bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beyond the accolades: a postcolonial critique of the foundations of the Ottawa Charter
Authors: McPhail-Bell Karen , Fredericks Bronwyn , Brough Mark
Published: June 2013

Introduction:

The Ottawa Charter is undeniably of pivotal importance in the history of ideas associated with the establishment of health promotion. There is much to applaud in a charter which responds to the need to take action on the social and economic determinants of health and which seeks to empower communities to be at the centre of this. Such accolades tend to position the Ottawa Charter as ‘beyond critique’; a taken-for-granted ‘given’ in the history of health promotion. In contrast, we argue it is imperative to critically reflect on its ‘manufacture’ and assess the possibility that certain voices have been privileged, and others marginalized.

Methods:

This paper re-examines the 1986 Ottawa Conference including its background papers from a postcolonial standpoint. We use critical discourse analysis as a tool to identify the enactment of power within the production of the Ottawa health promotion discourse. This exercise draws attention to both the power to ensure the dominant presence of privileged voices at the conference as well as the discursive strategies deployed to ‘naturalize’ the social order of inequality.

Results:

Our analysis shows that the discourse informing the development of the Ottawa Charter strongly reflected Western/colonizer centric worldviews, and actively silenced the possibility of countervailing Indigenous and developing country voices.

Conclusion:

The Ottawa Charter espouses principles of participation, empowerment and social justice. We question then whether the genesis of the Ottawa Charter lives up to its own principles of practice. We conclude that reflexive practice is crucial to health promotion, which ought to include a preparedness for health promotion to more critically acknowledge its own history. (Global Health Promotion, 2013; 20(2): 22–29)
Increased invasion and tumorigenicity capacity of CD44+/CD24- breast cancer MCF7 cells in vitro and in nude mice
Authors: Yan Wenxing , Chen Yubing , Yao Yueliang , Zhang Hongmei , Wang Tiejun
Published: June 2013

Background

Identification of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their behaviors will provide insightful information for the future control of human cancers. This study investigated CD44 and CD24 cell surface markers as breast cancer CSC markersin vitroandin vivo.

Methods

Flow cytometry with CD44 and CD24 markers was used to sort breast cancer MCF7 cells for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tumor cell invasion assay, and nude mouse xenograft assay.

Results

Flow cytometry assay using CD44 and CD24 markers sorted MCF7 cells into four subsets, i.e., CD44+/CD24-/low, CD44-/CD24+, CD44+/CD24+, and CD44-/CD24-. The SEM data showed that there were many protrusions on the surface of CD44+/CD24-/lowcells. CD44+/CD24-/lowcells had many microvilli and pseudopodia. The CD44+/CD24-/lowcells had a higher migration and invasion abilities than that of the other three subsets of the cells. Thein vivotumor formation assay revealed that CD44+/CD24-cells had the highest tumorigenic capacity compared to the other three subsets.

Conclusion

CD44 and CD24 could be useful markers for identification of breast CSCs because CD44+/CD24-/lowcells had unique surface ultrastructures and the highest tumorigenicity and invasive abilities.
Overexpression of PRMT6 does not suppress HIV-1 Tat transactivation in cells naturally lacking PRMT6
Authors: Sivakumaran Haran , Lin Min-Hsuan , Apolloni Ann , Cutillas Vincent , Jin Hongping , Li Dongsheng , Wei Ting , Harrich David
Published: June 2013

Background

Protein arginine methyltransferase 6 (PRMT6) can methylate the HIV-1 Tat, Rev and nucleocapsid proteins in a manner that diminishes each of their functions in in vitro assays, and increases the stability of Tat in human cells. In this study, we explored the relationship between PRMT6 and HIV-1 Tat by determining the domains in each protein required for interaction.

Methods

Through domain mapping and immunoprecipitation experiments, we determined that both the amino and carboxyl termini of PRMT6, and the activation domain within Tat are essential for interaction. Mutation of the basic domain of Tat did not affect the ability of PRMT6 to interact with Tat.

Results

We next used the A549 human alveolar adenocarcinoma cell line, which naturally expresses undetectable levels of PRMT6, as a model for testing the effects of PRMT6 on Tat stability, transactivation, and HIV-1 replication. As previously observed, steady state levels and the protein half-life of Tat were increased by the ectopic expression of PRMT6. However, no down regulation of Tat transactivation function was observed, even with over 300-fold molar excess of PRMT6 plasmid. We also observed no negative effect on HIV-1 infectivity when A549 producer cells overexpressed PRMT6.

Conclusions

We show that PRMT6 requires the activation domain, but surprisingly not the basic domain, of Tat for protein interaction. This interaction between Tat and PRMT6 may impact upon pathogenic effects attributed to Tat during HIV-1 infection other than its function during transactivation.
Maintaining the structural integrity of the bamboo mosaic virus3′ untranslated region is necessary for retaining the catalytic constant for minus-strand RNA synthesis
Authors: Chen I-Hsuan , Chu Chiu-Heiu , Lin Jen-Wen , Hsu Yau-Heiu , Tsai Ching-Hsiu
Published: June 2013

Background

Bamboo mosaic virus (BaMV) and the Potato virus X (PVX) are members of the genus Potexvirus and have a single-stranded positive-sense RNA genome. The 3′-untranslated region (UTR) of the BaMV RNA genome was mapped structurally into ABC (a cloverleaf-like), D (a stem-loop), and E (pseudoknot) domains. The BaMV replicase complex that was isolated from the infected plants was able to recognize the 3′ UTR of PVX RNA to initiate minus-strand RNA synthesis in vitro.

