bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
End Hepatitis B; Confusion with PCC Orders; Help to Prevent Catheter Misconnections; GlycoTrol or Glucotrol? Heparin Label Placed on Wrong Bag
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L.
Published: December 2013

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs.

Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below.

Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Furosemide-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia; Type I Interferon-Induced Ischemic Colitis; Dronedarone-Associated Acute Renal Failure; Modafinil-Induced Psychosis
Authors: Mancano Michael A.
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this feature is to heighten awareness of specific adverse drug reactions (ADRs), discuss methods of prevention, and promote reporting of ADRs to the US Food and Drug Administration's (FDA's) MedWatch program (800-FDA-1088). If you have reported an interesting, preventable ADR to MedWatch, please consider sharing the account with our readers.
Evaluation of a Dedicated Pharmacist Staffing Model in the Medical Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Kucukarslan Suzan N. , Corpus Kim , Mehta Nisha , Mlynarek Mark , Peters Mike , Stagner Lisa , Zimmerman Chris
Published: December 2013

Purpose

Published studies have shown that pharmacists on medical rounds reduce the incidence of preventable adverse drug events (ADEs). However, the impact of a dedicated pharmacist who provides consistent patient care in a critical care unit remains to be evaluated.

Objective

To determine the impact of a pharmacist who is permanently assigned to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) on the incidence of preventable ADEs, drug charges, and length of stay (LOS) in the MICU.

Design

A randomized, experimental versus historical control group design was used. Preventable ADEs were identified and validated by 2 pharmacists and a critical care physician. Information about MICU drug charges and LOS were obtained from the hospital administrative database.

Results

The intervention group had fewer occurrences of ADEs (10 ADEs/1,000 patient days) when compared to the control group (28 ADEs/1,000 patient days) at a significance level of .03. No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in MICU drug charges and LOS. The vast majority of the 596 documented recommended interventions (99%) were accepted by the medical team. Nutrition monitoring, medication indicated but not prescribed, and dosage modification were the top 3 problems identified by the pharmacist.

Conclusion

The addition of a dedicated critical care pharmacist to the MICU medical team improves the safe use of medication. The services of a dedicated critical care pharmacist should be expanded to include weekend hours to ensure the benefits of improved medication safety.
Using Smart Pumps to Understand and Evaluate Clinician Practice Patterns to Ensure Patient Safety
Authors: Mansfield Jennifer , Jarrett Steven
Published: December 2013

Background

Safety software installed on intravenous (IV) infusion pumps has been shown to positively impact the quality of patient care through avoidance of medication errors. The data derived from the use of smart pumps are often overlooked, although these data provide helpful insight into the delivery of quality patient care.

Objective

The objectives of this report are to describe the value of implementing IV infusion safety software and analyzing the data and reports generated by this system.

Case study

Based on experience at the Carolinas HealthCare System (CHS), executive score cards provide an aggregate view of compliance rate, number of alerts, overrides, and edits. The report of serious errors averted (ie, critical catches) supplies the location, date, and time of the critical catch, thereby enabling management to pinpoint the end-user for educational purposes. By examining the number of critical catches, a return on investment may be calculated. Assuming 3,328 of these events each year, an estimated cost avoidance would be $29,120,000 per year for CHS. Other reports allow benchmarking between institutions.

Conclusion

A review of the data about medication safety across CHS has helped garner support for a medication safety officer position with the goal of ultimately creating a safer environment for the patient.
A community development critique of compulsory income management in Australia
Authors: Mendes Philip , Waugh Jacinta , Flynn Catherine
Published: December 2013

The introduction of compulsory income management – sometimes called welfare quarantining – for sub-groups of income security recipients within Australia has provoked considerable contention. This paper examines the specific introduction of the Place-Based trial in the rural Victorian region of Greater Shepparton from July 2012. Utilizing key community development principles, we critically analyse processes of implementation and evaluation, and argue that placebased income management has involved a centralized top-down process. In contrast, we recommend a bottom-up approach which would allow the local community to play a key role in defining the problem, and identifying policy solutions.
La política de reeducación en la Comunitat Valenciana: un análisis de las prácticas educativas de los centros de justicia juvenil
Authors: Uceda i Maza Francesc Xavier , Navarro Pérez José Javier
Published: December 2013

