bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Collaborative Expression Using Lego® Blocks, on Social Skills and Trust
Authors: Kato Daiki , Hattori Kyoko , Iwai Shiho , Morita Miyako
Published: August 2012

In this study, we investigated the psychological effects of an activity for collaborative expression using LEGO ® blocks. In particular, we focused on the issues of social skills and trust in 39 high school students. Each participant was asked to answer questionnaires concerning
social skills and trust before and after the activity. The results showed that, although trust in oneself did not increase significantly, both social skills and trust in others increased considerably with the help of the activity.
Peer-Victimization during Physical Education and Enjoyment of Physical Activity
Authors: Scarpa Stefano , Carraro Attilio , Gobbi Erica , Nart Alessandra
Published: August 2012

This study examined the relations between peer-victimization during sport practice and physical activity enjoyment. 395 students (219 boys, 176 girls) from a middle school, ages 12 to 13 years ( M = 12.2), were surveyed. Few correlations between peer-victimization during sport practice and physical activity enjoyment variables were negative. Linear regression analysis was also conducted, highlighting a subtle influence of peer-victimization during practice of sports on enjoyment of physical activity. Peer-victimization during practice of sports seems to be a poor predictor of low enjoyment of physical activity.
Interrelations between Three Fine Motor Skills in Young Adults
Authors: Lorås Håvard , Sigmundsson Hermundur
Published: August 2012

Motor skills are typically considered to be highly specific, although some researchers have attempted to identify evidence for general motor aptitude. The present study tested these contentions by assessing the extent of relationship between fine motor tasks, using correlations between selected performance measures for three fine motor skills. University students ages 18 to 35 years ( N = 305; 147 men, 158 women) completed three fine motor tasks with both right and left hands (placing pegs, posting coins, and placing bricks). Performance was assessed by time to complete each individual task. The intercorrelations between the three tasks were generally low and at a level that can be expected by chance ( r ≤ .3), indicating that performance was quite specific to the individual skills rather than attributable to a general ability. As a further test for evidence for a general motor ability, the dimensionality of the data set was analyzed using a principal component analysis on the correlation matrix. A three-factor solution explaining ~ 80% of the total variance in performance on the fine motor tasks was identified, where each factor could be associated with each fine motor task. These findings provide further support for the high specificity in fine motor skills and against the existence of a general aptitude for motor ability.
Measurement Invariance of Working Memory Measures across Two Arab Cultures
Authors: Alansari Bader Mohammed , Soliman Abdrabo Moghazy
Published: August 2012

A confirmatory factor analysis was performed to examine the factorial structure of a battery of working memory measures across two Arab cultures (Kuwait and Egypt). The battery of tests was administered to a sample of 384 children: 192 primary-school Kuwaiti children (96 boys, 96 girls; M age = 10.0 yr., SD = 1.0) and 192 primary-school Egyptian children (96 boys, 96 girls; M age = 10.0 yr., SD = 1.2). The multi-group confirmatory factor analysis revealed configurai, metric, scalar, and strict invariances across the two cultures. This implies that working memory can be conceptualized similarly by Kuwaiti and Egyptian children and was measured in the same way in both cultures. Both within-groups individual differences and between-groups differences in means reflected differences in the underlying latent construct.
Speed of Mental Addition in an Abacus Expert, Estimated by Eye Movements and Neural Activities
Authors: Hamada Takashi , Iwaki Sunao
Published: August 2012

A grand expert of abacus looked at a display on which three-digit numbers were aligned vertically with constant spacing, for sequentially adding the numbers mentally. His eye regularly moved downward by alternating a fixation to one of the numbers with a saccade to another below it, with the average period of the alternations at 271 msec. His magnetoencephalogram averaged with respect to start of the fixations revealed activity in the right superior parietal cortex. This finding not only supported the previous view that abacus experts mentally calculate by manipulating spatial representations of numbers, but also showed that the calculation was synchronized with the periodic eye movements. Thus, each process of the mental sequential addition, which starts with visual recognition of an addend, was estimated to require less than 271 msec, on average.
Further Tests of Pigeons' (Columba Livia) Planning Behavior Using a Computerized Plus-Shaped Maze Task
Authors: Miyata Hiromitsu , Fujita Kazuo
Published: August 2012

Miyata and Fujita in 2008 reported that pigeons, trained to move a target square to a goal square by pecking, plan one step ahead while performing on a plus-shaped maze, that is, the birds frequently made errors to move the target toward the previous goal direction after the goal jumped to another arm. In the present study, pigeons' planning using this maze was further examined. In Experiment 1, when goals appeared at all three of the arms during solution, the birds did not choose the old goal at above chance. Reaction time data suggested that the birds decided which goal to choose after crossing the center point. In Experiment 2, after the goal jumped to another arm following a preview phase, some birds frequently moved in the direction of the old goal. These results suggest that pigeons may plan one step ahead but might have updated plans for each movement.
Effects of Sensory Information, Movement Direction, and Hand Use on Fine Motor Precision
Authors: Tous-Ral Josep Maria , Muiños Ruben , Liutsko Liudmila , Forero Carlos G.
Published: August 2012

