bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contraceptive Vaccines Targeting Factors Involved in Establishment of Pregnancy
Authors: Lemons Angela R. , Naz Rajesh K.
Published: April 2011

Citation Lemons AR, Naz RK. Contraceptive vaccines targeting factors involved in establishment of pregnancy. Am J Reprod Immunol 2011; 66: 13–25

Current methods of contraception lack specificity and are accompanied with serious side effects. A more specific method of contraception is needed. Contraceptive vaccines can provide most, if not all, the desired characteristics of an ideal contraceptive. This article reviews several factors involved in the establishment of pregnancy, focusing on those that are essential for successful implantation. Factors that are both essential and pregnancy‐specific can provide potential targets for contraception. Using database search, 76 factors (cytokines/chemokines/growth factors/others) were identified that are involved in various steps of the establishment of pregnancy. Among these factors, three, namely chorionic gonadotropin (CG), leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), and pre‐implantation factor (PIF), are found to be unique and exciting molecules. Human CG is a well‐known pregnancy‐specific protein that has undergone phase I and phase II clinical trials, in women, as a contraceptive vaccine with encouraging results. LIF and PIF are pregnancy‐specific and essential for successful implantation. These molecules are intriguing and may provide viable targets for immunocontraception. A multiepitope vaccine combining factors/antigens involved in various steps of the fertilization cascade and pregnancy establishment may provide a highly immunogenic and efficacious modality for contraception in humans.
Complications of oral and peri‐oral piercings: a summary of case reports
Authors: Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL , Slot DE , Van der Weijden GA
Published: April 2011

To cite this article:
 
Int J Dent Hygiene
9, 2011; 101–109 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601‐5037.2010.00504.x Hennequin‐Hoenderdos NL, Slot DE, Van der Weijden GA. Complications of oral and peri‐oral piercings: a summary of case reports.

Abstract:  Objective:  To systemically search the literature for case reports concerning adverse effects associated with oral and peri‐oral piercings on oral health and/or general health.

Material and methods:  MEDLINE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched up through 1 April 2010 to identify appropriate studies.

Results:  Independent screening of the titles and abstracts identified 1169 papers from MEDLINE and 73 papers from CENTRAL. Subsequently, 67 papers describing 83 cases were processed for data extraction. The case reports described complications in oral and general health. In this review, 96 complications were described for 83 cases. Of the 96 reported complications, 81% (n = 84) occurred in cases of tongue piercings, 20% (n = 21) in cases of lip piercings and 1% (n = 1) in cases of other oral piercings. In eight cases, subjects had two oral and/or peri‐oral piercings. Gingival recession was the most frequently described complication. Periodontitis and gingival recession were seen at the central mandibular incisors. Tooth fracture is mostly reported in subjects with tongue piercings.

Conclusion:  Among the case reports, there were complications like normal post‐operative swelling and localized inflammation but also more serious complication that may even have been life threatening. Also in the long term, piercing may be associated with gingival recession and tooth fracture. Therefore, oral and/or peri‐oral piercings are not without risks. Patients considering a piercing should be made aware of this. Those patients wearing a piercing should be screened by a dental professional for possible complications on a regular basis.
Perception of auditory signals
Authors: Recanzone Gregg H.
Published: April 2011

Auditory signals are decomposed into discrete frequency elements early in the transduction process, yet somehow these signals are recombined into the rich acoustic percepts that we readily identify and are familiar with. The cerebral cortex is necessary for the perception of these signals, and studies from several laboratories over the past decade have made significant advances in our understanding of the neuronal mechanisms underlying auditory perception. This review will concentrate on recent studies in the macaque monkey that indicate that the activity of populations of neurons better accounts for the perceptual abilities compared to the activity of single neurons. The best examples address whether the acoustic space is represented along the “where” pathway in the caudal regions of auditory cortex. Our current understanding of how such population activity could also underlie the perception of the nonspatial features of acoustic stimuli is reviewed, as is how multisensory interactions can influence our auditory perception.
Bayesian models: the structure of the world, uncertainty, behavior, and the brain
Authors: Vilares Iris , Kording Konrad
Published: April 2011

Experiments on humans and other animals have shown that uncertainty due to unreliable or incomplete information affects behavior. Recent studies have formalized uncertainty and asked which behaviors would minimize its effect. This formalization results in a wide range of Bayesian models that derive from assumptions about the world, and it often seems unclear how these models relate to one another. In this review, we use the concept of graphical models to analyze differences and commonalities across Bayesian approaches to the modeling of behavioral and neural data. We review behavioral and neural data associated with each type of Bayesian model and explain how these models can be related. We finish with an overview of different theories that propose possible ways in which the brain can represent uncertainty.
Decoding and predicting intentions
Authors: Haynes John‐Dylan
Published: April 2011