En el presente artículo se analizan aspectos que definen la política de reeducación de la Comunitat Valenciana. Se examina el papel de los Centros de Reeducación y sus prácticas educativas, para ello se toma como indicadores: los mecanismos de coordinación con el medio abierto, las relaciones con la comunidad, la proporción del gasto e inversión que la administración pública realiza sobre el sistema de justicia juvenil, el compromiso de las políticas públicas con la integración de los Adolescentes en Conflicto con la Ley, etc. La investigación es fundamentalmente cualitativa, basada en el análisis de entrevistas en profundidad de profesionales y de relatos de vida de adolescentes complementándose con datos documentales que ofrecen información de contexto. La principal conclusión apunta a que la política de reeducación se aproxima a un modelo de gestión de riesgos, distanciándose de las recomendaciones internacionales, y específicamente de aquellas que hacen referencia a un modelo basado en la comunidad. Asimismo se hallan evidencias para anunciar la inexistencia de una hoja de ruta establecida por la entidad autonómica que asume las competencias en esta materia, produciéndose divergencias absolutas entre los centros, predominando un modelo punitivo-sancionador frente a un modelo educativo – inclusivo (sólo presente en uno de los centros investigados). Todo ello, amparado ante un único marco jurídico normativo y en una misma política pública de reeducación.
A Modified Variational Iteration Method for Nonlinear Oscillators
Authors: Yang Q. W. , Chen Y. M. , Liu J. K. , Zhao W.
Published: December 2013

A modified variational iteration method (MVIM) is proposed for nonlinear oscillators. Different from the existing VIM, the algebraic equation deduced at each iteration stage is always linear when the proposed approach is applied to conservative oscillators. Therefore, highly accurate approximations can be easily obtained. The Duffing and the van der Pol equations are presented to validate the MVIM. Numerical examples show that the presented method is valid for both weakly and strongly nonlinear oscillators. In addition, it reveals that the MVIM is equivalent to a modified Mickens iteration scheme. Furthermore, the MVIM is extended by means of an auxiliary parameter. This parameter provides us with a convenient way to control and adjust the convergence of VIM approximations when necessary.
A growth model with qualities, varieties, and human capital: stability and transitional dynamics
Authors: Sequeira Tiago Neves , Ferreira-Lopes Alexandra , Gomes Orlando
Published: December 2013

This article analyses the stability properties of the steady-state and the transitional dynamics of an endogenous growth model with human capital, increasing-varieties R&D, and quality-ladders R&D [Strulik, H. 2005. “The Role of Human Capital and Population Growth in R&D-Based Models of Economic Growth.”
What makes dependence modeling challenging? Pitfalls and ways to circumvent them
Authors: Mai Jan-Frederik , Scherer Matthias
Published: December 2013

We present a list of challenges one faces when given the task of modeling dependence between stochastic objects, with a special focus on financial applications. Our aim is to draw the readers' attention to common (and not so common) pitfalls and fallacies, and we particularly address readers who are new to dependence modeling. The presented list of challenges is clearly not complete, but it gives a flavor of how difficult and subtle the task of dependence modeling can be.
Moreover, the readers shall get some intuition about what challenges are structural and cannot be overcome, and what challenges allow for a better solution than common practice might suggest.
Risk management with high-dimensional vine copulas: An analysis of the Euro Stoxx 50
Authors: Brechmann Eike Christain , Czado Claudia
Published: December 2013

The demand for an accurate financial risk management involving larger numbers of assets is strong not only in view of the financial crisis of 2007–2009.
Especially dependencies among assets have not been captured adequately.
While standard multivariate copulas have added some flexibility, this flexibility is insufficient in higher dimensional applications.
Vine copulas can fill this gap by benefiting from the rich class of existing bivariate parametric copula families.
Exploiting this in combination with GARCH models for the margins, we develop
a regular vine copula based factor model for asset returns, the Regular Vine
Market Sector model, which is motivated by the classical CAPM and shown to be
superior to the CAVA model proposed by Heinen and Valdesogo (2009).
The model can also be used to separate the systematic and idiosyncratic risk of specific stocks, and we explicitly discuss how vine copula models can be employed for active and passive portfolio management.
In particular, Value-at-Risk forecasting and asset allocation are treated in detail.
All developed models and methods are used to analyze the Euro Stoxx 50 index, a major market indicator for the Eurozone.
Relevant benchmark models such as the popular DCC model and the common Student's t copula are taken into account.
Serum estrogen receptor bioactivity and breast cancer risk among postmenopausal women
Authors: Lim Vanessa W , Li Jun , Gong Yinhan , Jin Aizhen , Yuan Jian-Min , Yong Eu Leong , Koh Woon-Puay
Published: December 2013