Results

To investigate whether the 3′ UTR of PVX RNA is also compatible with BaMV replicase in vivo, we constructed chimera mutants using a BaMV backbone containing the PVX 3′ UTR, which was inserted in or used to replace the various domains in the 3′ UTR of BaMV. None of the mutants, except for the mutant with the PVX 3′ UTR inserted upstream of the BaMV 3′ UTR, exhibited a detectable accumulation of viral RNA in Nicotiana benthamiana plants. The in vitro BaMV RdRp replication assay demonstrated that the RNA products were generated by the short RNA transcripts, which were derived from the chimera mutants to various extents. Furthermore, the Vmax/KM of the BaMV 3′ UTR (rABCDE) was approximately three fold higher than rABCP, rP, and rDE in minus-strand RNA synthesis. These mutants failed to accumulate viral products in protoplasts and plants, but were adequately replicated in vitro.

Conclusions

Among the various studied BaMV/PVX chimera mutants, the BaMV-S/PABCDE that contained non-interrupted BaMV 3′ UTR was the only mutant that exhibited a wild-type level of viral product accumulation in protoplasts and plants. These results indicate that the continuity of the domains in the 3′ UTR of BaMV RNA was not interrupted and the domains were not replaced with the 3′ UTR of PVX RNA in vivo.
Mining functional subgraphs from cancer protein-protein interaction networks
Authors: Shen Ru , Goonesekere Nalin CW , Guda Chittibabu
Published: June 2013

Background

Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks carry vital information about proteins' functions. Analysis of PPI networks associated with specific disease systems including cancer helps us in the understanding of the complex biology of diseases. Specifically, identification of similar and frequently occurring patterns (network motifs) across PPI networks will provide useful clues to better understand the biology of the diseases.

Results

In this study, we developed a novel pattern-mining algorithm that detects cancer associated functional subgraphs occurring in multiple cancer PPI networks. We constructed nine cancer PPI networks using differentially expressed genes from the Oncomine dataset. From these networks we discovered frequent patterns that occur in all networks and at different size levels. Patterns are abstracted subgraphs with their nodes replaced by node cluster IDs. By using effective canonical labeling and adopting weighted adjacency matrices, we are able to perform graph isomorphism test in polynomial running time. We use a bottom-up pattern growth approach to search for patterns, which allows us to effectively reduce the search space as pattern sizes grow. Validation of the frequent common patterns using GO semantic similarity showed that the discovered subgraphs scored consistently higher than the randomly generated subgraphs at each size level. We further investigated the cancer relevance of a select set of subgraphs using literature-based evidences.

Conclusion

Frequent common patterns exist in cancer PPI networks, which can be found through effective pattern mining algorithms. We believe that this work would allow us to identify functionally relevant and coherent subgraphs in cancer networks, which can be advanced to experimental validation to further our understanding of the complex biology of cancer.
Gold nanoparticles - the theranostic challenge for PPPM: nanocardiology application
Authors: Spivak Mykola Ya , Bubnov Rostyslav V , Yemets Ilya M , Lazarenko Liudmyla M , Tymoshok Natalia O , Ulberg Zoia R
Published: June 2013

The article overviews the potential biomedical applications of nanoscale gold particles for predictive, preventive and personalised nanomedicine in cardiology. The review demonstrates the wide opportunities for gold nanoparticles due to their unique biological properties. The use of gold nanoparticles in cardiology is promising to develop fundamentally new methods of diagnosis and treatment. The nanotheranostics in cardiovascular diseases allows the non-invasive imaging associated with simultaneous therapeutic intervention and predicting treatment outcomes. Imaging may reflect the effectiveness of treatment and has become a fundamental optimisation setting for therapeutic protocol. Combining the application of biomolecular and cellular therapies with nanotechnologies foresees the development of complex integrated nanodevices. Nanocardiology may challenge existing healthcare system and economic benefits as cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality at present.
Reliability of the slowness and slowness-polarization methods for anisotropy estimation in VTI media from 3C walkaway VSP data
Authors: Asgharzadeh Mehdi , Bóna Andrej , Pevzner Roman , Urosevic Milovan , Gurevich Boris
Published: June 2013