There has been a long debate on the existence of brain signals that precede the outcome of decisions, even before subjects believe they are consciously making up their mind. The framework of multivariate decoding provides a novel tool for investigating such choice‐predictive information contained in neural signals leading up to a decision. New results show that the specific outcome of free choices between different plans can be interpreted from brain activity, not only after a decision has been made, but even several seconds before it is made. This suggests that a causal chain of events can occur outside subjective awareness even before a subject makes up his/her mind. An important future line of research would be to develop paradigms that allow feedback of real‐time predictions of future decisions to reveal whether such decisions can still be reverted. This would shed light on how tight the causal link is between early predictive brain signals and subsequent decisions.
Fluctuations in Testosterone Levels and Person Construal in Male Perceivers
Authors: Johnston Lucy , Porter Richard , Mackenzie Alexander , Miles Brad
Published: April 2011

Male perceivers completed two testing sessions 1 week apart. In each of two testing sessions held a week apart, male perceivers provided a saliva sample that was analyzed for testosterone level and completed a sex categorization task. Within‐subjects analyses showed relative testosterone levels to influence response time to female but not to male targets. Males were significantly slower to identify females when their testosterone levels were relatively high. These findings are considered in terms of adaptive person construal.
Evaluating the impacts and conservation value of exotic and native tree afforestation in Cerrado grasslands using dung beetles
Authors: GRIES RITA , LOUZADA JULIO , ALMEIDA SABRINA , MACEDO RENAN , BARLOW JOS
Published: April 2011

Abstract.  1. Although plantation forests are being established at an increasing rate, their effects on biodiversity are still debated.

2. Native candeias [Eremanthus erythropappus (DC.) Mac Leish] and exotic eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.) have recently been planted on Cerrado grasslands. The Cerrado is the second largest biome of Brazil and one of the most threatened savanna ecosystems.

3. Here, we use dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) to investigate the effects of the land‐use changes associated to afforestation on Cerrado insect biodiversity. We sampled dung beetles in candeia (4‐ and 6‐year‐old) and eucalyptus plantations (1‐ and 4‐year‐old), natural candeia formations (candeiais), native grasslands and natural forests.

4. Dung beetle diversity in plantations was lower than in grasslands and forests, but was not different from diversity in natural candeiais. Candeia and 1‐year‐old eucalyptus plantations, grasslands and natural candeiais all had similar community composition, distinct from natural forests. Four‐year‐old eucalyptus plantations were intermediate between those two groups. Overall, afforestation was detrimental for dung beetles.

5. Differences between exotic and native plantations were only apparent in older plantations, and seemed to be due to differences associated to canopy openness rather than to the origin of the planted species. Candeia plantations were of better conservation value for open‐area species (62% species shared between grasslands and candeia plantation) whereas eucalyptus plantations were so for forest species (26% species shared between forests and eucalyptus plantations). We recommend considering this result before deciding where to plant which species.
Charisma and Space
Authors: Terlouw Kees
Published: April 2011

This article uses Max Weber's analysis of charisma to differentiate types of symbolic places. Although Weber did not include the role of space in his analysis of charisma, we can construct different types of spatial charisma based on his distinction between traditional and bureaucratic regimes. Heritage sites and monuments are used by traditional regimes to legitimise their rule by looking back to their charismatic origins, while futuristic places are used to convince the population that bureaucratic regimes will provide a brighter future. In reality these ideal types of charismatic places are almost always mixed. Nation‐states combine both types of charismatic places. The analysis of the Zeche Zollverein in Essen, Germany shows that the meaning of a place can change and incorporate both types of spatial charisma at the same time and place. This was the consequence of a deliberate policy to legitimise a new economic regime in Germany's Ruhr area.
‘Papa’– Nursultan Nazarbayev and the Discourse of Charismatic Leadership and Nation‐Building in Post‐Soviet Kazakhstan
Authors: Isaacs Rico
Published: April 2011

Taking a critical perspective on the Weberian concept of charisma this article examines elite and citizen discourse regarding the perceived charismatic leadership and nation‐building achievements of the post‐Soviet president of Kazakhstan, Nursultan Nazarbayev. Using a number of ideal type features of charismatic leadership based on the typology developed by Roger Eatwell, the article argues that Nazarbayev's leadership does not fit neatly the concept of charisma. Rather, in this instance, Nazarbayev's perceived charismatic leadership as the father of the Kazakhstani nation, and the single politician capable of meeting the challenges of post‐Soviet nation‐building, is a constructed discursive force projected from above at the elite level, which resonates with public attitudes towards him at the societal level. Charisma represents a discursive mechanism that emphasises President Nazarbayev's centrality to the unity, prosperity, and stability of the nation. This charismatic discourse has aided Nazarbayev in consolidating his authoritarian regime and illustrates the existence of a distinct form of post‐Soviet charisma.
Napoleon and the Poets: The Poetic Origins of the Concept of Charisma
Authors: Decherf Jean‐Baptiste
Published: April 2011

The legend of Napoleon has been widely studied by historians; however, little has been written analysing the ways in which this legend brings something new to the history of political ideas. The poets who yielded to a fascination with the dead emperor offered him ‘acceptance by his peers’, thus creating a typically Romantic new conception of the great man. But Napoleon, as presented by many of the great Romantic writers, was also the object of an extraordinary collective love and enthusiasm. He was, in the words of Balzac, ‘the god of the people’ (1935, vol. 8: 448). In other words, what is new, in the poets' idealised memory of Napoleon, is the idea of ‘extraordinary domination’ (Weber), a domination whose mainspring is radically different from that of conventional domination.
An Emissary of the Golden Age: Manekji Limji Hataria and the Charisma of the Archaic in Pre‐Nationalist Iran
Authors: Zia‐Ebrahimi Reza
Published: April 2011