The estrogen levels of Asian women are different from those of Western women, and this could affect estrogen receptor (ER) bioactivity and breast cancer risk. We conducted a case–control study in 169 postmenopausal breast cancer cases and 426 matched controls nested within a population-based prospective cohort study, the Singapore Chinese Health Study, to evaluate the serum levels of estrogens and their receptor (ERα and ERβ)-mediated estrogenic activities in relation to breast cancer risk. Breast cancer cases had higher levels of estrogens and ER-mediated bioactivities in baseline serum than the controls. Compared with those in the lowest quartile, women in the highest quartile for estrone (E1) or ERα-mediated bioactivity had increased breast cancer risk. After additional adjustment for ERβ bioactivity, free estradiol, and E1levels, serum ERα-mediated bioactivity remained associated with increased breast cancer risk. Compared with those in the lowest quartile, women in the highest quartile for ERα-mediated bioactivity had an odds ratio of 2.39 (95% CI=1.17–4.88;Pfor trend=0.016). Conversely, the positive association between E1and cancer risk became null after adjustment for ERα-mediated bioactivity, suggesting that the effect of E1could be mediated through ERα. Factor(s) contributing to increased ERα-mediated estrogenic bioactivity in serum and its role as a predictor for breast cancer risk need to be validated in future studies.
Perinatal exposure to low-dose bisphenol A affects the neuroendocrine stress response in rats
Authors: Panagiotidou Emily , Zerva Sophia , Mitsiou Dimitra J , Alexis Michael N , Kitraki Efthymia
Published: December 2013

Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogen-mimicking endocrine disruptor. Early-life exposures to low doses of BPA exert long-lasting effects on animals' reproductive and brain physiology. However, little is known about the effects of BPA on the stress–response system. Given the interaction of sex and stress hormones, we examined the effect of a low perinatal BPA exposure on the function of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis at rest and upon application of acute stress. Throughout pregnancy and lactation rats received daily 40 μg BPA/kg body weight orally via cornflakes. We studied the effect of this low but chronic exposure to BPA in the male and female offspring at puberty. BPA exposure led to abnormal adrenal histology including reduced zona reticularis especially in male offspring, hyperplasia of zona fasciculata in both sexes, and increased adrenal weight in female offspring. BPA-treated females had increased basal corticosterone and reduced hypothalamic glucocorticoid receptors (GR) levels. Stressed BPA-exposed females exhibited anxiety-like behavioral coping, a less rigorous corticosterone response, and did not downregulate GR in the hypothalamus, compared with control females. BPA-exposed males exhibited a heightened corticosterone stress response compared with females; they also displayed increased pro-opiomelanocortin mRNA levels and retained the prestress levels of pituitary corticotropin-releasing hormone-receptor 1, compared with control males. We found that perinatal chronic exposure to a low dose of BPA perturbs the basal and stress-induced activity of the HPA axis in a sexually dimorphic manner at adolescence. Exposure to BPA might contribute to increased susceptibility to stress-related disorders in later life.
The implications of upstream emissions from the power sector
Authors: Hammond Geoffrey P , O'Grady Áine
Published: December 2013

Upstream environmental burdens arise from the need to expend energy resources in order to extract and deliver fuel to a power station or other users. They include the energy requirements for extraction, processing/refining, transport and fabrication, as well as methane leakages from coal mining activities – a major contribution – and natural gas pipelines. The upstream carbon dioxide emissions associated with various power generators and UK electricity transition pathways towards a ‘low carbon’ future have been evaluated on a ‘whole systems’ basis. Carbon dioxide capture facilities coupled to fossil-fuelled plants are shown, for example, to deliver only a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (including both upstream and operational emissions), in contrast to the normal presumption of a 90% saving. In addition, the present UK greenhouse gas trajectories associated with transition pathways to 2050 are found to differ significantly from those produced by the British government's Department of Energy and Climate Change and its independent Committee on Climate Change. These bodies do not currently account for upstream, ‘fugitive’ greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, there will actually remain further emissions upstream that are unaccounted for, even if the current UK carbon dioxide equivalent reduction targets are apparently met.
College Student Persistence: A Multilevel Analysis of Distance Learning Course Completion at the Crossroads of Disability Status
Authors: Stewart James F. , Mallery Coretta , Choi Jaehwa
Published: December 2013

