the GA conformer decreases in intensity as the pressure was elevated. Anew high pressure phase is formed above the pressure of 1.5 GPa. This new high pressurephase of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride arises from perturbed GA conformer, i.e.,distorted Crystal 2. Crystal 1 form (AA form) is known as a thermodynamically stable formunder ambient pressure. Nevertheless, crystal 1 form is switched to a metastable state underthe condition of high pressure.
Periodic Classification of Local Anaesthetics (Procaine Analogues)
Authors: Torrens Francisco , Castellano Gloria
Published: October 2008

Algorithms for classification are proposed based on criteria (information entropyand its production). The feasibility of replacing a given anaesthetic by similar ones in thecomposition of a complex drug is studied. Some local anaesthetics currently in use areclassified using characteristic chemical properties of different portions of their molecules.Many classification algorithms are based on information entropy. When applying theseprocedures to sets of moderate size, an excessive number of results appear compatible withdata, and this number suffers a combinatorial explosion. However, after the equipartitionconjecture, one has a selection criterion between different variants resulting fromclassification between hierarchical trees. According to this conjecture, for a given charge orduty, the best configuration of a flowsheet is the one in which the entropy production is mostuniformly distributed. Information entropy and principal component analyses agree. Theperiodic law of anaesthetics has not the rank of the laws of physics: (1) the properties ofanaesthetics are not repeated; (2) the order relationships are repeated with exceptions. Theproposed statement is: The relationships that any anaesthetic p has with its neighbour p 1are approximately repeated for each period.
An In Silico Method for Screening Nicotine Derivatives as Cytochrome P450 2A6 Selective Inhibitors Based on Kernel Partial Least Squares
Authors: Wang Yonghua , Li Yan , Wang Bin
Published: October 2008

Nicotine and a variety of other drugs and toxins are metabolized by cytochromeP450 (CYP) 2A6. The aim of the present study was to build a quantitative structure-activityrelationship (QSAR) model to predict the activities of nicotine analogues on CYP2A6.Kernel partial least squares (K-PLS) regression was employed with the electro-topologicaldescriptors to build the computational models. Both the internal and external predictabilitiesof the models were evaluated with test sets to ensure their validity and reliability. As acomparison to K-PLS, a standard PLS algorithm was also applied on the same training andtest sets. Our results show that the K-PLS produced reasonable results that outperformed thePLS model on the datasets. The obtained K-PLS model will be helpful for the design ofnovel nicotine-like selective CYP2A6 inhibitors.
Efficient Copper-bisisoquinoline-based Catalysts for Selective Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols to Aldehydes and Ketones
Authors: Shen Hao-Yu , Ying Li-Yan , Jiang Hai-Liang , Judeh Zaher M. A.
Published: October 2008

The selective oxidation of alcohols with molecular oxygen was efficientlycompleted in high conversion and selectivity using copper-bisisoquinoline-based catalystsunder mild reaction condition. The effects of various parameters such as reactiontemperature, reaction time, oxidant, ligands, etc, were studied. Solvent effect has been aswell studied in ionic liquids [bmim]PF6, [omim]BF4 and [hmim]BF4, comparing totraditional volatile organic solvent. The use of ionic liquids was found to enhance thecatalytic properties of the catalysts used.
Antiplatelet Effect and Selective Binding to Cyclooxygenase (COX) by Molecular Docking Analysis of Flavonoids and Lignans
Authors: Wu Chien-Ming , Wu Shu-Chun , Chung Wan-Jung , Lin Hsien-Cheng , Chen Kun-Tze , Chen Yu-Chian , Hsu Mei-Feng , Yang Jwu-Maw , Wang Jih-Pyang , Lin Chun-Nan
Published: October 2008

