bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nonbond interactions between graphene nanosheets and polymers: a computational study
Authors: Mo Yong-Fang , Yang Chuan-Lu , Xing Yan-Fei , Wang Mei-Shan , Ma Xiao-Guang
Published: April 2014

Based on the geometries from molecular dynamics simulations and a package compiled by us, the interactions between graphene nanosheet (GNS) and nine types of flexible polymers have been investigated with force field. Both the van der Waals (vdW) interaction and the electrostatic interaction (EI) for two same polymer chains and between a polymer and a GNS were calculated and compared. The effect of cut-off distance was explored. It was found that the cut-off distance plays a significant role in EI energy, but a less important role in vdW energy when the cut-off distance is over 9.5 Å. The reasonable cut-off distances for EI and vdW interactions for simulation are suggested.
When Do Currency Unions Increase Trade?
Authors: Hosny Amr Sadek
Published: April 2014

A stylized empirical fact in the international trade literature is that currency unions increase trade. This “Rose effect” suggests that a country pair that shares a common currency will, on average, trade three times as much as countries that don’t. In this paper, I question whether currency unions have heterogeneous effects over the distribution of the trade variable. The motivation is that regressions reported in the previous literature give average effects, while common currencies can affect countries’ trade differently over the trade distribution. I build on the same gravity approach and dataset of Rose (2000) to allow easier comparison with existing literature and employ newly developed quantile treatment effect techniques to study what is happening at different quantiles of the trade distribution. Estimation results suggest significant amounts of heterogeneity in the effect of currency unions on bilateral trade.
Lignification of ray parenchyma cells in the xylem of Pinus densiflora. Part II: Microchemical analysis by laser microdissection and thioacidolysis
Authors: Zheng Peiming , Aoki Dan , Matsushita Yasuyuki , Yagami Sachie , Fukushima Kazuhiko
Published: April 2014

The lignification of ray parenchyma cells in the sapwood (sW) and heartwood (hW) of Pinus densiflora was investigated by thioacidolysis and the subsequent Raney nickel desulfuration. The samples rich and less rich in ray parenchyma cells were prepared by laser microdissection (LMD). The whole sections burned randomly by the laser served as the controls. Guaiacyl (G) monomers were detected in all the samples, and p-hydroxyphenyl (H) monomers were detectable only in trace amounts, while syringyl (S) units were absent, as expected in softwood. In sW samples rich in ray parenchyma cells, the yields of G monomers are significantly lower than in the other samples. The various types of G-G and one G-H dimers were detected, and the β-1′, β-5′, and 5-5′ dimers were dominant. The relative distributions of lignin interunit linkages were very similar in all the samples regardless of the abundance of the ray parenchyma cells in the sW or hW tissues.
The Performance of Protected Designations of Origin: An Ex Post Multi-Criteria Assessment of the Italian Cheese and Olive Oil Sectors
Authors: Carbone Anna , Caswell Julie , Galli Francesca , Sorrentino Alessandro
Published: April 2014

Protected designations of origin (PDOs) and protected geographical indications (PGIs) for food products are used by the European Union with the goal of achieving several policy objectives. We build a multi-criteria analysis framework for ex post assessment of the performance of PDOs. The performance criteria are based on five policy objectives, as defined by European policy makers in regulations, with each criterion measured by a set of indicators. We apply the framework to analyze the performance of all Italian PDO cheeses and olive oils from 2004 to 2008. The results show that for the PDOs studied it is feasible, in general, to perform on all five objectives at the same time, although partial tradeoffs are present between the bargaining power and local development objectives on one side and the market performance objective on the other. A ranking of PDOs in the two sectors on all objectives using multi-criteria analysis and equal weights on all objectives shows overall higher performance for smaller PDOs that are well rooted in the territory of origin and targeted to niche market segments. Lower ranked PDOs under this scenario tend to be bigger, older, and better established in wider markets. Alternative weighting scenarios that emphasize niche/local market PDOs or market performing PDOs yield different relative rankings. The results provide insights for both policy makers and stakeholders into the evaluation of PDO policy, as well as into the performance of individual PDO products.
Testing Competing Models for Non-negative Data with Many Zeros
Authors: Silva João M. C. Santos , Tenreyro Silvana , Windmeijer Frank
Published: April 2014

In economic applications it is often the case that the variate of interest is non-negative and its distribution has a mass-point at zero. Many regression strategies have been proposed to deal with data of this type but, although there has been a long debate in the literature on the appropriateness of different models, formal statistical tests to choose between the competing specifications are not often used in practice. We use the non-nested hypothesis testing framework of Davidson and MacKinnon (Davidson and MacKinnon 1981. “Several Tests for Model Specification in the Presence of Alternative Hypotheses.” Econometrica 49: 781–793.) to develop a novel and simple regression-based specification test that can be used to discriminate between these models.
Natural killer cell in the developing life
Authors: Lee Yen-Chang , Lin Syh-Jae
Published: April 2014