The differences in fine motor precision over line model in different sensorial conditions (visual-proprioceptive and proprioceptive only) for different movement directions (transverse, frontal, and sagittal) and both hands were measured digitally with use of special software. The observed variables were directional (D) and formal (F) deviations, together with changes of line length (LL) from the base model. Analysis indicated non-significant differences for all measured variables for hand use, while for the remaining factors (sensory test condition and movement direction), the differences were significant for all levels. Both sensory information and movement directions are important for hand-drawing precision, not just the specific hand used.
Dental microwear texture analysis of late Pliocene Procynocephalus subhimalayanus (Primates: Cercopithecidae) of the Upper Siwaliks, India
Authors: Williams Frank , Holmes Noelle
Published: August 2012

Late Pliocene Procynocephalus subhimalayanus from the Upper Siwaliks, India is known from only three specimens. The dietary proclivities of this taxon have implications for reconstructing the paleoecology of the Upper Siwaliks. The dental microwear texture properties of Procynocephalus are compared to those from extant tropical forest primates including Alouatta palliata (n = 11), Cebus apella (n = 13), Gorilla gorilla (n = 9), Lophocebus albigena (n = 15) and Trachypithecus cristatus (n = 12). Dental microwear textures are generated by scanning the surface enamel of Facet 9 using white-light confocal microscopy at 100x. Four variables were extracted from scale-sensitive fractal analysis, and the data were ranked before ANOVA with post-hoc tests of significance and multivariate analyses were performed. Procynocephalus clusters closest to Lophocebus, Cebus and some Gorilla specimens suggesting hard-object feeding characterized a portion of its diet. The dental microwear texture of Procynocephalus supports interpretations of widespread grasslands of the Late Pliocene Kansal Formation (Pinjor zone). The extreme enamel complexity characterizing Procynocephalus may derive from consumption of underground storage organs, or other foods with high grit loads. Foods consumed near ground level carry a heavy load of abrasive minerals possibly contributing to greater enamel surface complexity and textural fill volume.
Stress analysis and tectonic trends of southern Sinai Peninsula, using potential field data analysis and anisotropy technique
Authors: Saleh Salah , Saleh Ahmed
Published: August 2012

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the stress direction and the tectonic trends of the study area using magnetic anisotropy and potential field data interpretations (Bouguer and aeromagnetic). The specific objective of the gravity and aeromagnetic interpretation is to establish the trend and depth of the structural configuration of the basement rocks. Horizontal gradient techniques could to delineate directions of deep sources and enabled tracing several faults, lineaments and tectonic boundaries of basement rocks. The trend analysis shows N40°–50°W, N10°–20°W and N10°–20°E which may be related to the Gulf of Suez, Red Sea and Gulf of Aqaba stresses. However, Euler Deconvolution technique was applied using the aeromagnetic data to provide reliable information about penetrated source depth (100 m and ∼10.0 km) and trends of the subsurface sources (principally in NW and NE directions). Moreover, representative 72 oriented rock samples have been collected from seven sites in the study area. The rock magnetic properties and magnetic anisotropy analysis have been determined for all the studied samples. The interpretation clearly defined magnetic lineation at all sites and anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) parameters. The stress direction of the studied area has been evaluated using magnetic anisotropy and geophysical analysis. Generally the estimated geophysical data analysis (Bouguer and aeromagnetic) are well consistent with the AMS interpretations of this study. The results indicated that the directions of predominant faults and foliations are NW-SE (related to the Gulf of Suez and Red Sea rifting) which indicate that the main stress and tectonic trend is NE-SW, which is more predominant in southern Sinai region. Moreover, it is clear that, the studied area was affected also by less predominant sources trended in NE-SW direction, which related to the tectonic activity of Gulf of Aqaba. The least predominant is north 40°–50° east that is probably due to the Syrian Arc system. Finally, our results are extremely coincided with the previous stress directions derived from geological, seismological and tectonic analysis in northern Red Sea rift, Gulf of Suez and Sinai regions.
Refinement of genetic and structural models of the Úrkút manganese ore deposit (W-Hungary, Europe) using statistical evaluation of archive data
Authors: Bíró Lóránt , Polgári Márta , Tóth Tivadar , Vigh Tamás
Published: August 2012

Although the Úrkút manganese ore deposit in western placecountry-regionHungary has been exploited for at least 90 years, there are still numerous open questions concerning ore genetics as well as structure and geometry of the ore body. A large set of available archive data for the deposit have been reviewed and evaluated in order to solve some of the most crucial problems. For processing, besides diverse GIS approaches, univariate and multivariate statistical methods were used on the created unified database. The main aims of the mathematical treatment were giving a classification scheme for the wide spectrum of Mn-ores based on their chemical composition (Mn, Fe, Si, P) as well as evaluation of their spatial distribution. For the ore characterization and understanding the genetic processes, cluster and discriminant function analyses were used. Results of the multivariate treatment verified the existence of different ore types and provided an exact chemical definition for all of them. It alsoinferred that the main geochemical processes that took place in ore genesis were similar for all sample groups (ore types) with significantly different weights in each case.