The known flavonoids ginkgetin (1), taiwanhomoflavone A (2),taiwanhomoflavone B (3), and taiwanhomoflavone C (4) and eight known lignans:justicidin B (9), justicidin C (10), justicidin D (11), chinensinaphthol methyl ether (12),procumphthalide A (13), procumbenoside A (15), and ciliatosides A (16) and B (17) wereisolated from Cephalotaxus wilsoniana and Justicia species, respectively. The antiplateleteffects of the above constituents on human platelet-rich plasma (PRP) were evaluated. Ofthe compounds tested on human PRP, compounds 1, 4, 9, and 11 showed inhibition ofsecondary aggregation induced by adrenaline. Compound 1 had an inhibitory effect oncyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1). Molecular docking studies revealed that 1 and the related compounds apigenin (5), cycloheterophyllin (6), broussoflavone F (7), and quercetin (8) were docked near the gate of active site of COX-1. It indicated that the antiplatelet effect of 1, 4, 9, and 11 is partially owed to suppression of COX-1 activity and reduced thromboxane formation. Flavonoids, 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 may block the gate of the active site of COX-1 and interfere the conversion of arachidonic acid to prostaglandin (PG) H2 in the COX-1 active site.
A Study of Complexation-ability of Neutral Schiff Bases to Some Metal Cations
Authors: Topal Giray , Tümerdem Recep , Basaran Ismet , Gümüş Arzu , Cakir Umit
Published: October 2008

The constants of the extraction equilibrium and the distribution fordichloromethane as an organic solvent having low dielectric constant of metal cations withchiral Schiff bases, benzaldehydene-(S)-2-amino-3-phenylpropanol (I), o- benzaldehydene-(S)-2-hydroxybenzaldehydene-(S)-2-amino-3-phenyl-propanol (II),amino-3-methylbutanol (III) with anionic dyes [4-(2-pyridylazo)-resorcinol mono sodiummonohydrate (NaPar), sodium picrat (NaPic) and potassium picrat (KPic)] and some heavymetal chlorides were determined at 25 oC. All the ligands have given strongestcomplexation for NaPar. In contrast, similar behaviour for both alkali metal picrates is notapparent in the complexation of corresponding ligands.
Internal Test Sets Studies in a Group of Antimalarials
Authors: De Julián-Ortiz J. V. , Besalú E.
Published: October 2008

Topological indices have been applied to build QSAR models for a set of 20 an-timalarial cyclic peroxy cetals. In order to evaluate the reliability of the proposed linearmodels leave-n-out and Internal Test Sets (ITS) approaches have been considered. The pro-posed procedure resulted in a robust and consensued prediction equation and here it isshown why it is superior to the employed standard cross-validation algorithms involvingmultilinear regression models.
Comparative and Combinative Study of Urban Heat island in Wuhan City with Remote Sensing and CFD Simulation
Authors: Li Kun , Yu Zhuang
Published: October 2008

Urban heat islands are one of the most critical urban environment heat problems. Landsat ETM+ satellite data were used to investigate the land surface temperature and underlying surface indices such as NDVI and NDBI. A comparative study of the urban heat environment at different scales, times and locations was done to verify the heat island characteristics. Since remote sensing technology has limitations for dynamic flow analysis in the study of urban spaces, a CFD simulation was used to validate the improvement of the heat environment in a city by means of wind. CFD technology has its own shortcomings in parameter setting and verification, while RS technology is helpful to remedy this. The city of Wuhan and its climatological condition of being hot in summer and cold in winter were chosen to verify the comparative and combinative application of RS with CFD in studying the urban heat island.
Immunoglobulin G Determination in Human Serum and Milk Using an Immunosensor of New Conception Fitted with an Enzyme Probe as Transducer
Authors: Campanella Luigi , Lelo Dalina , Martini Elisabetta , Tomassetti Mauro
Published: October 2008

To completely overcome the problem of the presence of urea in the serum, which can be the cause (especially at low immunoglobulin G concentrations) of a small but non negligible interference in the enzyme reaction of the enzymatic marker, when the measurement was performed by a potentiometric immunosensor that we constructed and characterized in previous work, and which used urease as marker, we have now constructed an entirely different and highly innovative immunosensor. This new device uses the enzyme alkaline phosphatase as marker, sodium phenylphosphate as substrate but above all, a tyrosinase biosensor obtained by coupling a Clark type gas diffusion amperometric electrode and the tyrosinase enzyme, immobilized in a cellulose triacetate membrane, as transducer. After optimizing the ‘competitive’ measurement procedures, the new immunosensor was used to determine both HIgG and the anti-HIgG, with a limit of detection (LOD) of the order of 3x10-11 M. Clearly this highly innovative construction geometry makes the immunosensor extremely selective. This makes it possible to determine immunoglobulin G both in human serum and milk without the slightest interference by any urea present in these biological matrixes.
La transferencia de conocimientos en la cooperación al desarrollo
Authors: Sebastián Jesús
Published: October 2008