Natural killer (NK) cells that provide first-line innate immune reactions against virus-infected and tumor cells have different roles in different body sites and in different stages. From the beginning of life, NK cells participate in many aspects of development, especially in a successful pregnancy and a healthy neonatal stage. This article reviews recent advances regarding the role of NK cells in implantation, placentation and immune tolerance during pregnancy as well as in the neonatal immune defense. The interactions between NK cells and other immune cells in each developmental stage are discussed.
Feeding the feeble: steps towards nourishing preterm infants
Authors: Obladen Michael
Published: April 2014

This paper describes historic steps in feeding techniques and knowledge on the nutritional needs of premature infants. Devices to overcome weak sucking and swallowing were developed from 1851 to 1920, including tube feeding by gavage, medicine droppers and pipettes, feeding bottles with an air inlet, and beaked spoons for nasal feeding. Indwelling nastrogastric tubes were in use from 1951. For alleged safety concerns in the 1950s, postnatal feeding was postponed until a week of starvation was reached, and studies showed an association with neurological handicaps. The premature infant’s elevated need for energy, protein, and minerals has been established since 1919. However, these remained controversial, and nutritional practices continued to lag behind theoretical knowledge. Concentrated formula was developed in the 1940s, parenteral supplementation in the 1960s, and human milk fortifiers in the 1970s. In the 1990s, necrotizing enterocolitis was found to be more frequent in infants who were fed formula than in those who were fed human milk. Recently, probiotics were shown to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. Nevertheless, compared with other aspects of neonatal medicine, there is still remarkably little evidence on how to feed preterm infants.
Curriculum-Based Assessment, Socio-Demographic and Educational Measures as Predictors of Mathematics FCAT: Implications for Emancipatory Inquiry
Authors: Behar-Horenstein Linda S. , Hudson-Vassell Michael , Hudson-Vassell Charisse N. , Garvan Cynthia W.
Published: April 2014

Using critical lenses, this study examined the predictive value added of curriculum-based assessment (CBA), with socio-demographic and educational variables on the mathematics portion of Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT). Gender, race, socio-economic status, and exceptional student education (ESE) were compared in a de-identified post hoc dataset of (n=6,218) middle and high school students in single district. These variables predicted a substantial amount of variance ranging from 0.33 to 0.40, while the addition of a CBA predicted variance that ranged from 0.41 to 0.50, a difference of 0.07 to 0.15. The findings confirm what previous studies have shown, that overall females, Blacks and Hispanics, and ESE score lower than non-ESE students, Asians, and males; students on free and reduced lunch score lower than full-pay students. Lower achievement in particular racial groups should lead teachers to be mindful of the accessibility of contextualized mathematical concepts. The authors suggest how future studies, using an emancipatory research perspective, can examine the results from alternative interpretative lenses to question how their own and stakeholder’s positionality influences outcomes.
Crystal structure of tetraaqua diacetato-κ2O,O'-4,4',6,6'-tetramethyl-2,2'- bipyrimidine-κ4N,N':N'',N''' dicobalt(II) diacetate dihydrate, C10H19CoN2O7
Authors: Ma Ning , Wang Ye , Miao Shao-Bin
Published: April 2014

C10H19CoN2O7, triclinic, P1¯ (no. 2), a = 8.622(2) Å, b = 8.724(2) Å, c = 10.600(2) Å, α = 78.507(2)°, β = 88.045(2)°, γ = 71.118(2)°, V = 738.9 Å3, Z = 2, Rgt(F) = 0.0248, wRref(F2) = 0.0667, T = 296 K.
The Science of Automatic Precision
Authors: Lavine Matthew
Published: April 2014

“Spectro-Chrome,” an alternative healing method based on the application of colored visible light to the body, was practiced by more than ten thousand Americans over the half-century following its introduction in 1920. It was the invention of Dinshah Ghadiali, a charismatic inventor and popular science lecturer, who used the rhetoric and tactics of contemporary popularizers to discredit orthodox medicine’s claim to scientific authority, and to advance his own on behalf of his followers of the “Science of Automatic Precision.” Practitioners, who mostly treated themselves and their immediate families, were encouraged to think of themselves as scientific researchers. Dinshah’s students presented their findings at local and national meetings, engaged in continuing education, critiqued one another’s work, and articulated an ethos of science that repudiated the obscurantism and greed that they believed had infected scientific medicine. Beyond its perceived value as a healing practice, Spectro-Chrome’s inclusive, pragmatic, and straightforward nature appealed to Americans excluded from a scientific establishment that had begun to seem remote and arcane, and from a medical culture they perceived as oriented more toward commercial ends and professional consolidation than traditional patient care.
A case of a woman with late-pregnancy-onset DKA who had normal glucose tolerance in the first trimester
Authors: Himuro Hiromi , Sugiyama Takashi , Nishigori Hidekazu , Saito Masatoshi , Nagase Satoru , Sugawara Junichi , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: April 2014

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) during pregnancy is a serious complication in both mother and fetus. Most incidences occur during late pregnancy in women with type 1 diabetes mellitus. We report the rare case of a woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus who had normal glucose tolerance during the first trimester but developed DKA during late pregnancy. Although she had initially tested positive for screening of gestational diabetes mellitus during the first trimester, subsequent diagnostic 75-g oral glucose tolerance tests showed normal glucose tolerance. She developed DKA with severe general fatigue in late pregnancy. The patient's general condition improved after treatment for ketoacidosis, and she vaginally delivered a healthy infant at term. The presence of DKA caused by the onset of diabetes should be considered, even if the patient shows normal glucose tolerance during the first trimester.