With over 15 million students enrolling in institutes of higher education, it is critical to understand the factors that lead to course completion and graduation. This becomes especially important when considering students with disabilities, as this is historically a vulnerable population. Modern technology and online classes may be one way to meet these needs. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether course completion rates differ when taking online versus traditional courses, among students with and without disabilities. The participants of the study were a purposive sample of 3,488 undergraduate and graduate students, from a comprehensive, midsized, Historically Black College located on east coast of the United States. Hierarchical general linear modeling was used to determine whether disability status and course delivery format were related to completion, while controlling for student-level and course-level variables. The results show that students were significantly less likely to complete online courses after controlling for individual level (e.g., gender, cumulative GPA, and previous course credit hours) and class level covariates. Yet, students with disabilities were just as likely as peers without disabilities to complete courses, and the cross-level interaction between disability status and delivery format was not statistically significant (i.e., course completion differences over delivery format does not statistically significantly differ over student disability status). The results have important implications for college students with disabilities.
Complications during cesarean delivery in a patient with two previous myomectomies
Authors: Sparic Radmila , Berisavac Milica , Buzadzic Snezana , Mirkovic Ljiljana
Published: December 2013

Introduction: Myomas are associted with numerous pregnancy-related maternal
and fetal complications, including high rate of cesarean deliveries. Case
Outline: We present a woman with huge posterior myoma who had two previous
myomectomies. During the cesarean section, the anatomy was found to be
grossly distorted. Thus it was necessary to make an inverted T-incision on
the uterus, which facilitated delivery of the fetus. The patients
postoperative recovery was uneventful. Conclusion: This case illustrates the
difficulties that may arise during cesarean section in the presence of
uterine myomas in women with previous myomectomies. Clinicians should be
prepared to manage those difficulties with inverted T-incision in order to
prevent fetal injuries. Such operations should be performed by an experienced
obstetrician.
Optimal recombination in genetic algorithms for combinatorial optimization problems: Part I
Authors: Eremeev Anton , Kovalenko Julia
Published: December 2013

This paper surveys results on complexity of the optimal recombination problem
(ORP), which consists in finding the best possible offspring as a result of a
recombination operator in a genetic algorithm, given two parent solutions. We
consider efficient reductions of the ORPs, allowing to establish polynomial
solvability or NP-hardness of the ORPs, as well as direct proofs of hardness
results. Part I presents the basic principles of optimal recombination with a
survey of results on Boolean Linear Programming Problems. Part II (to appear
in a subsequent issue) is devoted to the ORPs for problems which are
naturally formulated in terms of search for an optimal permutation.
Comparative study of GA & DE algorithm for the economic operation of a power system using FACTS devices
Authors: Bhattacharyya B. , Gupta Vikash Kumar , Kumar Sanjay
Published: December 2013

The problem of improving the voltage profile and reducing power loss in electrical networks must be solved in an optimal manner. This paper deals with comparative study of Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Differential Evolution (DE) based algorithm for the optimal allocation of multiple FACTS (Flexible AC Transmission System) devices in an interconnected power system for the economic operation as well as to enhance loadability of lines. Proper placement of FACTS devices like Static VAr Compensator (SVC), Thyristor Controlled Switched Capacitor (TCSC) and controlling reactive generations of the generators and transformer tap settings simultaneously improves the system performance greatly using the proposed approach. These GA & DE based methods are applied on standard IEEE 30 bus system. The system is reactively loaded starting from base to 200% of base load. FACTS devices are installed in the different locations of the power system and system performance is observed with and without FACTS devices. First, the locations, where the FACTS devices to be placed is determined by calculating active and reactive power flows in the lines. GA and DE based algorithm is then applied to find the amount of magnitudes of the FACTS devices. Finally the comparison between these two techniques for the placement of FACTS devices are presented.
An analysis of the influence of microclimate on partial discharge activity in emissions of electric machines in the conditions of industrial operation – own research
Authors: Plutecki Zbigniew , Szymaniec Sławomir
Published: December 2013

The article presents the results of diagnostic measurements of partial discharge signal propagation from the winding insulation in electrical machinery, which were performed using an on-line method. This paper describes the results of experiments and the acquired experience in the monitoring of winding insulation in high power and high voltage electrical machines which are important in industrial production processes. The authors show the measurement techniques employed in their research. Representative measurement results are presented along with their analysis. The authors use an SKF monitoring systems to measure: vibrations, temperature, and humidity, as major factors affecting partial discharge activity in the from winding insulation of electrical machines.
A new Contribution on the Vascular Flora of Romania
Authors: Sîrbu Culiţă , Oprea Adrian
Published: December 2013