El artículo constituye una introducción al complejo tema de la transferencia de conocimiento en las actividades de cooperación al desarrollo. Se analiza la multidimensionalidad de los procesos de transferencia y su variedad en función de los objetivos de las actividades, poniéndose énfasis en las condiciones que pueden favorecer la absorción de los conocimientos y su impacto en el desarrollo. El modelo de Bozeman puede ser útil para el análisis a nivel “micro” de procesos de transferencia de conocimiento en actividades concretas de cooperación, pero es insuficiente para entender la dinámica de estos procesos por la importancia que tienen los flujos y las interacciones entre los actores.
Hydrogenation and interesterification of Brazil nut oil (Bertholletia excelsa)
Authors: Sotero Solis Víctor , Gioielli Luiz Antonio , Polakiewicz Bronislaw
Published: October 2008

Brazil nut oil (ACB) was hydrogenated in a 1L Parr reactor, with Ni as catalyst, at the following process conditions: 175ºC, 3 atm, 60 min (GH1), 150ºC, 1 atm, 30 min (GH2) and 125ºC, 1 atm, 30 min (GH3). Different proportions of blends with ACB and GH1 and GH2 were prepared. These mixtures were interesterified at laboratory scale (0.75% of sodium metoxide, 60 min, 60-65ºC). Linoleic selectivity (Sl) was 3.87 (GH1), 17.46 (GH2) and 17.46 (GH3). Linolenic selectivity (Sln) was 2.3 for every reaction. It was observed different results for starting and interesterificated blends for the physical properties, for these parameters and for the interesterified fats, were applied a multiple regression. Results showed that consistency and solid fat content (SFC) were dependent on the hydrogenated fats. Significant interactions were, in general, for the interesterified blends of ACB/GH1 and GH1/GH2, only for the consistency and not for the other properties.
Interacciones entre mezclas de aceites de palma y palmiste interesterificados. II – Microscopía y Calorimetría Diferencial de Barrido (DSC)
Authors: Grimaldi Renato , Guaraldo Gonçalves Lireny Aparecida , Gioielli Luiz Antonio , Simões Ilka S.
Published: October 2008

Palm oil (PO) and palm kernel oil (PKO) compositions (100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, 20/80 and 0/100) were interesterified in laboratory scale under predetermined conditions (0.4% sodium metoxide, 20 minutes, 100ºC). The fourteen samples, before and after interesterification, were characterized by Polarized Light Microscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). Results showed the effect of various factors on the form and width of crystals. The mean area of crystals revealed the increase of crystals when PKO was added, with values varying from 2.7 x 10E3 µm2 to PO and 1.8 x 10E6 µm2 to PKO. After interesterification, the crystal widths were lower at PO/PKO 100/0, 80/20, 60/40, 20/80 fractions and were higher to anothers. The beta-prime polimorphic form was observed in the pure palm oil sample. The results showed in melting curves, onset values from –19.6ºC to more unsaturated peaks until 20.7ºC to more saturated ones. The higher values to more saturated peak in a melting curve to palm oil, 38.7 J.g-1 before and 48.4 J.g-1 after interesterification, showed a mores table saturated group. I n a genera l way, t h e interesterification promoted an increase of crystallization rate and a better compatibility between PO/PKO fractions.
Studies on the extraction of wheat germ oil by commercial hexane
Authors: Megahad Ola. A. , El Kinawy Omayma S.
Published: October 2008

Extraction of an edible oil from wheat germ, an important byproduct of wheat milling industry in Egypt, using commercial hexane was studied. The extraction was carried out in a single and in two successive stages using different solvent-to-solid ratios from 2 to 6 m3/ ton. The results showed that a good oil recovery (about 75%) can be achieved using 4 m3 hexane for each ton germ extracted in a single stage. This amount of solvent can be reduced to 2.5 m3/ ton if the process is carried out in two successive stages. The study has shown also that the amount of oil recovered from wheat germ is not significantly affected by heating the extraction mixture during the extraction process. The developments of free acids and peroxides in the oil during the storage period of wheat germ prior to extraction and during the hot extraction process were also investigated.
The effect of olive fruit stoning on virgin olive oil aroma
Authors: Luaces P. , Pérez A. G. , Sanz C.
Published: October 2008