Learning points

The presence of DKA caused by the onset of diabetes should be considered, even if the patient shows normal glucose tolerance during the first trimester.

Symptoms including severe general fatigue, nausea, and weight loss are important signs to suspect DKA. Findings such as Kussmaul breathing with ketotic odor are also typical.

Urinary test, atrial gas analysis, and anion gap are important. If pH shows normal value, calculation of anion gap is important. If the value of anion gap is more than 12, a practitioner should consider the presence of metabolic acidosis.
Transgenic mouse models in the study of reproduction: insights into GATA protein function
Authors: Tevosian Sergei G
Published: April 2014

For the past 2 decades, transgenic technology in mice has allowed for an unprecedented insight into the transcriptional control of reproductive development and function. The key factor among the mouse genetic tools that made this rapid advance possible is a conditional transgenic approach, a particularly versatile method of creating gene deletions and substitutions in the mouse genome. A centerpiece of this strategy is an enzyme, Cre recombinase, which is expressed from defined DNA regulatory elements that are active in the tissue of choice. The regulatory DNA element (either genetically engineered or natural) assures Cre expression only in predetermined cell types, leading to the guided deletion of genetically modified (flanked by loxP or ‘floxed’ byloxP) gene loci. This review summarizes and compares the studies in which genes encoding GATA family transcription factors were targeted either globally or by Cre recombinases active in the somatic cells of ovaries and testes. The conditional gene loss experiments require detailed knowledge of the spatial and temporal expression of Cre activity, and the challenges in interpreting the outcomes are highlighted. These studies also expose the complexity of GATA-dependent regulation of gonadal gene expression and suggest that gene function is highly context dependent.
Conditional Genetic Interactions ofRTT107,SLX4, andHRQ1Reveal Dynamic Networks upon DNA Damage inS. cerevisiae
Authors: Leung Grace P , Aristizabal Maria J , Krogan Nevan J , Kobor Michael S
Published: April 2014

The DNA damage response (DDR) is a dynamic process that is crucial for protecting the cell from challenges to genome integrity. Although many genome-wide studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae have identified genes that contribute to resistance to DNA-damaging agents, more work is needed to elucidate the changes in genetic interaction networks in response to DNA lesions. Here we used conditional epistatic miniarray profiling to analyze the genetic interaction networks of the DDR genes RTT107, SLX4, and HRQ1 under three DNA-damaging conditions: camptothecin, hydroxyurea, and methyl methanesulfonate. Rtt107 and its interaction partner Slx4 are targets of the checkpoint kinase Mec1, which is central to the DDR-signaling cascades. Hrq1 recently was identified as a novel member of the RecQ helicase family in S. cerevisiae but is still poorly characterized. The conditional genetic networks that we generated revealed functional insights into all three genes and showed that there were varied responses to different DNA damaging agents. We observed that RTT107 had more genetic interactions under camptothecin conditions than SLX4 or HRQ1, suggesting that Rtt107 has an important role in response to this type of DNA lesion. Although RTT107 and SLX4 function together, they also had many distinct genetic interactions. In particular, RTT107 and SLX4 showed contrasting genetic interactions for a few genes, which we validated with independently constructed strains. Interestingly, HRQ1 had a genetic interaction profile that correlated with that of SLX4 and both were enriched for very similar gene ontology terms, suggesting that they function together in the DDR.
Progress in Electroluminescent Devices Using Molecular Thin Films
Authors: Tsutsui Tetsuo
Published: April 2014

Organic electroluminescence (EL) is moving from a simple curiosity in laboratories to the reality of commercial use. The day will soon arrive when high-quality green EL displays find practical usage. Charge-injection-type EL involves the combination of positive and negative charge carriers injected from electrodes in contact with an organic thin film. The occurrence of EL through bipolar charge injection into organic solids was clarified for single crystals of anthracene and related compounds in the 1960s. Few new developments in physics exist today for organic EL. However worldwide enthusiasm for charge-injection-type EL, which started in the mid-1980s, has been increasing rapidly. The motivation for this renewed interest is straightforward. High-efficiency surface emission across the whole visible spectral range can be obtained easily, and prospects now exist for full-color flat-panel-display technology.

Since the demonstration of high-performance EL devices made of multilayers of vacuum-sublimed dye films by Tang and VanSlyke, much progress has occurred in the research and development of EL devices made from molecular materials. A variety of molecular materials such as vacuum-sublimed dye films, fully π-conjugated polymers, polymers with chromophores orr skeletal chains, or side chains, and polymer-dispersed dye films can be used for EL devices.