A 3D evaluation of the Úrkút mine heading map system shows that the ore body covers the footwall surface as a stratiform sheet throughout the study area. Palaeo-relief studies suggest a significant difference between the footwall and hanging wall morphologies which clearly implies tectonic activity following ore deposition. The deposit was affected by an E-W compression stress field near the Aptian-Albian transition causing folding of the Mn deposit.
What Is Design Thinking and Why Is It Important?
Authors: Razzouk Rim , Shute Valerie
Published: August 2012

Design thinking is generally defined as an analytic and creative process that engages a person in opportunities to experiment, create and prototype models, gather feedback, and redesign. Several characteristics (e.g., visualization, creativity) that a good design thinker should possess have been identified from the literature. The primary purpose of this article is to summarize and synthesize the research on design thinking to (a) better understand its characteristics and processes, as well as the differences between novice and expert design thinkers, and (b) apply the findings from the literature regarding the application of design thinking to our educational system. The authors’ overarching goal is to identify the features and characteristics of design thinking and discuss its importance in promoting students’ problem-solving skills in the 21st century.
Cycles of Cathay
Authors: Rhoads Edward J.M.
Published: August 2012

Introduced into China in the late nineteenth century, the bicycle had to compete with a variety of alternative modes of personal transportation that for a number of years limited its appeal and utility. Thus, during the 1920s and 1930s it took a back seat to the hand-pulled rickshaw and during the 1940s to the pedicab (cycle rickshaw). It was only in the 1950s that the bicycle became the primary means of transportation for most urban Chinese. For the next four decades, as its use spread from the city to the countryside, China was the iconic “bicycle kingdom.“ Since the 1990s, however, the pedal-powered bicycle has been overtaken by the automobile (and motorcycle). Nevertheless, with the recent appearance and growing popularity of the e-bike, the bicycle may yet play an important role in China's transport modal mix. This overview history of the bicycle in China is based on a wide range of textual sources in English and Chinese as well as pictorial images.
Prevalence, belief and awareness of preferring traditional healthcare system in urban and rural people of Noakhali district, Bangladesh
Authors: Karmakar Palash , Islam Muhammad Mazharul , Kibria Md. Golam , Hossain Mohammad Salim , Sattar Mohammad Mafruhi
Published: August 2012

Healthcare systems contribute a major role in maintaining good health. The study was conducted to analyze the prevalence, belief and awareness of preferring traditional healthcare systems in urban and rural people of Noakhali district of Bangladesh. Data were collected randomly from 400 respondents aging 20 to 60 years by personal interviewing with a well structured questionnaire during October 20, 2011 to December 20, 2011. Study stated that, overall 79% of the respondents were found to feel comfortable in using traditional healthcare system whereas only 21% prefer the modern system. Urban people showed their belief mostly in homeopathy (23%), ayurvedic/unani (18%) and herbal medicine (17%) of traditional healthcare system whereas Kaviraji (27%), herbal medicine (18%) and spiritual healing (11%) were the systems on which rural people showed their much faith and belief for the treatment of different ailments. Jaundice and sexual problems were the two dominant disease conditions for which traditional healthcare systems were most preferred by the respondents. Beside these 68% of urban and 88% of rural as well as 57.64% of educated and 97.82% of uneducated respondents were not aware about the appropriate healthcare system for different diseases. Belief in no side effect and safe remedy, mass population of the study area preferred different traditional healthcare systems but most of them were not aware about the exact therapy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11611 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 229-234
PCR based detection of gyrB2 gene from Pseudomonas sp. affected human clinical isolates
Authors: Foysal Md. Javed , Biswas Gokul Chandra , Raihan Md. Jahir
Published: August 2012

Detection of virulence gene is a key component in determining the pathogenicity of any isolates because these genes act multi-functionally and multi-factorially. Gyrase specific gene primer in combination of PCR technology allows precise detection of DNA gyrase subunit B2 gene (gyrB2) from different virulent microorganisms. In the present study, forward and reverse primers with a length of 20bp for both were used for detection of gyrB2 genes in clinical isolates of Pseudomonas sp. collected from patients suffering from urinary tract infection (UTI). A total of 12 isolates of Pseudomonas sp. viz., Ps1, Ps2, Ps3, Ps4, Ps5, Ps6, Ps7, Ps8, Ps9, Ps10, Ps11 and Ps12 were used in present study in which gyrB2 gene amplified in all 12 isolates and gave the expected 1130bp PCR product after visualization under gel documentation system in 1.2% agarose gel. This PCR was outstanding in the detection of gyrB2 gene in urinary tract infected patients caused by Pseudomonas sp. species.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11612 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 235-238
Isolation of Stigmasterol and ?-Sitosterol from the dichloromethane extract of Rubus suavissimus
Authors: Chaturvedula Venkata Sai Prakash , Prakash Indra
Published: August 2012