As a result of our field floristic studies in the recent years (2012 and 2013), we recorded some new data on the occurrence and chorology of three vascular plant species in Romania. Two of these are alien plants, invasive in many geographic regions of the world, namely: Acroptilon repens (an Asian species, reported as a newcomer in the flora of Romania, in this paper), and Picris echioides (a Mediterranean species, which is reported now in new localities). The third species, Pedicularis sylvatica, is a quite rare indigenous plant, critically threatened in Romania, reported here for the first time in the flora of Moldavia (eastern Romania).
Ascomycota Macrofungi New to Romania
Authors: Radu Mihai-Iulian
Published: December 2013

The paper gives a new contribution to the knowledge of Ascomycota macrofungi from Romania. The paper presents three Ascomycota species, Peziza phyllogena Cooke, Scutellinia superba (Velen.) Le Gal and Peroneutypa scoparia (Schwein.) Carmaran & A.I. Romero, reported for the first time in Romania. The species were uncovered and identified during a larger research regarding the diversity and distribution of macrofungi in the areas near Bucharest, Romania. Macro- and micro morphological descriptions, comments and illustrations of the species are presented.
On determination of ETL – a distributional approach
Authors: Pal Satyabrata , Ghosh Arunava , Dhar Tapamay
Published: December 2013

Economic threshold level (ETL) is an important component in pest management and control. Usually, it is determined by the grower/technologist utilizing his experience on a crop; however, for cereals the values of these indices are available. Knowledge of ETL helps reduce crop loss (and ensure less pesticide application), and as a consequence, profit is increased. Also substantial knowledge is required on the dynamics of the pest population, in order to determine the density at which the economic injury level (EIL) may be prevented (Weersink et al. 1991). This paper is devoted to the development of an analytical method (probabilistic) for determination of ETL, which is defined as the density at which control measures should be determined to prevent an increasing pest population from reaching the economic injury level. A method to model the dynamics of the pest population is also proposed. The above method is demonstrated on a real life data set on pest (whitefly) incidence on betelvine, obtained from an experiment designed for that purpose.
Use of Phasors in Nonlinear Analysis
Authors: Borys Andrzej , Zakrzewski Zbigniew
Published: December 2013

In this paper, the well-known method of phasor analysis of linear ac circuits is extended in a rigorous mathematical way to nonlinear analysis. This fills the lack of such a theory in the literature. The results derived enable carrying out the needed corrections of some results published recently that regard harmonic distortion analysis of weakly nonlinear circuits.
Two-Way Relaying Cooperative Wireless Networks: Resource Allocation and Performance Analysis
Authors: Abrar Muhammad , Gui Xiang , Punchihewa Amal
Published: December 2013

Relay-based cooperative wireless networks have been widely considered one of the cost-effective solutions to meet the demands in future wireless networks. In order to maximize the overall sum-rate while maintaining proportional fairness among users, we investigate different resource allocation algorithms in two-way relay networks with analog network coding (ANC) protocol and time division broadcast (TDBC) protocol. The algorithms investigated are different from traditional proportional fairness schemes in terms of fairness and computational complexity as we have applied Access Proportional Fairness (APF) and Minimum Rate Proportional Fairness (MRPF) along with load balancing at the relays. A MATLAB simulation has been performed and simulation results show the effectiveness of these algorithms.
Enhancement of Surgical Training Practice with the Spring Tensor Heuristic Model
Authors: Chiu Christopher , Chaczko Zenon
Published: December 2013

The enhancement of surgical simulation tools is an important research study, to assist in the assessment and feedback of medical training practice. In this research, the Spring Tensor Model (STEM) has been used for laparoscopic end-effector navigation through obstacles and high-risk areas. The modelling of the surgical trainer as part of the laparoscopic simulator seeks to emulate the physical environment as a virtualised representation in the integrated infrastructure. Combining sensor network framework paradigms to a surgical knowledge-based construct demonstrates how STEMcan enhance medical practice. The architectural hybridisation of the training framework has enabled the adaptation of STEM modelling techniques for a simulated laparoscopic training methodology. The primary benefit of the architecture is that this integration strategy has resulted in a seamless transition of the heuristic framework to be applied to surgical training.
Geochemistry of volcanogenic clayey marine sediments from the Hazar-Maden Basin (Eastern Turkey)
Authors: Akkoca Dicle Bal , Kürüm Sevcan , Huff Warren D.
Published: December 2013