Among a variety of EL devices, multilayer-structure versions made of vacuum-sublimed dye films exhibit the best performance. Application-oriented research in the development of high-quality flat-panel displays has been performed during the past 10 years, mainly in Japan's private-sector laboratories.
Study of homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalysis of benzoic acid
Authors: Mohabansi Nita P. , Mandavgane Susmita A. , Yenkie Mahesh Kumar N.
Published: April 2014

In the present study, homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of a hazardous and non-biodegradable compound, benzoic acid, in its aqueous solution by strong oxidizing agent, hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted from UV source is investigated. The different UV+Fe2++H2O2, UV+TiO2 and UV+ZnO combinations generate hydroxyl radicals having very high oxidation potential, which helps in complete mineralization of the organic pollutants and are environmentally benign processes. Almost complete degradation of 97·6% and decolorization of the substrate is achieved within 90 min by UV+Fe2++H2O2 system, while it takes 240 min with heterogeneous photocatalytic system. The experiments were carried out in a batch photoreactor using 8-W low-pressure mercury vapor lamp. Substrate concentration was determined by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The photocatalytic processes were strongly pH dependent and adhered to first-order kinetics.
Briefing: Nutrient recovery from wastewater streams by crystallisation
Authors: Lobanov Sergey , Mavinic Donald , Koch Frederic
Published: April 2014

The research and development work on nutrient recovery from wastewater streams, currently being carried out by the authors, is outlined. The potential of phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium recovery using crystallisation of struvite-type compounds is discussed. The full, pilot and bench-scale processes demonstrate the large potential of struvite-based nutrient recovery technologies, provided that the process background is thoroughly investigated and the proper process design is in place. The crystallisation of these compounds from wastewater offers an excellent opportunity for nutrient recovery and reuse; wastewater streams from different sources, therefore, must be considered as a valuable resource.
A new empirical model for shear strength of reinforced concrete beam–column connections
Authors: Tran Tung M. , Hadi Muhammad N. S. , Pham Thong M.
Published: April 2014

A new empirical model to estimate the joint shear strength of both exterior and interior beam–column connections is proposed. In the model, four parameters that have the most influence on joint shear strength are considered. Among these four, a new parameter is introduced to consider the bond condition and the possibility of beam bars transferring joint shear force into the columns. Consideration of this parameter in the model significantly improves the accuracy of the predicted joint shear strength. To calibrate the model, a large database of 98 reinforced concrete (RC) exterior and 73 RC interior beam–column connections displaying joint failure mode was compiled from the literature. A parametric study was also carried out to evaluate the dependence of the predicted to tested joint shear strength ratio on the four influence parameters using the database. The proposed model showed superior performance over existing models. Moreover, comparisons of the predicted joint shear strength with experimental results and with four existing models showed the accuracy of the proposed model.
Type F Congenital Quadricuspid Aortic Valve: A Very Rare Case Diagnosed by 3-dimenional Transoesophageal Echocardiography
Authors: Garg Pankaj , Kamaruddin Hazlyna , Orme Rachel , Watt Victoria
Published: April 2014

Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve (QAV) is a rare cardiac anomaly. Several different anatomical variations of a quadricuspid aortic valve have been described. Aortic regurgitation is the predominant valvular dysfunction associated with QAV and patients tend to present in their 5th or 6th decade of life. This anomaly is rarely picked up by transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE). A comprehensive transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) study is more likely to diagnose it. We describe a very rare type of QAV – Type F in a 52-year-old lady who presented with symptoms of shortness of breath and pre-syncope. We include TOE images and intra-operative valve images.
The Market Reaction to SEC IFRS-Related Announcements: The Case of American Depository Receipt (ADR) Firms in the U.S.
Authors: Prather-Kinsey Jenice J. , Tanyi Paul N.
Published: April 2014

SYNOPSIS

The objective of our study is to test whether the adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in the United States (U.S.) is perceived positively by American Depository Receipt (ADR) firms' equity market participants. We conduct our tests by studying market reactions to the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) IFRS-related press releases, between 2007 and 2011, regarding potential adoption of IFRS in the U.S. Using a sample of ADR firms and multivariate regression analyses, we test the 3-day cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) of investors of ADR firms in response to SEC announcements on potential IFRS adoption. We find a significant and positive market reaction to the SEC's announcements related to the potential adoption of IFRS in the U.S. for ADR firms reporting their financial statements using IFRS, especially in the industry where IFRS is the globally predominant accounting standard. Conversely, we find a significantly negative market reaction to SEC-related announcements of potential adoption of IFRS in the U.S. for ADR firms currently reporting their financial statements using U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We conclude that the SEC's adoption of IFRS may benefit global and U.S. equity market participants relative to Local GAAP reporting (reporting using domestic GAAP that is not IFRS or U.S. GAAP) by providing a common basis for investors, issuers, and others to evaluate investment opportunities.
Understanding the Influence of Online Flow Elements on Hedonic and Utilitarian Online Shopping Experiences: A Case of Online Group Buying
Authors: Lim Weng Marc
Published: April 2014

This study aims to understand the relationship between online flow elements and hedonic and utilitarian online shopping experiences and the influence of these experiences on consumer behavioral intentions. The study, which uses online group buying as a research context, is premised on the marketing perspective of online consumer behavior and the information systems perspective of human-computer interactions with online interfaces. Data were obtained through a mall-intercept systematic sampling distribution of questionnaires, and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The results indicate that online flow elements (arousal, challenge, time distortion, control, interactivity, and skill) are positively related to online shopping experiences (hedonic and utilitarian), which in turn are positively related to online group buying (or purchase) intention. All relationships were significant except that between telepresence and hedonic online shopping experience and that between importance and utilitarian online shopping experience. The implications of the findings and future research directions are discussed.
Cytoprotective effects of silafibrate, a newly-synthesised siliconated derivative of clofibrate, against acetaminophen-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes
Authors: Nafisi Sara , Heidari Reza , Ghaffarzadeh Mohammad , Ziaee Mojtaba , Hamzeiy Hossein , Garjani Alireza , Eghbal Mohammad Ali
Published: April 2014