Purification of the dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) fraction of the aqueous extract of Rubus suavissimus resulted in the isolation of two sterols namely stigmasterol and ?-sitosterol. The structures of the isolated compounds were characterized on the basis of extensive spectral data (1D and 2D NMR; and MS) and in comparison with their literature data.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11613 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 239-242
Formulation and evaluation of fast dissolving tablets of amlodipine besylate by using Fenugreek seed mucilage and Ocimum basilicum gum
Authors: Sukhavasi Sudheshnababu , Kishore V. Sai
Published: August 2012

Fast dissolving/disintegrating tablets have received ever-increasing demand during the last decade, and the field has became a rapidly growing area in the pharmaceutical area. Particularly the fast dissolving drug delivery systems formulated with natural polymers have more demand because natural materials like gums and mucilages have been extensively used in the field of drug delivery for their easy availability, ease administration, non toxicity, non irritant nature etc. The main aim of the present study was to formulate the fast dissolving tablets of amlodipine besylate tablets using Fenugreek seed mucilage and Ocimum basilicum gum as a natural superdisintegrating agents to achieve quick onset of action, is to increase the water uptake with in shortest wetting time and there by decrease the disintegration time of the tablets by simple and cost effective direct compression technique. Pre-compression parameters like angle of repose and post-compression parameters like wetting time, water absorption ratio, in-vitro disintegration and in-vitro dispersion time were studied. The hardness, friability and drug content of all the formulations were found to be within the limits. The best formulations FFGK5 & FOB5 have shown good disintegration time, hardness and friability. The best formulations were also found to be stable. Optimized formulation was subjected to stability studies as per ICH guidelines and it insignificant change in hardness, disintegration time and in vitro drug release.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11614 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 243-249
Investigation of cytotoxicity and in-vitro antioxidant activity of Asparagus racemosus root extract
Authors: Hossain Md. Ismail , Sharmin Farzana Anwar , Akhter Sadika , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed , Shahriar Mohammad
Published: August 2012

This attempt is made to address the phytoconstituents, free radical scavenging activity and brine shrimp lethality bioassay of five different extracts of Asparagus racemosus roots. Preliminary phytochemical examination of the crude extracts of Asparagus racemosus root disclosed the existence of different sort of chemical groups such as flavonoids, tannin, saponin, alkaloids, carbohydrate. The root displayed significant DPPH free radical scavenging activity with highest IC50 value showed by ethanol extract with a value of 78.15 µg/ml followed by methanol and petroleum ether having value of 106.44 µg/ml and 273.31 µg/ml respectively as opposed to that of the scavenging effects of ascorbic acid and BHT of 5.698 µg/ml and 8.816 µg/ml respectively. The highest reducing power was showed by ethanol extract followed by methanol and petroleum ether as opposed to that of the reducing potential of ascorbic acid and BHT. The fractions represented good cupric reducing capacity with increasing concentration taking ethanol extract in the top position. The ethanol extract yielded 108.78±2.77 mg/gm gallic acid equivalent phenolic content and methanol sub-fraction yielded 164.77±1.73 mg/gm quercetin equivalent flavonoid content that was highest among five extracts. Ethanol extract of Asparagus racemosus was found to possess the highest total antioxidant capacity (639.925±64.78) mg/gm followed by methanol (616.92±53.88) mg/gm and petroleum ether (469.17±52.95) mg/gm ascorbic acid equivalent respectively. In brine shrimp lethality bioassay, LC50 values for ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether, n-hexane and chloroform were found to be 0.674 µg/ml, 0.719 µg/ml, 0.984 µg/ml, 2.157µg/ml and 1.514 µg/ml respectively. N-hexane and chloroform extract showed least activity in all the measures. The results suggest that Asparagus racemosus is a valuable source  of antioxidant and has significant cytotoxic activity hence could eliminate many diseases related to free radical.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11615 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 250-257
Extraction of chitin from chitosan from exoskeleton of shrimp for application in the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Puvvada Yateendra Shanmukha , Vankayalapati Saikishore , Sukhavasi Sudheshnababu
Published: August 2012

Chitosan is an amino polysaccharide prepared by processing shrimp waste (shell) which involves partial deacetylation of chitin. Chitosan, a versatile natural polysaccharide, the second most abundant natural polymer. Many biochemists have found that chitosan as biocompatible, biodegradable and non toxic which made wide applicability in conventional pharmaceutics as a potential formulation excipient. In this research mainly the focused on the synthesis of chitosan which is suitable for the pharmaceutical industry especially in the designing delayed and controlled drug delivery systems. The main study focused on preparation low molecular weight of the chitosan suitable for pharmaceutical industry. The crude chitin was collected from exoskeleton of Triopslongicaudatus and Triopscancriformis specimens which are then processed to obtain chitosan. The chitosan yield was found to be 35.49% and it was analyzed for its physiochemical parameters.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11616 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 258-263
Colonic delivery of film coated meloxicam tablets using natural polysaccharide polymer mixture
Authors: Godge Ganesh , Hiremath Shivanand
Published: August 2012