The Hazar-Madeıı Basin sediments were deposited along the southern branch of the Neotethys Ocean margin during Late Maastrichtian-Middle Eocene times. X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), ICP-AES, ICP-MS and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed on samples of the Upper Maastrichtian-Middle Eocene Hazar Group and the Middle Eocene Maden Complex from the Hazar-Maden Basin to investigate the main effects of depositional envi- ronmental parameters in three sections belonging to deeper marine (slope), proximal arc volcanic (Mastarhill and Yukaribag sections) and shallow platform marine (Sebken section) settings. Marine sediments contain clay minerals (smectite, smectite/chlorite, chlorite, illite, interstratified illite/smectite, illite/chlorite, palygorskite), clinoptilolite, quartz, feldspar, calcite, dolomite, opal-CT and hematite. The clays are dominated by iron-rich smectites. La, Zr and Th concentrations are high in the shallow marginal Sebken section where the terrestrial detrital contribution is significant, while Sc and Co are more dominant in the deeper marine (slope) Yukaribag section, which is represented by basic-type volcanism and a higher contribution of hydrothermal phases. In a chondrite-normalized REE diagram, the negative Eu anomaly in samples from Sebken, the section which was deposited in a shallow marine environment, is less significant than that of the other two sections indicating the presence of a high terrestrial contribution in that part of the basin. A decrease in LREE v/HREEiV and Lajv/Ybv, LaiV/Sin v ratios from Sebken to Mastarhill and the Yukaribag sections indi- cates deepening of the basin and an increasing contribution of volcanism in that direction.
Water repellency of soils with various content of organic matter in north-eastern Poland
Authors: Orzechowski Mirosław , Smólczyński Sławomir , Sowiński Paweł , Rybińska Beata
Published: December 2013

The objective of the work was to investigate hydrophobic properties of soil formations with various amounts of organic matter and occurring in young glacial landscape. The research was carried out in mineral, mineral-organic and organic (slightly and strongly silted mucks, sedge peat, alder wood peat, reed peat) soil formations. Water repellency is very important in soil protection. It favors the formation of stable aggregates and prevents from soil erosion. The study was carried out applying two methods . water drop penetration time test (WDPT) and alcohol percentage test (AP). Among 51 analyzed soil samples in WDPT test, 64.7% of mineral and mineral-organic soil formations were hydrophilic. Among organic soil formations 37.6% was slightly and strongly hydrophobic and they represented strongly silted mucks. Unsilted and slightly silted mucks, weakly and strongly decomposed peats, were very strongly (18.8%) and extremely (43.6%) hydrophobic. AP test showed that strongly silted mucks were moderately and very strongly hydrophobic. Slightly silted mucks, and peats were very strongly and extremely hydrophobic. It can be stated that water repellency decreases simultaneously with the degree of siltation of organic soil formations.
Validated TLC-densitometry method for determination of cetirizine dihydrochloride in tablet dosage form
Authors: Kristiningrum Nia , Martyanti Ellsy Novita
Published: December 2013

A rapid, reproducible and accurate TLC method was developed for the determination of Cetirizine Dihydrochloride in tablet. The analytes were dissolved with ethanol 70% and chromatographed on silica Gel GF 254 TLC plate using chloroform : methanol : ethyl acetate in the ratio of 2 : 7 : 3 (v/v) as mobile phase. Quantitative analysis was done through densitometric measurement at wavelength 234 nm. Method was found linear over the concentration range of 400  1600 ng/spot with the correlation coefficient of 0.996. Specificity showed calculation of purity and identity more than 0.99. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method were 75.54 and 226.64 ng/spot. The relative standard deviation of this method was 0.86% whereas the means of the recovery data was 100.54 ± 0.11%. The proposed method has been applied to the determination of Cetirizine Dihydrochloride in commercial tablet formulations and the result were 96.97 ± 0.86 % for brand A and 100.57 ± 1.17 % for brand B. The developed method was successfully used for the assay of Cetirizine Dihydrochloride. This method is simple, sensitive and precise; it can be used for the routine quality control testing of marketed formulations.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v3i1.17294 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, December 2013, 3(1): 208-210
Evaluation of cytotoxicity, anti-herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and antibacterial activities of Ficus vasta and phytoconstituents
Authors: Rashed Khaled , Ono Lucy
Published: December 2013