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl para amino phenol, APAP) is a widely used antipyretic and analgesic drug responsible for various drug-induced liver injuries. This study evaluated APAP-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes alongside the protective effects of silafibrate and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Hepatocytes were isolated from male Sprague-Dawley rats by collagenase enzyme perfusion via the portal vein. This technique is based on liver perfusion with collagenase after removing calcium ions (Ca2+) with a chelator. Cells were treated with different concentrations of APAP, silafibrate, and NAC. Cell death, reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial depolarisation were measured as toxicity markers. ROS formation and lipid peroxidation occurred after APAP administration to rat hepatocytes. APAP caused mitochondrial depolarisation in isolated cells. Administration of silafibrate (200 μmol L-1) and/or NAC (200 μmol L-1) reduced the ROS formation, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial depolarisation caused by APAP. Cytotoxicity induced by APAP in rat hepatocytes was mediated by oxidative stress. In addition, APAP seemed to target cellular mitochondria during hepatocyte damage. The protective properties of silafibrate and/or NAC against APAP‑induced hepatic injury may have involved the induction of antioxidant enzymes, protection against oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, and alteration in cellular glutathione content.
Novel method of detection of phenylpropanoids of Rhodiola roots species
Authors: Gryszczyńska Agnieszka , Opala Bogna , Krajewska-Patan Anna , Łowicki Zdzisław , Buchwald Waldemar , Mielcarek Sebastian , Bogacz Anna , Karasiewicz Monika , Boroń Dariusz , Czerny Bogusław , Mrozikiewicz Przemysław M.
Published: April 2014

The aim of the study was the identification and quantitative analysis of phenylpropanoid compounds in the roots of Rhodiola species. Rosavin, rosarin and rosin were determined in the roots of R. kirilowii and R. rosea from the field cultivation, Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants. For the quantitative analysis, the ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI MS/MS, Waters) was used. The results showed differences in the quantitative and qualitative assessments of these two species. In the root of R. kirilowii the presence of phenylpropanoids was not confirmed. In R. rosea the most common phenylpropanoid was rosavin (0.022%). The UPLC-MS/MS studies allowed to use this analytical method for determination of phenylpropanoids in the accordance with the requirements of ICH.
Phenolics in the Tussilago farfara leaves
Authors: Chanaj-Kaczmarek Justyna , Wojcińska Małgorzata , Matławska Irena
Published: April 2014

Coltsfoot leaves (Farfarae folium) are used in the European medicine in respiratory tract diseases, for cough, bronchitis and asthmatic disorders, while in the traditional Chinese medicine only flower buds (Farfarae flos) have been recognized as a medicine. A short literature review shows that most data concern the chemical composition of the coltsfoot flowers. During the carried out studies we have isolated and identified (UV, 1H and 13C NMR, analysis of acid and enzymatic hydrolyze products) six known flavonols from the coltsfoot leaves: kaempferol and its 3-O-β-glucopyranoside and 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)- β-glucopyranoside, along with quercetin derivatives: 3-O-β-arabinopyranoside, 3-O-β- glucopyranoside and 3-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl(1→6)-β-glucopyranoside. Moreover, we have detected the presence of three phenolic acids.
Isolation and in vitro cytotoxic activity of 11-methylixoside isolated from bark of Randia dumetorum Lamk
Authors: Jangwan Jeet Singh , Aquino Rita Patrizia , Mencherini Teresa , Singh Raghubir
Published: April 2014

Randia dumetorum (family Rubiaceae) is highly reputed ayurvedic medicinal tree commonly known as the Mainphal. A large deciduous thorny shrub grows up to 5 m of height. It occurs almost throughout India up to 1200 m of altitude. It is found in Himalaya from Jammu East ward ascending to 400 m and from Kashmir to East ward up to 1200 m. 11-methylixoside (compound 1), an iridoid glucoside, was isolated from the bark of this plant. The structure was characterized by using spectroscopic methods including 1D-1HNMR,13C-NMR and 2D-NMR (HSQC,HMBC, DQF-COSY) experiments and confirmed by comparison of their NMR data with those from the literature. This compound has been reported for the first time in Randia dumetorum bark. The 11-methylixoside was subjected to cytotoxic activity against MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer cell line) and SK-MEL-2 (human skin melanoma cell line), BE(2)C (neuroblastoma cell line derived from human bone marrow) and U87MG (human neuronale glioblastoma (astrozytom) cell line showed appreciable cytotoxic effect with IC50 value 63.10 µg/ml concentration for SK-MEL-2 (human skin melanoma cell line).
Phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of Nothapodytes nimmoniana. An overview
Authors: Khan Nazeerullah , Tamboli Ennus Tajuddin , Sharma V.K. , Kumar Sunil
Published: April 2014