Early nationalist thought in nineteenth‐century Iran emphasised the lost glories of the Zoroastrian pre‐Islamic past, which it held for a utopian society of refinement, progress, and power destroyed by the advent of Islam. This article aims to show the prominence of this archaistic movement in the early phase of Iranian nationalism by highlighting the impact of an Indian Parsi traveller named Manekji Limji Hataria on nationalist intellectuals. Because of his religious background as a Zoroastrian, Manekji came to be perceived as an emissary of Iran's Golden Age. Fully aware of the potential influence this perception granted him, Manekji endeavoured to disseminate neo‐Zoroastrian, pre‐Islamic‐centred, and frankly anti‐Arab/anti‐Islamic readings of history among intellectuals, and thus succeeded in having a disproportionate influence on the nationalist definition of Iranian history and identity.
N. F. S. Grundtvig: Charismatic Poet and Prophet, Pedagogical Pioneer, and Politician
Authors: Dyce John
Published: April 2011

The article evaluates the life and work of N. F. S. Grundtvig as a charismatic leader who played and continues to play a highly significant role in shaping the national life of Denmark. Grundtvig was a Lutheran clergyman and an important writer of hymns, songs, and poetry. Though a key figure in Denmark, he was something of an outsider and prophet in his life and work. Through his public speaking, he challenged Denmark in a time of territorial loss, cultural weakness, and constitutional change to define its identity, to find strength, and to develop fresh approaches to its national life. The article considers his personal gifts and circumstances as factors that led to him becoming a towering figure in nineteenth‐century Danish society but argues that his polymath nature and consequent engagement across a range of aspects of Danish society enabled his influence to be embedded deeply in the Danish psyche and life.
Abba Hillel Silver and David Ben‐Gurion: A Diaspora Leader Challenges the Revered Status of the ‘Founding Father’
Authors: Shiff Ofer
Published: April 2011

During the years immediately preceding Israel's founding, Abba Hillel Silver was considered the most powerful leader of American Zionism. His leadership was viewed by numerous admirers as epitomising the yearning of the Jewish people after the Holocaust. However, almost immediately after Israel's foundation, he was relegated to the margins of Zionist politics; the more important reasons for this development being his status vis‐à‐vis the leader of the pre‐state Jewish community, David Ben‐Gurion, who was elevated to the revered status of the ‘founding father’ of the recently established state. This article discusses how Silver coped with this new situation, where only his great rival could legitimise him. After realising the futility of challenging Ben‐Gurion directly, Silver decided to elevate Ben‐Gurion in his speeches to the status of the ideal philosopher‐king. The question is whether by doing so Silver accepted the incontestability of Ben‐Gurion's charismatic leadership, or whether he was merely attempting to reinterpret Ben‐Gurion's new revered status in a way that legitimised his own Diaspora leadership, thus reinforcing a very different national ideology from the Israelocentric one represented by Ben‐Gurion.
Foodborne Outbreak of Salmonella Subspecies IV Infections Associated with Contamination from Bearded Dragons
Authors: Lowther S. A. , Medus C. , Scheftel J. , Leano F. , Jawahir S. , Smith K.
Published: April 2011

Approximately 1.4 million Salmonella infections and 400 deaths occur annually in the United States. Approximately 6% of human Salmonella cases are thought to be associated with reptiles; Salmonella enterica subspecies IV is primarily reptile‐associated. During 1–4 December, 2009, three isolates of Salmonella IV 6,7:z4,z24:– with indistinguishable pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns were identified through Minnesota Department of Health laboratory‐based surveillance. None of the three patients associated with the isolates reported reptile contact; however, all had attended the same potluck dinner. Dinner attendees were asked questions regarding illness history, foods they prepared for and consumed at the event, and pet ownership. Cases were defined as illness in a person who had eaten potluck food and subsequently experienced fever and diarrhoea (three or more loose stools in 24 h) or laboratory‐confirmed infection with Salmonella IV matching the outbreak PFGE subtype. Nineteen days after the event, environmental samples were collected from a food preparer’s house where two pet bearded dragons were kept. Sixty‐six of 73 potluck food consumers were interviewed; 19 cases were identified; 18 persons reported illness but did not meet the case definition. Median incubation period was 19 h (range: 3–26 h). Median duration of illness was 5 days (range: 1–11 days). Consumption of gravy, prepared by the bearded dragons’ asymptomatic owner, was associated with illness (16/32 exposed versus 1/12 unexposed; risk ratio: 6.0; exact P = 0.02). Salmonella Labadi was recovered from 10 samples, including from one bearded dragon, the bathroom door knob and sink drain, and the kitchen sink drain. The outbreak PFGE subtype of Salmonella subspecies IV was isolated from vacuum‐cleaner bag contents. This foodborne outbreak probably resulted from environmental contamination from bearded dragons. Reptiles pose a community threat when food for public consumption is prepared in households with reptiles.
Making Migration Policy: Reflections on the Philippines' Bilateral Labor Agreements
Authors: Blank Nathan R.
Published: April 2011