We studied the validity of qP-wave slowness and slowness-polarization methods for estimating local anisotropy parameters in transversely isotropic (TI) media by quantifying the estimation errors in a numerical exercise. We generated numerical slownesses and polarizations over two aperture ranges corresponding to a short offset walkaway vertical seismic profiling (VSP) and a long offset walkaway VSP for a range of TI models with vertical axis of symmetry (VTI). Synthetic data are equisampled over the phase angle range and contaminated with Gaussian noise. We inverted the data and compared the anisotropy parameters of the optimal model with the true model. We found that the selection of a proper methodology for VTI parameter estimation based on walkaway VSP measurements was mostly dependent on our ability to accurately estimate either horizontal components of qP-wave slowness vector or the polarization vector. With data contaminated with noise, methods that include the horizontal component of the slowness vector had greater accuracy than the methods that replace this information with polarization measurements. The estimations are particularly accurate when a wide range of propagation angle was available. For short offsets, only parameter [Formula: see text] could be reliably estimated. In the absence of long offsets, depending on the accuracy of polarization measurements, the method based on the weak anisotropy approximation for qP-wave velocity in VTI media or the method based on slowness and polarization vectors could be used to estimate [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. If the horizontal components of the slowness vector were not available (a heterogeneous overburden), we used methods that were based on local measurements of the polarization vector. We found that, with accurate measurements of the polarization vector, the method based on exact relationship between vertical slowness and polarization dip could be used to estimate VTI parameters even for the cases in which the wide offset range was not available.
CONCEPTUAL MODEL OF SUSTAINABILITY LEVEL’S ASSESSMENT
Authors: Манайкина  , Manaykina Ekaterina
Published: June 2013

Environmental and social aspects in the design and implementation

of projects is considered as an effective tool for achieving the goals of

sustainable development. However, the implementation of sustainable

development principles into the practice of project management as a

unique area of research is only beginning to be studied. The article

reveals the essence of the concept of sustainable development in the

field of project management, basic principles that need to be taken into

account and gives a theoretical basis of integrating the principles of

sustainable development into the modern project management methodology.

This paper presents a maturity model that provides practical

insights on this question. Based on the concepts of sustainability, the

model assesses the level of consideration of sustainability in projects.
Data Envelopment Analysis with Nonhomogeneous DMUs
Authors: Cook Wade D. , Harrison Julie , Imanirad Raha , Rouse Paul , Zhu Joe
Published: June 2013

Data envelopment analysis (DEA), as originally proposed, is a methodology for evaluating the relative efficiencies of a set of homogeneous decision-making units (DMUs) in the sense that each uses the same input and output measures (in varying amounts from one DMU to another). In some situations, however, the assumption of homogeneity among DMUs may not apply. As an example, consider the case where the DMUs are plants in the same industry that may not all produce the same products. Evaluating efficiencies in the absence of homogeneity gives rise to the issue of how to fairly compare a DMU to other units, some of which may not be exactly in the same “business.” A related problem, and one that has been examined extensively in the literature, is the missing data problem; a DMU produces a certain output, but its value is not known. One approach taken to address this problem is to “create” a value for the missing output (e.g., substituting zero, or by taking the average of known values), and use it to fill in the gaps. In the present setting, however, the issue isn't that the data for the output is missing for certain DMUs, but rather that the output isn't produced. We argue herein that if a DMU has chosen not to produce a certain output, or for any reason cannot produce that output, and therefore does not put the resources in place to do so, then it would be inappropriate to artificially assign that DMU a zero value or some “average” value for the nonexistent factor. Specifically, the desire is to fairly evaluate a DMU for what it does, rather than penalize or credit it for what it doesn't do. In the current paper we present DEA-based models for evaluating the relative efficiencies of a set of DMUs where the requirement of homogeneity is relaxed. We then use these models to examine the efficiencies of a set of manufacturing plants.
Qualitative secondary analysis in practice: introduction
Authors: Irwin Sarah
Published: June 2013

This Open Space section presents exemplars of qualitative secondary analysis in practice along with discussion of the challenges of, and strategies for, conducting such analysis. The articles share an historical as well as sociological dimension in their focus. Two of them centre on aspects of change in familial and intergenerational relationships, and the wider societal contexts in which these are shaped. Throughout, the articles examine questions of secondary analytic method alongside substantive and conceptual puzzles.
Assessment of specific absorption rate reduction in human head using metamaterial
Authors: Faruque Mohammad Rashed Iqbal , Islam Mohammad Tariqul , Mohamed Nik Abdullah Nik
Published: June 2013

In this paper, the specific absorption rate (SAR) reduction in human head with metamaterial attachment is calculated. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been used to evaluate the SAR in an anatomically correct model of the human head. We designed the double-negative metamaterials by placing periodic array arrangement of split ring resonators (SRRs). By properly designing and tuning the structural parameters of SRRS, the effective medium parameters can be made negative at 900 and 1800 MHz band, as presented in this paper. Experimental results show that, with presence of resonators, SAR reduction in the human head is achievable. These results can provide useful insight into the design of safety-compliant mobile communication equipment.
Dispersion relation of 3D photonic crystals based on macroporous silicon
Authors: Schilling J. , Müller F. , Wehrspohn R.B. , Gösele U. , Busch K.
Published: June 2013

Extended 3D photonic crystals based on macroporous silicon are prepared by applying a periodic variation of the illumination during photoelectrochemical etching. If the lateral pore arrangement is 2D hexagonal, the resulting structure exhibits a simple 3D hexagonal symmetry. The dispersion relation along the pore axis is investigated by optical transmission measurements. Photonic band gaps originating from the pore diameter modulation are observed and the group velocities of the photonic bands are determined by analyzing the Fabry-Perot resonances. Furthermore, angular resolved transmission measurements show a spectral region of omnidirectional total reflectivity.
A suite of prey traits determine predator and nutrient enrichment effects in a tri‐trophic food chain
Authors: Ruehl Clifton B. , Trexler Joel C.
Published: June 2013