Now days natural polysaccharides are extensively used for the development of solid dosage forms for delivery of drug to the colon. The objective of the present study was to develop a site-specific drug, single unit formulation allowing targeted drug release in the colon. Solid unit dosage forms were prepared using polysaccharides or synthetic polymer included xanthan gum, pectin, chitosan and Eudragit-E. Meloxicam was used as a model drug. The prepared tablets were enteric coated with Eudragit-S 100 to give protection in the stomach. The coated tablets were tested in-vitro for their suitability as colon specific drug delivery systems. The dissolution data so obtained illustrates that enteric coated tablets containing 3% chitosan as a binder, showed only 12.5% drug release in the first 5 h, which is the usual upper gastrointestinal transit time, whereas, tablets prepared using xanthan gum as binder, were unable to protect drug release under similar conditions. Solid formulations containing pectin as a binder formed time-dependent release formulations. 28% drug release was observed in the usual upper gastrointestinal tract conditions, when used in a concentration of 5.92% in the tablets.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11617 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 264-271
Comparative antidiabetic activity of methanolic extract of Operculina turpethum stem and root against healthy and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats
Authors: Pulipaka Shankaraiah , Challa Srinivasa Reddy , Pingili Ravindra Babu
Published: August 2012

Diabetes mellitus (DM) consists of a group of syndromes characterized by hyperglycemia. Prevalence of both type 1 and type 2 DM is increasing worldwide, the prevalence of type 2 is rising much more rapidly because of increasing obesity and reduced activity levels as countries become more industrialized. Operculina turpethum, a medicinal plant widely used in the traditional Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The antidiabetic potential of the methanolic extract of O. turpethum stem (MEOTS) and methanolic extract of O. turpethum root (MEOTR) was evaluated in the Streptozotocin (STZ) - induced type 2 diabetic models. The dose 100 mg/kg of MEOTS and MEOTR were administered to normal, glucose loaded and experimental diabetic rats for 21 days. The signi?cantly (p< 0.05) reduction in fasting blood glucose levels were observed in the normal rats at 3 h as well as in the treated diabetic animals at 21 days, thereby justifying the use of the plant in the indigenous system of medicine.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11618 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 272-278
Hepatoprotective activity of Adina cordifolia against ethanol induce hepatotoxicity in rats
Authors: Sharma A , Sangameswaran B , Jain V , Saluja M S
Published: August 2012

The acetone (AEAC) and aqueous extracts (AQEAC) of Adina cordifolia, belonging to the family Rubiaceae, were studied for hepatoprotective activity against Wister rats with liver damage induced by ethanol. It was found that AEAC and AQEAC, at a dose of 500 mg/kg body weight exhibited hepatoprotective effect by lowering the Serum Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (SGPT), Serum Glutamate Oxaloacetate Transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphate and total bilirubin to a significant extent and also significantly increased the levels of total protein. The hepatoprotective activity was also supported by histopathological studies of liver tissue. Since results of biochemical studies of blood samples of ethanol treated rats showed significant increase in the levels of serum enzyme activities, reflecting the liver injury caused by ethanol and blood samples from the animals treated with AEAC and AQEAC showed significant decrease in the levels of serum markers, indicating the protection of hepatic cells against ethanol induced hepatocellular injury. The effects of AEAC and AQEAC were comparable with standard drug silymarin.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11619 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 279-284
Development of RP-HPLC method for the estimation of Rasagiline mesylate in bulk and tablet dosage forms
Authors: Raj Napa Delhi , Rao Abburu Rukmangada , Bhimanadhuni Chusena Narasimharaju
Published: August 2012

A simple RP-HPLC method for the determination of Rasagiline Mesylate in bulk and tablet dosage form was developed. Numerous HPLC conditions were tested for determination of rasagiline. The best result was achieved by using Purosphere star RP-18, (150×4.6mm), 5µm column and a mobile phase consisting of Potassium Orthophosphate: Acetonitrile (60:40 v/v) adjusted to pH 7.0(±0.05) with Ammonia solution, a flow rate of 1.5 ml/min with ultraviolet detection at 210nm. The correlation coefficients for calibration curves within the detection range of 5-30µg/ml were 0.9993. The within and between-day precision was determined for both retention time and peak area. The retention time of rasagiline is 6.0 minutes.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11620 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 285-287
Standardization of traditionally designed neutraceutical
Authors: Padmaja Deepa , Kannappan Nagappan
Published: August 2012