Nothapodytes nimmoniana (J. Graham) (Icacinaceae), commonly known as Amruta is found in India particularly in Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Assam, Jammu and Kashmir as well as Tamilnadu areas. It is an important medicinal plant, the major source of a potent alkaloid, namely camptothecin, of a wide spectrum of pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-HIV, antimalarial, antibacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and also applied in the treatment of anaemia. Camptothecin is still not synthesized, therefore, its production entirely depends on natural sources. N. nimmoniana is one such plant which yields contain camptothecin in significantly high amount. The plant is gaining international recognition due to its diversified medicinal uses. It is subjected to excessive harvest. It has been categorized as a vulnerable and endangered plant. The present review encompasses the phytochemical, analytical, pharmacological, biotechnological, and other specific aspects of N. nimmoniana.
Effect of fertilization on the development and yields of pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.)
Authors: Bielski Stanisław , Szwejkowska Beata
Published: April 2014

In 2007-2009, a pot experiment was carried out in a greenhouse at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn on cv. Promyk pot marigold (Calendula officinalis L.). The aim of the study was to assess the impact of nitrogen and magnesium in plant growth and development and yield of marigold. The experiment included two factors: nitrogen fertilization (g.pot-1): A-0 (control), B-0.3, C-0.6 (0.6+0), D-0.9 (0.6+0.3), E-1.2 (0.6+0.6) and magnesium fertilization (g.pot-1): a-0 (control), b-0.5. The experimental part of the research was designed according to the independent series method and set up in 4 replicates, 4 pots in one replicate, in modified Kick-Brauckmann pots. The experiment demonstrated a significant effect of nitrogen fertilization on the plants hight, number of pot marigold inflorescences, fresh inflorescences weight, fresh and airdry ligulate weight. Magnesium fertilization had a positive effect on all the analyzed traits. No statistical correlation was proven between the nitrogen and magnesium fertilization
Interrelationships among selected essential elements in medicinal plant raw materials and their water-extractable forms
Authors: Konieczyński Paweł , Wesołowski Marek
Published: April 2014

In the study, the relationships were investigated among N, P, Fe, Zn, Mn and Cu, in medicinal plant raw materials (herbal bags) and their water-soluble chemical forms in infuses. 42 independent samples of plant materials were chosen, represented by different morphological plant parts as herbs, leaves, flowers and fruits. The elements were determined by UV/Vis spectrometry (non-metals), and FAAS (metallic elements) after previous mineralization of plant samples (total concentrations), and directly in herbal teas (water-extractable forms). Most frequently the correlations between non-metals and Zn and Mn occurred, both between their total contents the water-extractable forms. Statistically significant correlations were also found in pairs: Zn-Mn, Fe-Zn, Mn-Fe, and Cu-Zn. Application of multivariate analysis revealed that cluster analysis grouped the studied samples into clusters with similar levels of the analyzed elements, and principal component analysis allowed the identification of water-extractable Zn, P-PO4 and water-extractable Cu as the most crucial factors determining the differentiation of the studied plant samples.
Effect of plant growth regulators and explant types on induction and growth of callus of Primula veris L.
Authors: Morozowska Maria , Wesołowska Maria , Głowicka-Wołoszyn Romana , Kosińska Anna
Published: April 2014

Primula veris L. (Primulaceae) is a well-known medicinal herb. The callus induction response of three explant types: roots, cotyledons, and hypocotyls of four-week-old cowslip seedlings were evaluated. The highest statistically different callus induction rate was 93.6% and was obtained from root explants on MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l BA and 5.0 mg/l PIC. Calli also appeared on 83.3% of cotyledon explants on MS medium supplemented with 1.0 mg/l BA and 3.5 mg/l 2,4-D and on 81.0% of root explants on MS medium supplemented with 0.1 mg/l KIN and 2.0 mg/l 2,4-D. These values were not statistically different. The average time required for callus initiation was 4 to 6 weeks, however, it depended on the explants type. The most suitable condition for callus proliferation and growth was MS medium with 0.5 mg/l TDZ and 0.1 mg/l NAA, and with 1.0 mg/l BA and 2.0 mg/l or 3.5 mg/l 2,4-D. No light conditions proved to be more favourable for cowslip calli induction and growth
Estimation of total phenolics and flavonoidal contents as well as in vitro antioxidant potential of Apium leptophyllum Pers.
Authors: Himanshu Bhusan Sahoo , Bhattamisra Subrat Kumar , Biswas Uttam Kumar , Sagar Rakesh
Published: April 2014