Predation, predation risk, and resource quality affect suites of prey traits that collectively impact individual fitness, population dynamics, and community structure. However, studies of multi‐trophic level effects generally focus on a single prey trait, failing to capture trade‐offs among suites of covarying traits that govern population responses and emergent community patterns. We used structural equation models (SEM) to summarize the non‐lethal and lethal effects of crayfish, Procambarus fallax, and phosphorus (P) addition, which affected prey food quality (periphyton), on the interactive effects of behavioral, morphological, developmental, and reproductive traits of snails, Planorbella duryi. Univariate and multivariate analyses suggested trade‐offs between production (growth, reproduction) and defense (foraging behavior, shell shape) traits of snails in response to non‐lethal crayfish and P addition, but few lethal effects. SEM revealed that non‐lethal crayfish effects indirectly limited per capita offspring standing stock by increasing refuge use, slowing individual growth, and inducing snails to produce thicker, compressed shells. The negative effects of non‐lethal crayfish on snails were strongest with P addition; snails increased allocation to shell defense rather than growth or reproduction. However, compared to ambient conditions, P addition with non‐lethal crayfish still yielded greater per capita offspring standing stock by speeding individual snail growth enabling them to produce more offspring that also grew faster. Increased refuge use in response to non‐lethal crayfish led to a non‐lethal trophic cascade that altered the spatial distribution of periphyton. Independent of crayfish effects, snails stimulated periphyton growth through nutrient regeneration. These findings illustrate the importance of studying suites of traits that reveal costs associated with inducing different traits and how expressing those traits impacts population and community level processes.
The crisis of the core seen through the eyes of the periphery: A Schelling model of the global-south megacity and the European crisis
Authors: Dymski Gary
Published: June 2013

Adapting Schelling?s checker-board discrimination framework, we develop a
disequilibrium model to examine growth in two core-periphery settings:
global-South megacities and the Eurozone. Regarding megacities, informal
sector growth undercuts the government?s capacity to fund fully adequate
public services. Regarding the Eurozone, an increase in the relative size of
the periphery will - under the government?s balanced-budget constraint -
undercut the provision of public safety-net and infrastructure services. And
if low-wage production is initiated in the European periphery, the core is
likely to collapse. ?Urbanization is decisive because it is so expensive. The
difference between the costs of urban development and rural development does
not turn on comparing the capital required for factories and that required
for farms. Each of these is a small part of total investment, and the
difference per head is not always in favor of industry. The difference turns
on infrastructure.? W. Arthur Lewis (1977, pp. 39-40).
Capital flows, real exchange rates, and capital controls: What is the scope of liberalization for Tunisia?
Authors: Marrakchi Charfi
Published: June 2013

This paper deals with an important aspect of Tunisian economic and political
decisions related to the opportunity for currency convertibility. Tunisia
has established its current currency convertibility and has taken steps to
achieve full convertibility of the dinar by gradually removing capital flow
obstacles. Theoretical and empirical literature suggests that capital
account liberalization generally leads to capital inflow in developing
countries, generating an appreciation in the real exchange rate (RER) and
thus a loss in competitiveness. However, preserving competitiveness is a key
challenge for monetary authorities, who have to conciliate these two
apparently conflicting purposes. To guide their decisions with respect to
the prescribed procedure for capital liberalization, we need to evaluate the
impact of each capital component flow on the RER. The question is addressed
by analyzing impulse response functions (IRF) resulting from a VAR model,
covering 1970 to 2010 and gathering the RER, its fundamental determinants,
monetary variables and an estimated capital control (CC) variable. Results
show that a relaxation of CC overappreciates the RER to its long-term level,
and liberalizing portfolio investment is the most compromising for
competitiveness.
Co-regency: Constantine and Licinivs and the political division of the Balkans
Authors: Mirkovic Miroslava
Published: June 2013

In the agreement which followed the first war between Constantine and
Licinius and Constantine?s victory on the Campus Ardiensis, Licinius was
forced, as generally accepted, to surrender Illyricum where he was undisputed
ruler until 316. However he was not neutralized politically and reigned
together with Constantine between AD 316 and 324. Some kind of division of
the sphere of interest seems to have existed between them. Constantine, whose
movements in the Balkans are known from the places of editing laws, visited
only the western half, i.e. Illyricum after 316. If we follow the evidence of
the places and dates of the promulgation of Constantine?s laws, we can
consider the line dividing the region controlled by Constantine and that
under Licinius? command, running from the North to the South and leaving
Constantine the Pannonian provinces, Moesia I, Dacia Ripensis, Dacia
Mediterranea and Dardania, as well as Macedonia, with the legionary camps on
the Danube in Pannonia and Moesia I; the provinces on the East of that line,
Moesia II, Scythia Minor and Thracia belonged to the region in which Licinius
had command. However, there is evidence indicating that the territorial
division of the Balkans between Constantine and Licinius after the battle of
Cibalae was not strictly observed except on the Danube, in the zone where the
military camps were located. In spite of Constantine?s presence in Illyricum,
Licinius?s influence on the high commanders on the Danube never disappeared
nor did his presence in the provinces he lost after the Bellum Cibalense.
Licinius had the jubilee silver plates made for his decennalia in Naissus in
Dacia Mediterranea. The siver plates which have been produced in Naissus, in
the part of the Balkans which was under Constantine?s control, bear the
inscription LICINI AVGVSTE SEMPER VINCAS. The co-operation between
Constantine and Licinius concerned the defense of the frontiers and the
administration in both parts of the Empire, but it was not based on the
subordination of one to another as it was in the time of Diocletian who
created the system tetrarchy.
Dioclea in De administrando imperio
Authors: Novakovic Bojan
Published: June 2013