Olive fruit stoning gives rise to an important modification in olive oil aroma. The level of this modification is a function of the cultivar. An increment in the content of six-carbon compounds (C6) was observed in olive oils obtained from the cultivars Verdial and Manzanilla, but not in the cultivar Picual. In the three cultivars under study, contents of five-carbon compounds (C5) and esters decreased as a consequence of fruit stoning. The modification of olive oil aroma composition in the cultivar Verdial caused by olive fruit stoning was observed to be due both to tissue wounding and to the absence of the olive seed during the crushing-malaxation process to obtain olive oil aroma. Both factors contribute independently to the content modification of C6, C5 compounds and esters in the olive oil aroma from stoned fruits.
Total and free fatty acid profiles in traditional dry-fermented sausages made in Galicia (NW of Spain)
Authors: Franco Inmaculada , Iglesias Silvia , Prieto Bernardo , Carballo Javier
Published: October 2008

The total and free fatty acid contents were studied in ready for consumption samples of four different varieties of traditional dry-fermented sausages made in Galicia (NW of Spain): Chorizo gallego, Chorizo de cebolla, Androlla and Botillo. No significant differences (p>0.05) were observed in the content of the different total fatty acids among the four sausage varieties. The total fatty acids profile was very similar in the four varieties: the most abundant total fatty acid was oleic (45% of total fatty acids), followed by palmitic (21%), linoleic (14%), estearic (13%) and palmitoleic (2%); this profile basically coincides with those described by other authors in pork fat. The total average content of free fatty acids was 2176 mg/100 g of fat in Chorizo gallego, 5223 mg/100 g of fat in Chorizo de cebolla, 2308 mg/100 g of fat in Androlla and 183 mg/100 g of fat in Botillo. These average values in Chorizo gallego, Chorizo de cebolla and Androlla were found in the range of values described for other dry-fermented sausage varieties; the average value in Botillo was clearly lower than those decribed for other fermented sausages. In the four sausage varieties the most abundant free fatty acid was oleic, followed by linoleic, palmitic and estearic. This free fatty acid profile coincides with those described in literature for other dry-fermented sausages. The average content of each individual free fatty acid was significantly (p
Desarrollo de un sistema de información referencial siguiendo una metodología de diseño de bases de datos
Authors: Castro Galán Elena , Martínez Fernández Paloma , De Miguel Castaño Adoración
Published: October 2008

La elaboración de referencias bibliográficas y citas en los trabajos de investigación es un proceso complicado para aquellos investigadores no especialistas en el área de la Documentación. En este trabajo se plantean algunos de los problemas con los que se enfrentan estos investigadores, como la organización y estructura de las referencias que, en algunos casos, se realiza de forma artesanal. A fin de resolver estos problemas y facilitar el trabajo a los investigadores, se propone un Sistema de Información Referencial (SIR) que permite sistematizar y homogeneizar la gestión de las referencias bibliográficas mediante la tecnología de las bases de datos. Este sistema de información, que se ha elaborado tomando como punto de referencia la norma ISO 690 y aplicando una metodología de diseño de bases de datos, permite al usuario investigador elaborar sus referencias y obtener las citas correspondientes de forma homogénea y conforme a la norma, así como revisar la concordancia entre las citas que aparecen en el texto de sus trabajos y las referencias que se incluyen en la bibliografía.
Análisis de uso de las bases de datos de la biblioteca de la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid
Authors: Suárez Balseiro Carlos , Sanz Casado Elías , Vergara González Pilar , Sotolongo Aguilar Gilberto
Published: October 2008