At present, major causes of diseases is oxidative stress affecting both metabolic and physiological functions of the body. That is why there is a great need for investigation of nutritious food supplements for counteracting these oxidative stresses. Therefore, the aim of study was to evaluate the therapeutic potential of Apium leptophyllum Pers. fruits by estimating total phenolic as well as flavonoidal contents and antioxidant values. The collected fruits were extracted separately using different solvents like methanol, ethanol and water. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were measured from the respective extracts and correlated with their antioxidant values. The antioxidant properties of various fruit extracts (12.5, 25, 50, 100 and 150 μg/ml) were evaluated by DPPH, hydroxyl, nitric oxide and superoxide scavenging assay and compared with ascorbic acid as a standard. All the extracts of A. leptophyllum were found to be dose dependent inhibition against these free radicals. Among all these extracts, the methanolic one was found better in the scavenging activity and followed dose-dependent manner against DPPH, hydroxyl radical, nitric oxide, superoxide anions with minimum IC50 values of 97.9, 89.02, 135.37, 127.73 μg/ml, respectively, and also observed more significant (p<0.01) as compared with standard Furthermore, total phenolic and flavonoidal contents were found highest in methanolic extract. The results obtained in this study clearly indicate that the methanolic extract of A. leptophyllum may be used as a new potential source of natural nutritional supplement in food or pharmaceutical industries due to rich source of phenolic, flavonoidal contents as well as antioxidant property
Assessing the inter-coder reliability of the Body Type Dictionary (BTD)
Authors: Cariola Laura A.
Published: April 2014

Computer-assisted content analysis has many advantages compared to a manual scoring system, provided that computerised dictionaries represent valid and reliable measures. This study aimed to assess the inter-coder reliability, alternate- form reliability and scoring consistency of the Body Type Dictionary (BTD) (Wilson 2006) based on Fisher and Cleveland’s (1956, 1958) manual body boundary scoring scheme. The results indicated an acceptable inter-coder agreement with barrier and penetration imagery in the sub-sample (N = 53) of manually coded Rorschach responses. Additionally manually coded scores showed an acceptable correlation with the computerised frequency counts, and thus indicating an alternate-form reliability. In the full data set (N = 526), barrier imagery in the Rorschach responses only correlated with the picture response test, showing low scoring consistency, which might disconfirm the notion of body boundary awareness representing a stable personality trait but instead it might be dependent on the level of cognitive dedifferentiation.
The tourist gaze in English, Italian and German travel articles about Puglia: A corpus-based study
Authors: D’Egidio Angela
Published: April 2014

This paper shows how online travel articles may provide important insights into how a tourist destination is perceived and to what extent what is known as the ‘tourist gaze’ may be used to recontextualise tourist material in order to produce more effective tourist texts, which meet receivers’ expectations. For this purpose, three comparable corpora of online travel articles in English, Italian and German language were assembled and analysed in order to understand the way ordinary travellers perceive and experience a tourist destination in Italy (Puglia) by taking language as a point of reference. The first fifteen words of the frequency lists in the three corpora highlighted what landmarks and elements of attraction English, Italian and German travel writers gaze at while on holiday in Puglia. The analysis demonstrated that the Italian tourist gaze is different from the English and German tourist gazes, since not all of them focus on the same landscapes, and even when they gaze at the same sights, their perception and representation are often different. The similarities and differences between the ways the tourists behave suggest a distinction between a model of ‘global gaze’ embodied by English and German travellers, seen as ‘outsiders’, and a model of ‘local gaze’ embodied by Italian tourists, seen as ‘insiders'
Linking learner corpus and experimental data in studying second language learners’ knowledge of verb-argument constructions
Authors: Römer Ute , Roberson Audrey , O’Donnell Matthew B. , Ellis Nick C.
Published: April 2014

This paper combines data from learner corpora and psycholinguistic experiments in an attempt to find out what advanced learners of English (first language backgrounds German and Spanish) know about a range of common verbargument constructions (VACs), such as the ‘V about n’ construction (e.g. she thinks about chocolate a lot). Learners’ dominant verb-VAC associations are examined based on evidence retrieved from the German and Spanish subcomponents of ICLE and LINDSEI and collected in lexical production tasks in which participants complete VAC frames (e.g. ‘he ___ about the...’) with verbs that may fill the blank (e.g. talked, thought, wondered). The paper compares findings from the different data sets and highlights the value of linking corpus and experimental evidence in studying linguistic phenomena
Microinvasive cervical squamous cell carcinoma in Slovenia during the period 2001-2007
Authors: Gutnik Helena , Matisic Jasenka P. , Zakelj Maja Primic , Flezar Margareta Strojan
Published: April 2014

Background. Microinvasive squamous cell carcinoma (MISCC) comprises a significant portion of all cervical cancers in Slovenia. Criteria of carcinomatous invasion are well described in the literature, however histopathological assessment of MISCC is difficult, because morphological characteristics can overlap with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN 3) and other pathological changes. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reliability of the histopathological diagnosis of MISCC in Slovenia during the period from 2001 to 2007.

Materials and methods. Data on patients with a histopathological diagnosis of cervical MISCC (FIGO stage IA) in the period of 2001 to 2007 were obtained from the Cancer Registry of Slovenia. Histological slides were obtained from the majority of pathology laboratories in Slovenia. We received 250 cases (69% of all MISCC) for the review; 30 control cases with CIN 3 and invasive squamous cell carcinoma FIGO stage IB were intermixed. The slides were coded and reviewed.