Plants are the rich source of a variety of chemicals with nutritive and therapeutic properties. The pharmacological activities of allopathic drugs are now decreased before the herbal potency. Now most of the pharmaceutical companies are focusing in this area. The Indian pharmaceutical industry is definitely looking forward to a tremendous herbal marketing. The traditionally designed neutraceutical is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation; consist of Brahmi, Tulsi, and other ingredients in powder form. This neutraceutical is proved for its antibacterial and antioxidant activity. Standardization of the traditionally designed neutraceutical is compared with the marketed product. The uses of medicinal plants are increased in developing nations. Nations like India, is a rich source of Ayurvedic plants. Government of India is also promoting the member states to formulate national policies on traditional medicine. Quality assurance is an integral part of traditional medicine. A comprehensive specification must be developed for each herbal drug preparation based on recent scientific data.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11621 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 288-293
Pharmacy education in India and its neighbouring countries
Authors: Sachan Ayushy , Sachan Anupam K , Gangwar Sudhir S
Published: August 2012

During the past few years, the pharmacy profession has expanded significantly in terms of professional services delivery and now has been recognized as an important profession in the multidisciplinary provision of health care. The Pharmacist is a key component of healthcare and manages the human resource to support the growth. In contrast to the situation in developed countries, pharmacists in developing countries are still underutilized and their role as health care professionals is not deemed important by either the community or other health care providers. The aim of this paper is to highlight the role of pharmacists in developing countries, particularly in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The paper draws on the literature related to the pharmacy profession in the country in the context of the current directions of health care. The paper highlights the current scenario and portrays the pharmacy profession in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. It concludes that although the pharmacy profession in developing countries is continuously evolving, the health care system which yet to recognize the pharmacist's role. This lack of recognition is due to the limited interaction of pharmacists with the public. Pharmacists in developing countries are concerned about their present professional role in the health care system. The information presented in this paper may stimulate discussion and critical analysis and planning, and will be of value in further adaptation of the pharmacy education to desired educational outcomes. These are times of enormous change in healthcare and the pharmacy profession and pharmaceutical education must prepare students to enter into the practice of pharmacy.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v1i9.11622 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal 2012, 1(9): 294-301
Brain Whisperers: Cutting through the Clutter with Neuromarketing
Authors: Andrejevic Mark
Published: August 2012

The development of the field of neuromarketing piggybacks on growing interest in the neurosciences associated with the development of new brain imaging technology and recent theorizations of the role played by emotion in consumer decision making. Neuromarketers assert that people's bodies are, for marketing purposes, more truthful than the words they utter, promising direct access to formerly concealed aspects of consumer desire. This article situates the promise to bypass the vagaries of discourse with techniques for reading the body within the broader context of a changing information environment and the forms of reflexive awareness of the partial and constructed character of narrative forms of representation. It explores the uptake by neuromarketers of recent theories that posit emotional responses as integral to the process of rational decision making. This uptake repositions marketers as adjuncts to rational deliberation rather than threats to it and the forms of autonomy and citizenship with which it is associated. However, the article argues that neuromarketers’ claims to bypass mediation and the impasses of representation break down upon further examination. In the end, an examination of the recent literature on the topic indicates that neuromarketers – like data miners – are more interested in potentially useful correlations than in underlying explanations. Their portrayal of neuromarketing as a technique for accessing what consumers’ ‘really’ feel amounts to a misreading of their own project, which might be more properly understood as the development of techniques for making probabilistic predictions about the behaviour of populations.
Macromolecule-Assisted de novo Protein Folding
Authors: Choi Seong Il , Son Ahyun , Lim Keo-Heun , Jeong Hotcherl , Seong Baik L.
Published: August 2012

In the processes of protein synthesis and folding, newly synthesized polypeptides are tightly connected to the macromolecules, such as ribosomes, lipid bilayers, or cotranslationally folded domains in multidomain proteins, representing a hallmark of de novo protein folding environments in vivo. Such linkage effects on the aggregation of endogenous polypeptides have been largely neglected, although all these macromolecules have been known to effectively and robustly solubilize their linked heterologous proteins in fusion or display technology. Thus, their roles in the aggregation of linked endogenous polypeptides need to be elucidated and incorporated into the mechanisms of de novo protein folding in vivo. In the classic hydrophobic interaction-based stabilizing mechanism underlying the molecular chaperone-assisted protein folding, it has been assumed that the macromolecules connected through a simple linkage without hydrophobic interactions and conformational changes would make no effect on the aggregation of their linked polypeptide chains. However, an increasing line of evidence indicates that the intrinsic properties of soluble macromolecules, especially their surface charges and excluded volume, could be important and universal factors for stabilizing their linked polypeptides against aggregation. Taken together, these macromolecules could act as folding helpers by keeping their linked nascent chains in a folding-competent state. The folding assistance provided by these macromolecules in the linkage context would give new insights into de novo protein folding inside the cell.
Laminarin Induces Apoptosis of Human Colon Cancer LOVO Cells through a Mitochondrial Pathway
Authors: Ji Yu Bin , Ji Chen Feng , Zhang He
Published: August 2012