This article discusses the changing influences on migration that destination states of migrant workers are exerting through bilateral labor agreements. As neoliberal trade policies have become more common across the Asia‐Pacific, labor agreements have proliferated as well. Both bilateral and regional free trade agreements are now in place or under negotiation across the region. Likewise, states are engaging in labor relations liberalization through bilateral agreements, particularly those concluded between states with labor surpluses and others with labor shortfalls. Within these bilateral frameworks, new targeted migrant schemes have been introduced to expedite the process of getting workers to where they are needed. Workers' welfare has also been a hallmark of such agreements. This article will analyze several cases of agreements between the Philippines and migrant worker destination states in an attempt to find a model for bilateral labor agreements. The model could then be used to entice destination states hitherto reluctant to forge bilateral labor agreements into engagement with the Philippines on the issue. This research fills a void in the literature in regard to the structure and content of completed bilateral labor agreements between states. Although case studies from the Philippines will be used, it is expected that analysis and conclusions drawn will have wide regional applicability.
The ROK as a Middle Power: Its Role in Counterinsurgency
Authors: Ban Kil‐Joo
Published: April 2011

A power transition period in North Korea, following the hypothetical collapse of the regime of Kim Jong Il, is very likely to promote sudden insurgencies in a similar way as the Iraq and Afghanistan insurgencies. In such a scenario, how should the Republic of Korea's (ROK) counterinsurgency (COIN) forces deal with the inevitable mission ahead? Historically, the ROK's COIN forces achieved remarkable successes in Vietnam and Iraq, using “hard” and “soft” approaches. The interplay among four actors—the COIN forces, the domestic public in South Korea, the insurgents, and the local population of the insurgency‐affected country—explains how ROK's armed forces as a middle power military achieved tactical successes there. It offers an insight into planning for a strategic success in potential North Korean insurgencies. The findings show that an approach characterized by initial soft remedies, followed by hard remedies, will be effective under a flexible‐type military organization.
Contentious Strategies for Stimulating Development in the Region: From National Models to Regional Paradigms
Authors: Morales Isidro
Published: April 2011

A regional‐based, postnational paradigm of economic, political, and social governance has emerged in the Americas. In contrast to the state‐centered, ideologically driven models that prevailed in Latin America and the Caribbean until the late 1980s, a new paradigm of development that presupposes open markets, democracy, social equality, and more recently security—articulated and monitored by regional or multilateral institutions—seems to be gaining consensus in the Americas. The eventual consolidation of this new strategy of governance will have consequences for the future of inter‐American relations, for the social and political actors involved, and for the social struggles to come.

Un nuevo paradigma regional, post‐nacional, de gobernanza económica, política y social ha surgido en las Américas. En contraste con los modelos de inspiración ideológica y centrados en torno al estado que prevalecieron en América Latina y el Caribe (ALC) hasta finales de la década de 1980, un nuevo paradigma de desarrollo que presupone la apertura comercial, la democracia, la igualdad social y, más recientemente la seguridad, articulado y monitoreado por instituciones regionales o multilaterales, parece ganar consenso en las Américas. La consolidación eventual de esta nueva estrategia de gobernanza tendrá consecuencias para el futuro de las relaciones inter‐americanas, para los actores sociales y políticos involucrados y para las luchas sociales por venir.
Official Development Assistance of Japan in Brazil: The Link Between Aid and Diplomatic Ties
Authors: Laborde Carranco Adolfo A.
Published: April 2011

The main goal of this work is to explain the economic and political evolution and motivation that led to Japan's granting Brazil official development aid (ODA) between 1960 and 2008. A “realistic” focus is used, because it allows the characteristics of such policy to be highlighted with each period studied. The case of Brazil was analyzed, taking into consideration diplomatic relations between the two countries and the ODA funds that Japan gave Brazil over the period. Two important facts partially explain the relationship between Japan and Brazil: 1) Brazil, as well as Mexico and Peru, received significant migratory flows from Japan from the beginning of the 20th century through the middle of the 1970s, and 2) Brazil has been one of Japan's most important commercial associates in the region since World War Two.
Cooperation Among the Nicaraguan Sandinista Factions1
Authors: Cottam Martha L. , Baltodano Bruno , García Martín Meráz
Published: April 2011

This article reports on the findings of archival and field research in Nicaragua and includes interviews with 33 top‐, mid‐, and low‐level rebel fighters who participated in the Nicaraguan Revolution. Several theories in political psychology are used to explore coalition formation and cooperation among Sandinista factions. The article also examines the lack of cooperation among the Contra fighters during the same time period. Several hypotheses are presented identifying sources of the Sandinista division into three factions and later unification into a single revolutionary force. Finally, the article offers our perspective on the factors that hindered cooperation among Contra factions and ultimately allowed the Sandinistas to emerge victorious in the revolution.
A Two‐Headed Monster: Bicaudillismo in Nicaragua
Authors: Telleria Gabriel M.
Published: April 2011