Results. Among 250 cases originally diagnosed as MISCC, there was an agreement with MISCC diagnosis in 184 (73.6%) cases (of these 179/184 (97.3%) cases were FIGO stage IA1 and 5/184 (2.7%) cases were FIGO stage IA2). Among 179 FIGO stage IA1 cases 117 (65.4%) showed only early stromal invasion. Conclusions. The retrospective review of cases diagnosed as MISCC during the period 2001- 2007 in Slovenia showed a considerable number of overdiagnosed cases. Amongst cases with MISCC confirmed on review, there was a significant proportion with early stromal invasion (depth of invasion less than 1 mm).
Consensus on a Multidisciplinary Treatment Guideline for de Quervain Disease: Results From the European HANDGUIDE Study
Authors: Huisstede Bionka M.A. , Coert J. Henk , Fridén Jan , Hoogvliet Peter ,   for the European HANDGUIDE Group
Published: April 2014

Background

De Quervain disease is a common pathology resulting in pain caused by resisted gliding of the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons in the fibro-osseous canal. In a situation of wavering assumptions and expanding medical knowledge, a treatment guideline is useful because it can aid in implementation of best practices, the education of health care professionals, and the identification of gaps in existing knowledge.

Objective

The aim of this study was to achieve consensus on a multidisciplinary treatment guideline for de Quervain disease.

Design

A Delphi consensus strategy was used.

Methods

A European Delphi consensus strategy was initiated. A systematic review reporting on the effectiveness of surgical and nonsurgical interventions was conducted and published and was used as an evidence-based starting point for this study. In total, 35 experts (hand therapists and hand surgeons selected by the national member associations of their European federations and physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians) participated in the Delphi consensus strategy. Each Delphi round consisted of a questionnaire, an analysis, and a feedback report.

Results

Consensus was achieved on the description, symptoms, and diagnosis of de Quervain disease. The experts agreed that patients with this disorder should always receive instructions and that these instructions should be combined with another form of treatment and should not be used as a sole treatment. Instructions combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), splinting, NSAIDs plus splinting, corticosteroid injection, corticosteroid injections plus splinting, or surgery were considered suitable treatment options. Details on the use of instructions, NSAIDs, splinting, corticosteroid injections, and surgery were described. Main factors for selecting one of these treatment options (ie, severity and duration of the disorder, previous treatments given) were identified. A relationship between the severity and duration of the disorder and the choice of therapy was indicated by the experts and reported in the guideline.

Limitations

One of the limitations of a Delphi method is its inability to forecast future developments. It investigated current opinions of the treatment of people with de Quervain disease.

Conclusions

This multidisciplinary treatment guideline may help in the treatment of and research on de Quervain disease.
Emergence of chikungunya fever on the French side of Saint Martin island, October to December 2013
Authors: Cassadou S , Boucau S , Petit-Sinturel M , Huc P , Leparc-Goffart I , Ledrans M
Published: April 2014

On 18 November 2013, five residents of Saint Martin presented with severe joint pain after an acute episode of dengue-like fever. Epidemiological, laboratory and entomological investigations provided evidence of the first autochthonous transmission of chikungunya virus in the Americas. The event indicates a risk of epidemics in America and Europe through substantial passenger traffic to and from continental France. We describe detection and confirmation of the first six cases and results of the first weeks of surveillance.
Importance of case definition to monitor ongoing outbreak of chikungunya virus on a background of actively circulating dengue virus, St Martin, December 2013 to January 2014
Authors: Omarjee R , Prat C M , Flusin O , Boucau S , Tenebray B , Merle O , Huc-Anais P , Cassadou S , Leparc-Goffart I
Published: April 2014

Since 5 December 2013, chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has been demonstrated to circulate in the Caribbean, particularly on Saint Martin. This region is facing a concomitant dengue virus (DENV) outbreak. Of 1,502 suspected chikungunya cases, 38% were confirmed chikungunya and 4% confirmed dengue cases, with three circulating serotypes. We report in addition 2.8% CHIKV and DENV co-infections. This study highlights the importance of the case definition for clinicians to efficiently discriminate between DENV infection and CHIKV infection.
Epidemiology of tick-borne encephalitis in Switzerland, 2005 to 2011
Authors: Schuler M , Zimmermann H , Altpeter E , Heininger U
Published: April 2014

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West Nile virus outbreak in humans, Greece, 2012: third consecutive year of local transmission
Authors: Pervanidou D , Detsis M , Danis K , Mellou K , Papanikolaou E , Terzaki I , Baka A , Veneti L , Vakali A , Dougas G , Politis C , Stamoulis K , Tsiodras S , Georgakopoulou T , Papa A , Tsakris A , Kremastinou J , Hadjichristodoulou C
Published: April 2014

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Expanding the Horizon in the Field of Head and Neck Surgery in Developing Countries
Authors: Neupane Yogesh
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njenthns.v3i2.10150 Nepalese Journal of Head and Neck Surgery Vol.3(2) 2012: 1
Vallecular Cysts in Adult Population: Ten Year Experience
Authors: Singhal Surinder K , Verma Hitesh , Dass Arjun , Punia Rajpal
Published: April 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njenthns.v3i2.10152 Nepalese Journal of Head and Neck Surgery Vol.3(2) 2012: 5-7
Linguistic Profile Test (LPT) in Nepali Language
Authors: Karna Sureshwar Lal , Karantha Pratibha , Khanal Kabiraj
Published: April 2014

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