In this text the author analyzes the data on the Slavic Principality of
Dioclea found in De administrando imperio, the work by the Byzantine emperor
and writer Constantine VII Porphyrogennetos. In the beginning, he adresses
the narrative given in chapter 29 (Of Dalmatia and of the adjacent nations in
it) concerning the emperor Diocletian building ancient Dioclea, after which
the inhabitants of this principality were named Dioklhtianoi. This is then
followed by an attempt to specify the data from chapter 30 (The story of the
province of Dalmatia) about Dioclea?s borders being given arbitrarily in
relation to the Byzantine cities and the neighbouring Slavic principalities.
The most concrete datum in chapter 35 (Of the Diocletians and of the country
they now dwell in) refers to the list of Dioclean towns which have not been
located even today. The author reveals new data in terms of the names of
those towns, which in certain cases point to where they could now be possibly
located. De administrando imperio does not contain valuable data on the
Slavic past of the Dioclea Principality, but only general views of Dioclea
accentuating its geographical characteristics.
Serbs in the works of Demetrios Cydones
Authors: Pavlovic Bojana
Published: June 2013

One of the main topics of the works of Cydones is the foreign policy of
Byzantium. Mutual incomprehension of Byzantium and the West, the growing
threat and fear of the Ottoman Turks, lack of trust and, in a way, animosity
towards the neighboring countries (primarily towards Bulgaria and Serbia in
the time of Stefan Dusan and his immediate successors), represent three most
important factors of that foreign policy in which Cydones also took part.
This article deals with Cydones? perception of Serbs and the information he
provides on them in his works. Two major parts can be discerned in this
paper. The first chapters deal with the information Cydones? provides on
Serbs in his letters. The last chapter, in which his speeches and the
preambule of the charter of John V Palaiologos written by Cydones are being
analyzed, deals with his perception of the Byzantine Slavic neighbor.
Significance of GRP78 expression in acute myeloid leukemias
Authors: Wróbel Tomasz , Stefanko Ewa , Dzietczenia Justyna , Jaźwiec Bożena , Mazur Grzegorz , Haus Olga , Dybko Jarosław , Kuliczkowski Kazimierz
Published: June 2013

The GRP78 (glucose-regulated protein 78) is a major endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone facilitating proper folding of the newly synthesized proteins. By the interaction with caspases, GRP78 has antiapoptotic properties allowing cells to survive under stress condition. GRP78 expression and its association with tumor proliferation, metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy were observed in solid tumors. There are limited data on the expression and impact of this protein on the clinical course and treatment response in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of GRP78 mRNA in patients with de novo AML. These results were compared to healthy controls, blast phenotype, molecular and cytogenetic status and clinical features of AML. 101 non-M3 AML patients and 26 healthy individuals were included in this study. The expression of GRP78 mRNA in bone marrow was analyzed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR). We demonstrated increased GRP78 mRNA expression in AML patients compared to healthy controls, although this difference was statistically significant only in CD34+ leukemias. There was also no significant correlation between GRP78 mRNA expression and complete remission rate, relapse-free survival and overall survival. These results indicate that GRP78 expression is increased in CD34+ leukemias and has no prognostic impact on clinical outcome in AML.
Synthesis and characterisation of a novel bi-nuclear copper2+ complex and its application as electrode-modifying agent for simultaneous voltammetric determination of dopamine and ascorbic acid
Authors: Das Diganta , Sarma Babita , Haloi Sangita
Published: June 2013

A new binuclear complex of copper2+, [LCu2+(CH3COO)2Cu2+L](CH3COO)2 where L is N,N-bis(phthalimide)ethylenediamine, was synthesised and characterised. The complex ion [LCu2+ (CH3COO)2Cu2+L]2+ was encapsulated into ZSM-5 zeolite and used to modify the surface of the glassy carbon electrode. This modified electrode, in a phosphate buffer solution at pH 7.0, exhibited an oxidation potential for dopamine (DA) and ascorbic acid (AA) at electrode potentials of 0.230 V and −0.090 V vs. Ag/AgCl respectively, a separation of 0.320 V. The electro-oxidation of DA or AA on the modified electrode is independent of each other. No interference was observed from Na+, K+, Cl−, SO42−, Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, and glucose. The detection limits obtained were 2.91 × 10−7 M for DA and 3.5 × 10−7 M for AA.
X-ray molecular structure and theoretical study of 1,4-bis[2-cyano-2-(o-pyridyl)ethenyl]benzene
Authors: Percino M. , Castro Maria , Ceron Margarita , Soriano-Moro Guillermo , Chapela Victor , Melendez Francisco
Published: June 2013