Many scientific studies have shown that laminarin has anti-tumor effects, but the anti-tumor mechanism was unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of laminarin on the induction of apoptosis in human colon cancer LOVO cells and the molecular mechanism involved. LOVO cells were treated with different concentrations of laminarin at different times. Morphology observations were performed to determine the effects of laminarin on apoptosis of LOVO cells. Flow cytometry (FCM) was used to detect the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and pH. Laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM) was used to analyze intracellular calcium ion concentration, mitochondrion permeability transition pore (MPTP) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Western blotd were performed to analyze the expressions of Cyt-C, Caspase-9 and -3. The results showed the apoptosis morphology, which showed cell protuberance, concentrated cytoplasm and apoptotic bodies, was obvious after 72 h treatment. Laminarin treatment for 24 h increased the intracellular level of ROS and Ca2+; decreased pH value; activated intracellular MPTP and decreased MMP in dose-dependent manners. It also induced the release of Cyt-C and the activation of Caspase-9 and -3. In conclusion, laminarin induces LOVO cell apoptosis through a mitochondrial pathway, suggesting that it could be a potent agent for cancer prevention and treatment.
Francesco Petrarca and the Parameters of Historical Research
Authors: Witt Ronald
Published: August 2012

Although scholars in the first two generations of humanism wrote the histories drawing heavily on ancient Roman sources, Petrarca was the first humanist historian to focuses on the history of ancient Roma. Because he was also the earliest to approach ancient Romans as historically conditioned human beings, he was able to see the achievements of the Romans in historical perspective. At the same time he was unable to separate mythology from history and acknowledged the effect of divine and diabolical forces on the course of human events.
Semi-Supervised Methods to Identify Individual Crowns of Lowland Tropical Canopy Species Using Imaging Spectroscopy and LiDAR
Authors: Féret Jean-Baptiste , Asner Gregory P.
Published: August 2012

Our objective is to identify and map individuals of nine tree species in a Hawaiian lowland tropical forest by comparing the performance of a variety of semi-supervised classifiers. A method was adapted to process hyperspectral imagery, LiDAR intensity variables, and LiDAR-derived canopy height and use them to assess the identification accuracy. We found that semi-supervised Support Vector Machine classification using tensor summation kernel was superior to supervised classification, with demonstrable accuracy for at least eight out of nine species, and for all combinations of data types tested. We also found that the combination of hyperspectral imagery and LiDAR data usually improved species classification. Both LiDAR intensity and LiDAR canopy height proved useful for classification of certain species, but the improvements varied depending upon the species in question. Our results pave the way for target-species identification in tropical forests and other ecosystems.
An Improved Force Feedback Control Algorithm for Active Tendons
Authors: Guo Tieneng , Liu Zhifeng , Cai Ligang
Published: August 2012

An active tendon, consisting of a displacement actuator and a co-located force sensor, has been adopted by many studies to suppress the vibration of large space flexible structures. The damping, provided by the force feedback control algorithm in these studies, is small and can increase, especially for tendons with low axial stiffness. This study introduces an improved force feedback algorithm, which is based on the idea of velocity feedback. The algorithm provides a large damping ratio for space flexible structures and does not require a structure model. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated on a structure similar to JPL-MPI. The results show that large damping can be achieved for the vibration control of large space structures.
Tell Me Who You Think You Are and I Tell You How You Travel. Exploring the Viability of Market Segmentation by Means of Travelers' Stated Personality: Insights from a Mature Market (Switzerland)
Authors: Laesser Christian , Zehrer Anita
Published: August 2012

People travel to different destinations for different reasons. In this study, we investigate the viability of market segmentation by personal traits (based on and exemplified by Jungian's MBTI variables) of travelers from Switzerland, by performing a data-driven a posteriori segmentation
by means of k-means clustering. To identify the segmentation power of personal traits, this analysis is complemented with a multiple discriminant analysis as well as a number of contingency tests to identify differences between the segments. We identified four clearly definable segments, which
differ in terms of the psychographic traits of the segment members but also in terms of some sociodemographic characteristics as well as travel profiles. Despite a growing body of work on classical market segmentation, there is a growing but still limited number of works on potentialities
of psychographic approaches relating to a traveler's traits and/or personality as a segmentation basis in tourism.
Tour Operators' Service Quality and Efficacy of Satisfaction Measurement
Authors: Meng Fang , Turk Ercan (Sirakaya) , Altintas Volkan
Published: August 2012

The purpose of this research is to assess the service quality determinants of tour operators and examine the efficacy of these evaluations on overall trip satisfaction when customer mood is introduced as a moderating variable. The overall hypothesis of the article is that tourists'
assessments of services and satisfaction may not be free of bias, but may depend on emotional states (such as mood) during the evaluation stage. The study used a sample of german tourists who traveled to the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The findings of the study lend support to previous
literature that suggests tourists' moods influence overall trip satisfaction. Specifically, mood had significant interaction effects with intangible components of tour operations, such as staff and tour guides' services, as well as attitudes of locals, in predicting the overall trip satisfaction
ratings. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed within the general framework of consumer behavior, and research ideas are provided to help guide further research in the area.
Governance of Tourism Planning in Macao
Authors: Wan Penny Yim King
Published: August 2012