This study deals with the evaluation of in vitro cytotoxicity of the methanol 80% extract of Ficus vasta aerial parts in Vero cells, anti-HSV-1 and antibacterial activities and the determination of the phytochemical content of the F. vasta methanol extract. The extract was tested for its cytotoxicity in Vero cells and for anti-HSV-1 and against bacterial strains as S. aureus, S. epidermidis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa and also phytochemical constituents were detected. The results showed that this extract presented a CC50 value of 389 µg/mL, an intermediate value taking into account other researchers reported for some Moraceae species. Regarding the other biological activities, antiviral effect was not demonstrated by a HSV-1 challenge dilution of 100x tissue culture infective dose 50% (TCID50) and also by the disk-diffusion method at the higher non-toxic concentration of the extract (119 µg/mL). Phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract proved the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids and triterpenes. Chromatographic separation of the methanol extract resulted in the isolation and identification of ?-sitosterol, stigmasterol, lupeol, ursolic acid, naringenin, luteolin, quercetin, vitexin, quercetin 3-O-?-glucoside and rutin. The results indicated that F. vasta aerial parts methanol extract is potential candidate for experiments of biological activity screening that are not anti-HSV-1 or antibacterial against the strains evaluated in this study, to be carried on in the future.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/icpj.v3i1.17295 International Current Pharmaceutical Journal, December 2013, 3(1): 211-218
Potential for Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity for Control of Human Cytomegalovirus
Authors: Aicheler Rebecca , Wang Eddie , Tomasec Peter , Wilkinson Gavin , Stanton Richard
Published: December 2013

Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an important pathogen that infects the majority of the population worldwide, yet, currently, there is no licensed vaccine. Despite HCMV encoding at least seven Natural Killer (NK) cell evasion genes, NK cells remain critical for the control of infection in vivo. Classically Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity (ADCC) is mediated by CD16, which is found on the surface of the NK cell in a complex with FcεRI-γ chains and/or CD3ζ chains. Ninety percent of NK cells express the Fc receptor CD16; thus, they have the potential to initiate ADCC. HCMV has a profound effect on the NK cell repertoire, such that up to 10-fold expansions of NKG2C+ cells can be seen in HCMV seropositive individuals. These NKG2C+ cells are reported to be FcεRI-γ deficient and possess variable levels of CD16+, yet have striking ADCC functions. A subset of HCMV cell surface proteins will induce robust antibody responses that could render cells susceptible to ADCC. We will consider how the strong anti-HCMV function of NKG2C+ FcεRI-γ-deficient NK cells could potentially be harnessed in the clinic to treat patients suffering from HCMV disease and in the development of an efficacious HCMV vaccine.
Synthesis and Larvicidal Activity against Culex pipiens pallens of New Triazole Derivatives of Phrymarolin from Phryma leptostachya L.
Authors: Zhang Ji-Wen , Hu Zhan , Gao Peng , Wang Jun-Ru , Hu Zhao-Nong , Wu Wen-Jun
Published: December 2013

Twelve new triazole derivatives of Phrymarolin were prepared from Phrymarolin I and the structures of all the derivatives were fully characterized by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and MS spectral data analyses. Larvicidal activities against 4rd instar larvae of Culex pipiens pallens of these Phrymarolin analogues were assayed. Although the triazole derivatives of Phrymarolin showed certain larvicidal activity, they showed lower activity than Phrymarolin I. The typical non-natural groups triazole substituents reduced the larvicidal activity of Phrymarolin derivatives.
Extending the Glucosyl Ceramide Cassette Approach: Application in the Total Synthesis of Ganglioside GalNAc-GM1b
Authors: Konishi Miku , Imamura Akihiro , Fujikawa Kohki , Ando Hiromune , Ishida Hideharu , Kiso Makoto
Published: December 2013

The development of a novel cyclic glucosyl ceramide cassette acceptor for efficient glycolipid syntheses was investigated. p-Methoxybenzyl (PMB) groups were selected as protecting groups at C2 and C3 of the glucose residue with the aim of improving the functionality of the cassette acceptor. The choice of the PMB group resulted in a loss of β-selectivity, which was corrected by using an appropriate tether to control the spatial arrangement and the nitrile solvent effect. To investigate the effect of linker structure on the β-selectivity of intramolecular glycosylation, several linkers for tethering the glucose and ceramide moiety were designed and prepared, namely, succinyl, glutaryl, dimethylmalonyl, and phthaloyl esters. The succinyl ester linker was the best for accessing the cassette form. The newly designed glucosyl ceramide cassette acceptor was then applied in the total synthesis of ganglioside GalNAc-GM1b.
Antimalarial Activity of 4-Metoxychalcones: Docking Studies as Falcipain/Plasmepsin Inhibitors, ADMET and Lipophilic Efficiency Analysis to Identify a Putative Oral Lead Candidate
Authors: De Oliveira Michael , Cenzi Gisele , Nunes Renata , Andrighetti Carla , De Sousa Valadão Denia , Dos Reis Cláudia , Simões Cláudia , Nunes Ricardo , Júnior Moacyr , Taranto Alex , Sanchez Bruno , Viana Gustavo , De Pilla Varotti Fernando
Published: December 2013