The structural characterisation of the molecule 1,4-bis[2-cyano-2-(o-pyridyl)ethenyl] benzene obtained through Knoevenagel condensation is reported. The single crystals, as light brown rods, were cultured from a chloroform solution using a slow evaporation method at ambient temperature. The compound crystallised in the monoclinic system belonging to the C2/c space group with a = 26.4556(9) Å, b = 3.73562(10) Å, c = 18.4230(6) Å, β = 109.841(4)° and the asymmetric unit comprising Z = 4. The structure is ordered and the molecules of the title compound exhibited a lattice with water molecules located at sites of inversion and two-fold axial symmetries. Thus, only halves of the molecules are symmetrically independent. The lattice is reported and contrasted with X-ray single-crystal diffraction and theoretical calculations of 1,4-bis(1-cyano-2-phenylethenyl)benzene. By using density functional theory (DFT) and second order Moller-Plesset (MP2) theoretical calculations, the ground state geometry in the whole molecule at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p), and MP2/6-31+G(d,p) theory levels, respectively, were optimised. The DFT calculations showed a quasi-planar structure of the molecule, whereas the wave function-based MP2 method afforded a non-planar optimised structure with significant torsion angles between the pyridine and phenyl rings.
Imposition, Emulation and Adaptation: Regulatory Regimes in the Commons of Early Modern Germany
Authors: Warde Paul
Published: June 2013

New institutional approaches to the commons have seen a proliferation of work in recent years that has overturned stereotypes of 'tragedy' and mismanagement. Much of this work remains centred, however, on the fortunes of individual commons and relates changes in management to local challenges and experiences. This article uses a large sample of by-laws from commons in south-western Germany to show how regulation has emerged as a complex historical process of imposition of rules by lordship, emulation of neighbours and response to crisis; it demonstratesÂ that relying on the internal evidence of individual by-laws can be quite misleadingÂ about the circumstances of their creation. The articleÂ argues that a major stimulus to by-law recording was intra-communal conflict, and, as the results of negotiated resolution of these disputes, we should be cautious of reading by-laws as records of ecological optimisation rather thanÂ attempts to resolve conflicts over the allocation of resources.Â
Ochre Use in the Middle Stone Age at Sibudu, South Africa: Grinding, Rubbing, Scoring and Engraving
Authors: Hodgskiss Tammy
Published: June 2013

Many Middle Stone Age (MSA) sites have evidence of the regular collection and use of ochre. Sibudu (KwaZulu- Natal, South Africa) has a large MSA ochre assemblage of over 9000 pieces from layers dating between ~77 ka and ~38 ka. There are 682 pieces with signs of use. All usetraces were examined and activity categories were defined based on published ochre experiments. The most frequent markings on ochre pieces are grinding striations that are smoothed by subsequent rubbing. Grinding and rubbing also occur independently on many pieces. Scored pieces are rare, but are more common in the pre-Still Bay (~77 ka) industry than elsewhere in the sequence. Some scored pieces may represent deliberate engravings. Markings acquired during powder-production are most numerous in the assemblage. Powder was mostly produced from bright-red pieces, but scoring was mainly performed on brown-red pieces. Pieces with mica inclusions are not common, but were favoured for powder production. Ochre powder was used as an aggregate in hafting adhesives, but other possible applications are as paint or as a substance to aid hide tanning.
Pyogenic renal abscess mimicking as Malignancy
Authors: Baid Mayank , Kar Manoranjan , De Utpal , Roy Sayak , Roy Someshubhra Datta
Published: June 2013

A 64 years male farmer presented with history of painless gross hematuria for 1 month and severe loss of weight and appetite for 2 months. There was a history of single episode of fever for 1 day without chills and rigors, about 1 month ago. There was no history of tuberculosis. On examination patient had severe pallor, no raised temperature and no tenderness at renal angle. His hemoglobin on admission was 5.7gm%. Enhanced CT scan showed right kidney having irregular low density lesion at the lower pole with perirenal fluid collection. Urine for culture sensitivity showed growth of Escherichia coli sensitive to norfloxacin and so patient was put on oral norfloxacin for 14 days. A CT guided fine needle aspiration biopsy was planned for the patient for a definite diagnosis. But a repeat ultasonography before the procedure, showed both kidneys to be normal. The lesion had vanished!Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July 13 Page 339-340 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.11793
Recurrent Spontaneous Pneumothorax Following Helicopter Travel In High Altitude Areas
Authors: Peter Soumia , Singh Navjot , Peter Prasant
Published: June 2013

A young healthy soldier, non smoker with no previous lung disease, presented with two separate episodes of primary spontaneous pneumothorax within six months, both preceded by low level helicopter travel  during high altitude postings. This diagnosis must be considered in patients with acute onset chest pain and dyspnoea even when other risk factors are seemingly absent. Recurrence is common and so this differential must be kept in mind even after complete treatment of a previous episode.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July 13 Page 331-333 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.12621
Hypoglycemic, Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities of Ethanolic Root Bark Extract of Chrysophyllum albidum in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats.
Authors: Onyeka Chika Anna , Nwakanma Agnes Akudo , Bakare Adeola Airat , Okoko Ini Ibehe , Ofoego Uzozie Chikere , Wali Catherine Chukumuaya , Abengowe Favour Chinyere
Published: June 2013