Since Spanish colonial times, Latin America has lived under the shadow of caudillismo. Today, caudillismo takes on a different form. I refer to this new phenomenon as “bicaudillismo”—a state of affairs in which two caudillos control and share extensive political power. Current President Daniel Ortega and former President Arnoldo Alemán spearhead the two largest and most powerful Nicaraguan political parties in caudillo‐like fashion, exerting control over their respective parties, as well as over government institutions and individuals. The power held by Alemán and Ortega reached new highs in early 2000. In what Nicaraguans commonly refer to as “the pact,” Alemán and Ortega colluded with one another to back a series of constitutional reforms to the electoral law, resulting in a repartition of judicial, legislative, and electoral power. In this article I argue that, under the pact, Alemán and Ortega share political power in a fashion similar to two that of duopolistic firms in a market situation. Power is channeled through tit‐for‐tat strategies in which the actors engage in “signaling,” much as duopolistic firms do in a market situation.

Desde la época de la colonia española, América Latina vive bajo la sombra del caudillismo. Hoy, el caudillismo toma una nueva forma. Me refiero a este nuevo fenómeno como “bicaudillismo”—una situación en la que dos caudillos controlan y comparten un extenso poder político. El actual presidente Daniel Ortega y el expresidente Arnoldo Alemán dirigen los dos más grandes y más poderosos partidos políticos en forma caudillista, al ejercer control sobre sus respectivos partidos así como sobre los individuos y otras instituciones gubernamentales. El poder que Alemán y Ortega tienen llegó a nuevos horizontes en el 2000. En lo que los nicaragüenses conocen como “el pacto”, Alemán y Ortega se confabularon para apoyar una serie de reformas constitucionales a la ley electoral, lo que resultó en la repartición de poder judicial, legislativo y electoral. En este artículo argumento que bajo el pacto, Alemán y Ortega comparten el poder político en una forma similar a la de dos empresas duopólicas en una situación de mercado. El poder se canaliza mediante estrategias de represalias mutuas donde los actores participan como emisores de “señales”, parecido a como lo hacen las empresas duopólicas en una situación de mercado.
The Evaluation of Tragacanth by Means of the Apparent Viscosity Determined in a Standard U-Tube Viscometer: Part II.–Whole Gum
Authors: Chambers W P
Published: April 2011

A method is described for the routine comparison of the apparent viscosity of whole gum. When determined in a U-tube viscometer, mucilages prepared from whole gum reach maximum hydration, and therefore maximum viscosity, after storage for 48 hours at a temperature of 40°C. With shorter periods at lower temperatures hydration is not complete and the viscosity is below the maximum, while with higher temperatures over the same period, although hydration is complete, the viscosity is reduced by virtue of the destructive effect of the higher temperatures. At the same concentration, mucilages of whole gum yield higher viscosities than when commercially powdered, thereby indicating a loss of quality mainly due to grinding.
The Chemical Estimation of Digitalis and Strophanthus Glycosides
Authors: Canbäck Teodor
Published: April 2011

Certain glycosides of plant origin possess valuable cardiotonic properties. The Families Scrophulariaceae and Apocynaceae are the plant orders which contain most members furnishing drugs of therapeutic value. If in this connection the toad poisons are included, the heart-active substances from a chemical viewpoint may be subdivided into three large groups: the digitalis-strophanthus group, the scilla-helleborus group and the nitrogenous venoms secreted by the parotid glands of toads. The chief differences between the groups are: the members of the first group are glycosides, the aglucones of which contain a five-membered lactone ring, the members of the second group are glycosides, the aglucones of which contain a six-membered lactone ring and the members of the last group are suberylarginine derivatives of acetylated hydroxylactones more closely related to the scilla group than to the digitalis group.
The Structure of γ-Sugars: Part VI: The Synthesis of a Furanose, a 6-Methylketohexose
Authors: Abouzeid Yehya M , Linnell W H
Published: April 2011

The γ-sugars are unstable and have not yet been isolated in the free state. They occur in nature only in glycosidal combination, e.g., in sucrose, inulin, graminin and in sinistrin, on hydrolysis of which only the normal form of the sugar is isolated. Derivatives of many of the hexoses and pentoses are known to exist in the γ-form. The simplest derivatives of these labile sugars are the glycosides, which have been found to differ widely in their chemical properties from those of the normal sugars. Thus they are susceptible to hydrolysis by very dilute mineral acid and can be distilled without decomposition in vacuo. Furthermore, the γ-glycosides reduce permanganate solution in the cold, a property which has not yet been shown by any of the glycosides of normal sugars.
The Identification of the Clinically-Important Sulphonamides
Authors: Hucknall E , Turfitt G E
Published: April 2011

A scheme is described for the identification of all the sulphonamide drugs at present available in this country. The six stages of the process are simple and rapid operations involving no unusual reagents or apparatus:

(i)  purification of the crude material by charcoal treatment in acetone solution, followed by melting-point determination. (ii)  preliminary identification as a sulphonamide compound by decomposition with soda-lime. (iii)  detection of free primary amino group by condensation with furfural. (iv)  simple crystal tests based on precipitation from ammonia solution by acetic acid vapour. (v)  vanillin confirmatory test for sulphamerazine and sulphadimidine. (vi)  mixed melting-point determination.
A Preliminary Investigation on the Growth of Cephaëlis Ipecacuanha (Brot) A. Rich, Under Tropical Conditions at Calcutta
Authors: Mitra Gopal C , Chakraborty Diptish
Published: April 2011

Under the tropical conditions of the suburbs of Calcutta the seeds of Cephaëlis Ipecacuanha (Kew variety) sprouted in April, 4 and 5 months after their sowing, but quickly died. The young plants and cuttings, especially the roots, showed the greatest activity in August when the rainfall was 15ṁ4 inches and the mean minimum temperature 79ṁ5°F., whilst in November, when there was no rain and the mean minimum temperature was 64°6°F., they showed signs of drying up. Artificial increase of humidity at this stage revived the growth of young plants and cuttings. Onwards through the winter months the growth of the cuttings and young plants was maintained. The observations indicate the favourable influence of the lower temperature of the winter months provided that the humidity is not allowed to decrease. The monthly mean maximum temperature of the plains appears to be above the optimum for growth of the plant.
The Preparation of Indones
Authors: Dalev D
Published: April 2011

There are many methods of preparing indones. One of the commonest is that which was given more or less at the same time by Löwenbein and Ulich1 on the one hand, and by Weiss and Sauermann2 on the other. This method is not very convenient because most of the indones produced by it contain much impurity in the form of 3-benzalphthalide and some by-products, and the mixture of the latter with the indones is a sticky, resinous substance which prevents the indones from crystallisation. Weiss and his fellow worker removed the benzalphthalide by saponification with concentrated alcoholic ammonia. Under such conditions the purification of the greater proportion of the indone is difficult. Weiss does not mention the reasons which made him choose ammonia for the saponification of benzalphthalide.
A Photoelectric Colorimetric Method for the Estimation of Khellin
Authors: Fahmy I R , Badran N , Messeid M F
Published: April 2011

A photoelectric colorimetric method for the assay of khellin is described. This method is recommended for the assay of pure khellin in pharmaceutical preparations. The assay is carried out within the limits of 0ṁ1 to 1 mg. of khellin. Work is proceeding for the application of this method on galenical and other pharmaceutical preparations. The results will be compared with those obtained by the other colorimetric methods.

The authors wish to express their thanks to the Memphis Chemical Co. for the help extended to them in carrying out this work and for the supply of pure khellin and instruments involved.
Some Aspects of the Pharmacology of Para-Aminosalicylic Acid
Authors: Bavin E M
Published: April 2011

Acute and chronic toxic doses of p-aminosalicylic acid to mice have been determined by various routes of administration. Prolonged oral and subcutaneous administration to mice produces some pathological effects on the liver and kidney. A method is described for the estimation in blood and urine, and blood levels curves are given in mice and man. Caronamide has no effect on the blood levels in man. It appears to have no hypoprothrombinæmic or antipyretic effect in rabbits. It exerts a protective effect in mice infected with M. tuberculosis H37 Rv, but it is not so effective an antitubercular drug as streptomycin. My grateful thanks are due to my colleagues Mr. A. S. Beach, Mr. J. H. Marvin, Mr. T. R. Middleton and Mr. C. R. B. Williamson for their assistance in this work, and I am indebted to the Directors of British Chemicals and Biologicals Ltd., for permission to publish this paper.
An Examination of Pyrogen from Various Sources
Authors: Wylie D W , Todd J P
Published: April 2011

Three distinct types of fever curves can be stimulated by injection of modifications of the same bacterial culture. Injection of a sterilised whole culture causes a double-peak fever:*** the cell-free filtrate or supernatant liquid of a culture stimulates a single-peak fever, rising to a peak in an average time of 86 minutes if the cells are removed before autoclaving, and a double-peak reaction if the culture is autoclaved before removal of the cells; the fever caused by injection of a suspension of washed bacterial cells is a single-peak fever of the delayed reaction type, reaching its peak in 3 to 4 hours. The results show that certain bacteria probably produce two pyretic substances, one of which, in the viable culture, is dissolved in the medium and stimulates the single-peak fever of the immediate reaction type, and the other is contained mainly in the bacterial cell and stimulates the single-peak fever of the delayed reaction type, a mixture of both causing the double-peak fever. Proteus vulgaris and Ps. fluorescens can produce a volatile depressant substance, which either lowers the body temperature to below normal, or prevents the pyrogen from causing a rise in body temperature. This depressant causes general paralysis if injected in sufficiently large doses, in smaller quantities the most obvious effect is the loss of appetite. It has been shown that any pyrogen test followed by the rabbits refusing to eat for a few days should be examined for other effects of the depressant substance, and should be repeated, taking care to heat the solution to between 30° and 40°C. for about 10 minutes before injection. An investigation of the stability of pyrogen to heat at 120°C. showed that Ps. ***æruginosa, B. subtilis and P. vulgaris produce pyretic substances of similar stability, whereas M. tetragenes produces a much more thermostable substance. The results from the investigation of the stability showed that the pyrogens of P. vulgaris, Ps. æruginosa and B. subtilis are sufficiently labile to require care when using heat during isolation, as approximately 95 per cent. is destroyed after 2 hours at 120°C. Finally it must be emphasised that further investigation into these points would be of little value unless carried out on the pure pyretic substances isolated from various bacterial sources. This work was carried out during the tenure by one of us (D.W.W.) of a Carnegie Scholarship and a Wellcome Research Fellowship to the trustees of which we wish to express our thanks.
Bacterial Survival in Systems of Low Moisture Content
Authors: Bullock Kenneth , Keepe Winifred G , Rawlins E A
Published: April 2011