Using an institutional approach, this article examines the mode of governance regulating macao's tourism planning. We study the tourism planning system, practices and rules, the coordination of intergovernmental departments, and public access to information through a qualitative content
research method. We also assess whether the existing mode of governance facilitates or impedes the city's sustainable tourism development. The results of this study reveal that macao's tourism planning is governed by a progrowth mode which is steered by the government officials for the economic
reasons. This mode impedes long-term sustainable tourism growth. Finally, we offer policy directions on how to develop a more effective governance to facilitate sustainable tourism.
Synthesis of a novel chemotype via sequential metal-catalyzed cycloisomerizations
Authors: Leng Bo , Chichetti Stephanie , Su Shun , Beeler Aaron B , Porco John A
Published: August 2012

Sequential cycloisomerizations of diynyl o-benzaldehyde substrates to access novel polycyclic cyclopropanes are reported. The reaction sequence involves initial Cu(I)-mediated cycloisomerization/nucleophilic addition to an isochromene followed by diastereoselective Pt(II)-catalyzed enyne cycloisomerization.
Pharmacokinetics and 48-Week Safety and Efficacy of Generic Lopinavir/Ritonavir in Thai HIV-Infected Patients
Authors: Ramautarsing Reshmie A , van der Lugt Jasper , Gorowara Meena , Sophonphan Jiratchaya , Ananworanich Jintanat , Lange Joep MA , Burger David M , Phanuphak Praphan , Ruxthungtham Kiat , Avihingsanon Anchalee
Published: August 2012

Background

Generic products reduce the costs of HIV treatment. Few generic second-line antiretroviral products are available. We assessed pharmacokinetics, safety and efficacy of generic lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) produced by the Government Pharmaceutical Organization (GPO) of Thailand in Thai HIV-infected adults.

Methods

This was a single-arm prospective study. Patients with plasma HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml for ≥24 weeks, who were protease inhibitor (PI)-naive or experienced, were eligible. Patients started generic LPV/r tablets, 400/100 mg twice daily. At week 4, therapeutic drug monitoring was performed and analysed by validated HPLC. In patients using Kaletra® (Abbott Laboratories, North Chicago, IL, USA) soft gel capsules (SGC) or generic LPV/r tablets produced by Mylan (Canonsburg, PA, USA; formerly Matrix, Hyderabad, India) prior to study entry, we compared the plasma minimum concentrations (Cmin) of the different formulations. Plasma HIV-1 RNA and safety were assessed until week 48.

Results

A total of 70 patients (32 males) were enrolled. Mean (sd) age was 40.7 (7.9) years and mean (sd) body weight was 60.3 (9.0) kg. Before study entry, all patients were virologically suppressed using a PI-based regimen; 62 (88.6%) were using LPV/r (Kaletra® SGC n=22 and Mylan generic tablets n=40). Mean (sd) Cmin of GPO lopinavir and GPO ritonavir at week 4 were 7.1 (2.9) mg/l and 0.39 (0.21) mg/l, respectively, and not significantly different from the Cmin when taking Kaletra® SGC or Mylan generic tablets. After 48 weeks, 95.6% of patients maintained plasma HIV-1 RNA<50 copies/ml. Four grade 3 and no grade 4 adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

Generic LPV/r showed adequate levels, good tolerability and excellent 48-week efficacy.
Myelin Basic Protein-Specific TCR/HLA-DRB5*01:01 Transgenic Mice Support the Etiologic Role of DRB5*01:01 in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Quandt Jacqueline A. , Huh Jaebong , Baig Mirza , Yao Karen , Ito Naoko , Bryant Mark , Kawamura Kazuyuki , Pinilla Clemencia , McFarland Henry F. , Martin Roland , Ito Kouichi
Published: August 2012

Genetic susceptibility to multiple sclerosis (MS) has been linked to the HLA-DR15 haplotype consisting of DRB1*15:01(DR2b) and DRB5*01:01(DR2a) alleles. Given almost complete linkage disequilibrium of the two alleles, recent studies suggested differential roles in susceptibility (DR2b) or protection from MS (DR2a). Our objective was to assess the potential contribution of DR2a to disease etiology in MS using a humanized model of autoimmunity. To assess the potential contribution of DR2a to disease etiology, we created DR2a humanized transgenic (Tg) mice and subsequently crossed them to Tg mice expressing TL3A6, an MS patient-derived myelin basic protein 83-99–specific TCR. In TL3A6/DR2a Tg mice, CD4 Tg T cells escape thymic and peripheral deletion and initiate spontaneous experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) at low rates, depending on the level of DR2a expression. The ability to induce active EAE was also increased in animals expressing higher levels of DR2a. Inflammatory infiltrates and neuronal damage were present throughout the spinal cord, consistent with a classical ascending EAE phenotype with minor involvement of the cerebellum, brainstem, and peripheral nerve roots in spontaneous, as well as actively induced, disease. These studies emphasize the pathologic contribution of the DR2a allele to the development of autoimmunity when expressed as the sole MHC class II molecule, as well as strongly argue for DR2a as a contributor to the CNS autoimmunity in MS.