Objective: The study was aimed at investigating the hypoglycemic, antioxidant and Hepatoprotective effects of Chrysophyllum albidum in diabetes induced male Wistar rats. Methods: Ethanol root bark extract was administered to thirty rats of six groups A, B, C, D, E and F of five rats each, weighing between 150-170g. Diabetes was induced in Groups B, C, D, E and F using a single intraperitoneal injection of 140mg/kg of Alloxan after an overnight fast. Group A served as the normal control while Group B served as the diabetic control. Group C had metformin of 500mg while Groups D, E and F received 50, 100 and 200mg/kg / bw/ day of the plant extract respectively through orogastric intubation. All the animals were given normal rat chow and water freely. Blood glucose level was determined and the experiment lasted for 3 weeks. On day 21 after an overnight fast, animal were anaesthetized and blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture under inhaled chloroform for the determination of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) assays. The liver function test, ALT, AST and ALP was determined. Result: This showed that C. albidum and metformin significantly (p < 0.05) lowered the Fasting blood glucose (FBS), the activities of SOD and CAT was dose- dependently increase when compared to the diabetic  control and there was also a reduction of  MDA in the treated groups. There was decrease in the activity of ALT, AST and ALP, which was also dose-dependent. Conclusion: The results showed that the plant has significant antidiabetic activity and could therefore be employed for the treatment of diabetes mellitus in which free radicals are implicated.Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July 13 Page 298-304 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.12721
Research - for Gods sake!
Authors: Zabidi-Hussin ZAMH
Published: June 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol. 12 No. 03 July 13 Page 243 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v12i3.15404
Taxonomic record and distribution pattern of the banded pond snail, Bellamya bengalensis (Lamarck) (Gastropoda : Mesogastropoda) from pond water habitat of Rajshahi
Authors: Saha BK , Jahan MS , Hossain MA
Published: June 2013

The study was conducted on the taxonomic record and distribution pattern of the banded pond snail, Bellamya bengalensis (Lamarck ) from the water body of Rajshahi University Campus during the period of January 1995 to December 1996. Eleven generic and 18 species names were recorded including the valid name, Bellamya bengalensis (Lamarck, 1882 ). The shell of B. bengalensis is more or less oval and acuminate with variable and irregular dark bands. The snail was usually found in the littoral zone of the ponds or tanks.This snail was located in the soft or clayey bottom of the pond DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjsir.v48i1.15416 Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 48(1), 71-74, 2013
Effects of acetic acid on the total viable counts of microbes and overall acceptability of dressed broiler meat
Authors: Taher S A , Khaton R , Fakir MAH , Hasnat M A , Rahman M M
Published: June 2013

This study was conducted to evaluate efficacy of acetic acid solution to eliminate pathogens, prevent food deterioration and extend the shelf-life of dressed broiler meat without adversely affecting its quality. A total of 40 broilers were categorized into two groups. Each group was further categorized into two sub-groups: one for intact skin and another for without skin. Each bird of either group viz. comprised of two portions breast and thigh muscle. Acid spray and acid immersion were used. Bacteriological analysis by total viable count (TVC) and sanitary quality determination of dressed broiler by taste panel scores were performed. Acetic acid treatment reduced the initial level of TVC by about 0.5 to 0.724 log colony forming unit (CFU)/gm of meat. Maximum reduction in TVC (0.724) was achieved when acetic acid immersion treatment was given to meat and it was evident that the meat quality of dressed broiler after treatment with acetic acid remains better up to 5 days of storage.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v31i0.15370Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 01-04
Selection strategies considering varietal differences with respect to egg characters of mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Ahsan M Kamrul
Published: June 2013

The genotypic variability and correlation coefficients were studied in 27 indigenous multivoltine varieties of mulberry silkworm, B. mori L. for six egg characters. The genotype was highly significant for all the characters under studied. Least difference between genotypic and phenotypic coefficient of variation were observed. Majority of the characters showed high heritability comparing with dead egg percentage. Furthermore Unfertilized egg percentage showed high genetic advance together with high heritability but HP and EW showed high heritability and low genetic advance. These indicate the importance of additive and non-additive gene effect of these characters respectively. Total number of egg laid by female, hatching percentage, and blue egg percentage showed both positive and negative significant correlation to each other at both the phenotypic and genotypic levels. The results suggest that these characters specially total number of egg laid by female, blue egg percentage and unfertilized egg percentage appeared as importance in selection programme for genetic gain in B. mori.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v31i0.15375Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 19-22
Efficacy of two inducing agents PG and DoM+SGnRH in the induced breeding of the major carp, kalibaus (Labeo calbasu)
Authors: Ahktar Jesmin , Bhuiyan Abdus Salam
Published: June 2013