The technique of performing viable counts using graduated pipettes with roll-tubes has been examined and the accuracy of the method has been assessed by statistical analysis. It has been shown that satisfactory viable counts can be obtained of spores of B. subtilis in suspension or in powders. The spreading surface growth of the organism has been shown to have no significant effect upon the count and roll-tube counts may be performed satisfactorily in its presence. It has been shown that if even suspensions of B. subtilis spores are spray-dried the viable organisms are evenly distributed in the resultant powder. It has been shown that if even suspensions of Bact. lactis aerogenes are spray-dried the viable organisms are not evenly distributed in the powder as taken from the spray-drier, but that an even distribution can be obtained if the powder is thoroughly mixed by mechanical means. The effect of storage on the viability of the organisms in peptone powders has been examined. The viable count of B. subtilis was found to undergo no significant diminution after 6 months’ storage, whereas the viable count of Bact. lactis aerogenes fell rapidly, most of the organisms dying within the first few days. It is concluded that spray-dried powders containing spores of B. subtilis are very suitable for examining the effects of environmental conditions on the spores. On the other hand, the use of powders containing organisms, such as Bact. lactis aerogenes, which show a high mortality on spray-drying, involves greater difficulties, which may be inherent in the problem. It is a pleasure to express our thanks to Professor M. S. Bartlett for suggestions and advice concerning the statistical treatment of the results reported in this paper.
The Colorimetric Determination of Morphine in Galenical Preparations
Authors: Johnson C A , Lloyd Cecilia J
Published: April 2011

Methods by which morphine may be determined colorimetrically are discussed and the present official method criticised. The reaction described by Pride and Stern, which depends upon the oxidation of morphine with iodic acid followed by treatment with ammonium bicarbonate and nickel chloride to give a green colour has been found satisfactory. Improved extraction procedures for the separation of morphine from extraneous material in a number of galenical preparations are suggested and application of the colorimetric reaction to morphine residues so obtained, is described.
Some Observations Concerning The Chemical Reactions Occurring Between Formaldehyde and Peptone
Authors: Bullock Kenneth , Rao V Subba
Published: April 2011

The uptake of formaldehyde by peptone has been studied. Relatively stable powders (formol-peptones) can be prepared by exposing peptone powder to the vapour phase over formalin for four days and drying the product in vacuo. Different batches of such powders, obtained from the same sample of peptone are of similar composition but formolpeptones obtained from different makes of peptone may differ considerably in composition. The state of binding between the formaldehyde and the peptone in powder and in solution has been investigated by means of the chromotropic acid and Vorländer's reactions. The firmness with which formaldehyde is bound to peptone in solution depends not only on the quantities of formaldehyde and peptone present but also on the previous relationship of the two substances. The reactions between formaldehyde and peptone have been found to be complex. Equilibrium is not readily attained either in solution or when peptone powder is exposed to formalin vapour.
Studies on 5-Hydroxytryptamine and 5-Hydroxytryptophan
Authors: West G B
Published: April 2011

The 5-HT content and the 5-HTP decarboxylase activity of several tissues of seven mammalian species has been estimated. Whereas 5-HT is concentrated in the spleen and gastrointestinal tract, the highest enzyme activity is found in the kidney, liver, gut and brain. In rats, treatment with reserpine or chlorpromazine lowers the 5-HT content of many tissues and reduces the 5-HTP decarboxylase activity of the kidney, but prolonged treatment with cortisone only lowers the 5-HT content of the skin.
The Flow Properties of Powders Under Humid Conditions
Authors: Craik D J , Miller B F
Published: April 2011

The flow properties of different types of powder, with varying moisture contents, and the effects of adding small quantities of magnesium oxide, were measured. An explanation of the results in terms of adhesion by intermolecular forces and by the surface tension of moisture films is suggested.
Observations on Increased Disintegration Times of Tablets on Storage
Authors: Ramsay R A
Published: April 2011

An attempt has been made to devise a simple and rapid method for determining whether tablets produced from a particular mass will show a significant increase in disintegration time on storage.
The Interaction of Chelating Agents with Bacteria
Authors: Beckett A H , Vahora A A , Robinson Ann E
Published: April 2011

The interaction of solutions containing oxine or iron or both (in a 1:1 molar ratio) with Staph, aureus is examined with respect to the chelating agent and metal ion binding by the bacteria. Iron enhances the amount of oxine uptake by the organism although the presence of the chelating agent does not affect the amount of iron bound. Iron is shown to be present in the ferric state in dilute solutions containing oxine. Two types of iron receptor sites in the bacterial surface are postulated and iron is shown to mediate oxine binding by the bacteria.
Anatomical Studies in The Genus Digitalis
Authors: Cowley P S , Rowson J M
Published: April 2011