En este trabajo se identifican y muestran, mediante la aplicación de técnicas estadísticas e indicadores unidimensionales y multidimensionales, algunas de las características manifestadas por la comunidad de usuarios de la Universidad Carlos III de Madrid en el uso de las bases de datos. La información para el estudio se ha obtenido a partir del análisis de los accesos realizados en el Servicio de Acceso a Bases de Datos de la Biblioteca de la Universidad Carlos III, prestando especial atención al comportamiento de los departamentos docentes durante el período 1995 a 1998. Se valora la evolución del uso de las bases de datos en red y se analizan los indicadores que tipifican las tendencias y patrones de uso por parte de estos usuarios. Se exponen, además, algunos criterios sobre la interacción entre el usuario, las nuevas tecnologías y las fuentes electrónicas de información en las bibliotecas universitarias.
Tasación de la colección de la biblioteca del sindicato médico del Uruguay
Authors: Spinak Ernesto , Regnier Ana María
Published: October 2008

Se establece un procedimiento para tasar la colección bibliográfica de una biblioteca médica, a los efectos de cumplir con los balances contables requeridos por los auditores de la institución. La literatura especializada en las ciencias de la información no presenta trabajos similares, ni existe un mercado librero activo en la compra-venta de este tipo de colecciones, por lo que los resultados finales se enmarcan en distintos tipos de criterios que se enuncian, los que tienen un gran rango de variación. El objeto principal del trabajo es mostrar que la colección de una biblioteca no es un gasto, sino que es un patrimonio y su valor puede estimarse.
Gestión de la información administrativa de las administraciones locales españolas en internet: presencia institucional en la red
Authors: Muñoz Cañavate Antonio , Vivas Moreno Agustín
Published: October 2008

La web, considerada como sistema de información, ha permitido crear nuevos servicios de información hacia el ciudadano. Esta realidad ha supuesto un cambio, tanto en los usos informativos de las administraciones, como en las relaciones que los ciudadanos tienen con la Administración. Nos centramos en la evolución de la presencia institucional de los ayuntamientos del Estado español en la Red al comparar los datos de 1997, 1998, 1999 y 2000. Se presenta una plantilla para el diseño de servidores de información en la Administración local española (ayuntamientos) y diferentes tablas que sirven de fotografía instantánea de la situación de la presencia de los ayuntamientos españoles en Internet en los años señalados.
Evaluación de las bases de datos ISOC a través de un estudio de usuarios. Homenaje a José María Sánchez Nistal
Authors: Alcain Mª Dolores , Baranda Piedad , Rodríguez Yunta Luis , Román Román Adelaida , Villagrá Rubio Ángel
Published: October 2008

El objetivo del presente estudio es realizar un acercamiento al estado de la cuestión de los estudios de usuarios en la gestión y evaluación de calidad de bases de datos y aplicar los modelos existentes a un caso real, la base de datos ISOC (CSIC). Para ello se diseñan dos cuestionarios, uno para usuarios finales y otro para bibliotecarios referencistas. Los resultados muestran diferencias entre ambos colectivos tanto en el uso, como en motivos de consulta, objetivos y nivel de satisfacción. También se observan objetivos y grado de satisfacción diferentes entre los dos grupos de usuarios más destacados, el mayoritario de ‘investigadores y docentes universitarios’ y el menos numeroso de ‘estudiantes’. Los datos obtenidos permiten establecer una radiografía sobre el uso de la base ISOC y obtener algunos indicadores de valoración de la misma. Se concluye que ISOC es muy utilizada y bien valorada en términos generales y se considera importante seguir realizando este tipo de estudios para poder hacer un seguimiento de las demandas de los usuarios.
Evaluación de sedes web
Authors: Jiménez Piano Marina
Published: October 2008

La amplitud y el incremento constante de los documentos en Internet, la ausencia de todo tipo de control y su carácter descentralizado, hace necesaria la evaluación de las sedes Web para garantizar su fiabilidad. El artículo propone la elaboración de un cuestionario de evaluación para sedes Web de contenido científico. En primer lugar, mediante el estudio de la bibliografía especializada, analiza los criterios en que se basa, y expone la metodología; a continuación describe el cuestionario, compuesto por 8 bloques, divididos a su vez en 16 criterios y 125 cuestiones, a los que se asigna puntuación ponderada; finalmente, expone las conclusiones obtenidas. El trabajo se complementa con un anexo que incluye el propio cuestionario y las tablas de datos utilizadas en su elaboración.