An experiment on the induced breeding of the endangered fish, Labeo calbasu (Hamilton-Buchanam) was conducted in the Fish Seed Multiplication Farm,Rajshahi to know the efficacy of two inducing agents (PG and DoM+SGnRH). Three breeding trials of each inducing agent were performed. A total of 24 females weighing from 1.5 kg to 2 kg were given an initial and a resolving dose of 1.5 mg and 6 mg PG extract per kg body weight respectively as treatment-1. On the other hand, a total of 24 females weighing from 1.5 kg to 2 kg were given a single dose of 12 mg DoM + SGnRH/kg as treatment-2. In case of treatment-1, 12 males weighing from 1.5 kg to 1.95 kg were administered a single dose of 1.5 mg PG/kg body weight during resolving dose of female. In treatment-2, 12 males weighing from 1.5 kg to 1.8 kg were administered 3 mg DoM+SGnRH /kg body weight during initial dose of females. In treatment-1, the time interval between initial and resolving dose was 5 hours and ovulation occurred in all the injected females within 6 hours after resolving dose. Ovulation occurred within 6 to 8 hours after the injection of inducing agents for treatment-2. The mean rates of ovulation, fertilization and hatching were 100%, 77.36% and 74.5% respectively in treatment-1. On the contrary, the mean rates of ovulation, fertilization and hatching were 83.33%, 63.83% and 59.66% in treatment-2. Hatchery produced fry were reared in nursery pond for 40 days. In nursery pond. Flour, oil cake and wheat bran were applied as nursery feeds. Both the inducing agents were effective in respect of overall breeding performance. But the best results were obtained with PG although in case of DoM+SGnRH complete breeding takes place within short time with less labour and cost than that of PG.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v31i0.15376Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 23-26
Production of small and big fishes of selected ponds
Authors: Sultana Sabina
Published: June 2013

To study the big and Small Indigenous Species (SIS) of fish production, 15 ponds of Rajshahi University campus were selected. The pond production was ranged from 326.16 to 2187.40 kg/ha. The ratio of SIS and big fish production was calculated maximum as 1 : 0.10 (by number) and 1 : 7.46 (by weight). Majority of these SIS fish are Self Recruiting Species (SRS), because they were not stocked in the studied ponds. The F/C ratio was obtained as 4.583 in averageDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v31i0.15378Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 27-30
Embryonic development of the estuarine crab Neosarmatium indicum (Crustacea: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from the mangroves of the Okinawa Island, Japan
Authors: Sarker Md Moniruzzaman , Islam Sirajul , Uehara Tsuyoshi
Published: June 2013

The complete embryonic development of the mangrove sesarmid crab Neosarmatium indicum (A. Milne Edwards, 1868) was described based on internal and external morphological changes in live fertilized eggs reared in the laboratory. Several pairs of N. indicum were collected from the Nuha River mangrove swamp of the southern Okinawa Island, Japan, which is consisted mainly with the mangrove Kandelia candel, and densely populated by the genus Perisesarma and Neosarmatium indicum . The fertilized eggs were macrolecithal, centrolecithal and spherical in shape, filled with uniform dark olive colour, without evidence of any development. The diameter of fertilized egg was 0.36 mm, which increased to 0.47 mm before hatching. Embryo development from fertilized eggs to hatching (first zoea stage) lasted average of 16 days at 25°C and salinity at 80. Sixteen stages of embryonic development were categorized by following continuous observation using an optical DIC microscope equipped with digital camera, video camera and printer. After 24 hours of incubation, fertilized eggs became 32-celled stage of development. Before hatching, many chromatophores (mostly black) were evident in the abdominal segments and the telson of embryos. At the end of 16 days incubation, the zoea larvae were successfully hatched out, which were reared in the laboratory conditions for further development.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ujzru.v31i0.15400Univ. j. zool. Rajshahi Univ. Vol. 31, 2012 pp. 49-54
Some Notes on the Use of the Windowed Fourier Transform for Spectral Analysis of Discretely Sampled Data
Authors: Johnson Robert
Published: June 2013

The properties of the Gabor and Morlet transforms are examined with respect to the Fourier analysis of discretely sampled data. Forward and inverse transform pairs based on a fixed window with uniform sampling of the frequency axis can satisfy numerically the energy and reconstruction theorems; however, transform pairs based on a variable window or nonuniform frequency sampling in general do not. Instead of selecting the shape of the window as some function of the central frequency, we propose constructing a single window with unit energy from an arbitrary set of windows that is applied over the entire frequency axis. By virtue of using a fixed window with uniform frequency sampling, such a transform satisfies the energy and reconstruction theorems. The shape of the window can be tailored to meet the requirements of the investigator in terms of time/frequency resolution. The algorithm extends naturally to the case of nonuniform signal sampling without modification beyond identification of the Nyquist interval.
Relating with God Contributes to Variance in Happiness, over that from Personality and Age
Authors: Fisher John
Published: June 2013

A previous study on university students reported that personal, communal, and environmental spiritual well-being contributed to happiness over and above personality but that relating with God did not. In this study, happiness was assessed using a modified Oxford Happiness Inventory. Personality scores were obtained using forms of Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire. Four domains of spiritual well-being were determined using Fisher’s Spiritual Well-Being Questionnaire. Relationship with God was reflected by the Transcendental domain of spiritual well-being in this instrument. Studies with 466 university students from Australia, Northern Ireland, and England, 494 people attending churches in Ballarat, and 1002 secondary school students in Victoria showed that relating with God accounts for variance on happiness, over and above personality, and age.