The morphology and detailed anatomy of the inflorescence of Digitalis purpurea have been described. The diagnostic characters which are the most valuable in identifying the inflorescence are the glandular trichomes, which are present on most parts; the pollen grains; the striated cuticle of the calyx and pedicel; the pericyclic fibres of the calyx, pedicel and stem, also the lignified cells of the anther, fruit wall and seed coat.
Vegetable Purgatives Containing Anthracene Derivatives
Authors: Fairbairn J W , Mital V K
Published: April 2011

A new kind of anthraquinone compound has been isolated from cascara bark (Rhamnus purshiana). Unlike the normal glycosides it cannot be hydrolysed by heating in acid solution, but on heating in acidified ferric chloride solution aloe-emodin and a second anthraquinone, possibly chrysophanol, are produced. Some of the physical properties are described including the ultra-violet light absorption curve which shows peaks at 268, 296 and 325 mμ. The relationship of this compound to casanthranol and to the chemical assay and biological activity of cascara is discussed.
A Note on the Pharmacology of Rescinnamine and Serpentine
Authors: Zoha M S , Kirpekar S M , Lewis J J
Published: April 2011

The pharmacological properties of rescinnamine and serpentine have been studied. Both lower the blood pressure of anaesthetised cats but rescinnamine has a prolonged effect whilst serpentine has only a brief action. Rescinnamine does not antagonise the effects of adrenaline or noradrenaline on the blood pressure of the cat or on the isolated heart, auricles or intestine. Serpentine antagonises vasoconstriction due to adrenaline and noradrenaline in the isolated perfused rat hindquarters but not that due to 5-hydroxytryptamine creatine sulphate, barium chloride or pitressin. Serpentine reversibly antagonises the pressor responses to bilateral carotid occlusion, central vagal stimulation and splanchnic stimulation. Rescinnamine irreversibly antagonises these responses and also the responses from compression of the abdominal aorta and hypoxia, which suggests both alkaloids have an action upon the sympathetic nervous system. Rescinnamine also has some direct depressant effects on cardiac, intestinal and skeletal muscle.
Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
Authors: Edwards D , Lewis J J , Stenlake J B , Stothers Fay
Published: April 2011

Preliminary observations upon a series of NNNN-tetra-onium compounds (Ia to Ih), an NNSNN-penta-onium compound (II) and an NNNNNN-hexa-onium compound (III) have so far indicated that inter-onium distance is more important in determining the type of activity than the overall length of the molecule or the number of onium centres it contains.
The Spectrophotometric Determination of Certain Alkaloids and Application To Pharmaceutical Preparations
Authors: Cross A H J , McLaren D , Stevens S G E
Published: April 2011

A method is described for the determination of atropine, hyoscyamine, quinine, quinidine, brucine, strychnine and physostigmine by formation of the picrate of the alkaloid in an aqueous buffer at pH 7 followed by extraction of the picrate into chloroform. The picric acid is re-extracted into an alkaline buffer at pH 11 and the absorption measured at 3550 Å. The method has been applied to injections, tablets and other pharmaceutical preparations. The results are in agreement with those obtained by the official methods. The advantages of the method include its usefulness when dealing with small samples and the shorter assay time compared with classical methods.
A New Synthesis for 1-Aminohydantoin and Nitrofurantoin
Authors: Jack David
Published: April 2011

A new synthesis for 1-aminohydantoin and nitrofurantoin is described. Derivatives of 1-aminohydantoin were prepared by condensation of semicarbazones with ethyl monochloroacetate in presence of sodium alkoxide in dry ethanol. The nature of this reaction is discussed and semicarbazones were shown to react as nucleophilic anions.
Interfacial Films Between Benzene and Solutions of Salts of Arabic Acid
Authors: Shotton E , Wibberley K
Published: April 2011

The interfacial tension between benzene and acacia, arabic acid and its salts falls rapidly for about eight hours and then more slowly. The effect on the interfacial tension is similar with the soluble salts of both monovalent and divalent metals. A tenacious film is formed in a few seconds and continues to increase in thickness with time. The evidence suggests that the film eventually formed is a substantial multilayer with many of the properties of an elastic solid. A film of this kind would account for the stability of acacia emulsions.
The Antagonism of The Antibacterial Action of Mercury Compounds
Authors: Cook A M , Steel K J
Published: April 2011

The stoichiometric relations between mercuric chloride and the sulphydryl antagonists have been examined. In liquid cultures, cysteine, glutathione, dimercaprol and thioglycollate are effective as inactivators of mercuric chloride in quantities close to the theoretical amounts. When used to revive mercuric chloride-treated cells, larger amounts are needed, and horse serum is ineffective. The results obtained with E. coli I suggest it is not so resistant to the action of mercuric chloride over long periods as are Gram-positive organisms. Cells treated with mercuric chloride in the presence of a nutrient medium derive some protection from the constituents of the medium. Qualitative experiments show dimercaprol to be the most efficient antagonist and thioglycollate the least.