Herein, we report the antimalarial activity of nine 4-methoxychalcone derivatives 1a–i and an initial analysis of their ADMET properties. All compounds showed potent activity against the P. falciparum chloroquine-resistant clone W2, with IC50 values ranging from 1.96 µM to 10.99 µM, with moderate or low cytotoxicity against the HeLa cell line. The compound 1a (IC50 = 2.06 µM) had the best selectivity index (9.0). All the sulfonamide 4-metychalcone derivatives synthesized had cLogP values between 2 and 5 (mean value 3.79) and molecular weights (MWs) below 500. The substitution of the pyrrolidine group in 1i by a morpholine group in 1a reduced the cLogP value from 3.05 in compound 1i to 2.34 in compound 1a. Indeed, compound 1a had the highest LipE value. The binding free energy of compound 1a showed it to be the most optimal chalcone derivative for plasmepsin-2 (−7.3 Kcal/mol). The physicochemical properties and LipE analysis of the dataset allowed us to establish that compound 1a is the highest quality compound of the series and a potential oral lead candidate.
Structure Activity Relationships of N-linked and Diglycosylated Glucosamine-Based Antitumor Glycerolipids
Authors: Ogunsina Makanjuola , Pan Hangyi , Samadder Pranati , Arthur Gilbert , Schweizer Frank
Published: December 2013

1-O-Hexadecyl-2-O-methyl-3-O-(2'-amino-2'-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-sn-glycerol (1) was previously reported to show potent in vitro antitumor activity on a range of cancer cell lines derived from breast, pancreas and prostate cancer. This compound was not toxic to mice and was inactive against breast tumor xenografts in mice. This inactivity was attributed to hydrolysis of the glycosidic linkage by glycosidases. Here three N-linked (glycosylamide) analogs 2–4, one triazole-linked analog 5 of 1 as well as two diglycosylated analogs 6 and 7 with different stereochemistry at the C2-position of the glycerol moiety were synthesized and their antitumor activity against breast (JIMT-1, BT-474, MDA-MB-231), pancreas (MiaPaCa2) and prostrate (DU145, PC3) cancer cell lines was determined. The diglycosylated analogs 1-O-hexadecyl-2(R)-, 3-O-di-(2'-amino-2'-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-sn-glycerol (7) and the 1:1 diastereomeric mixture of 1-O-hexadecyl-2(R/S), 3-O-di-(2'-amino-2'-deoxy-β-D-glucopyranosyl)-sn-glycerol (6) showed the most potent cytotoxic activity at CC50 values of 17.5 µM against PC3 cell lines. The replacement of the O-glycosidic linkage by a glycosylamide or a glycosyltriazole linkage showed little or no activity at highest concentration tested (30 µM), whereas the replacement of the glycerol moiety by triazole resulted in CC50 values in the range of 20 to 30 µM. In conclusion, the replacement of the O-glycosidic linkage by an N-glycosidic linkage or triazole-linkage resulted in about a two to three fold loss in activity, whereas the replacement of the methoxy group on the glycerol backbone by a second glucosamine moiety did not improve the activity. The stereochemistry at the C2-position of the glycero backbone has minimal effect on the anticancer activities of these diglycosylated analogs.
Sport, Islam, and Muslims in Europe: in between or on the Margin?
Authors: Amara Mahfoud
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to reveal how misconceptions—or using the concept of Arkoun, “the crisis of meanings”—about the role and position of Islam in Europe is impacting on the discourse on sport, Islam, and immigration. France is selected as a case study for this paper as it is in this country where the debate on religion in general and Islam in particular seem to be more contentious in relation to the questions of integration of Muslim communities to secular (French republican) values. Recent sources of tensions include the ban of the Burqa in the public space; the debate on national identity instigated by the former French president Nicholas Sarkozy, which became centred around the question of Islam and Muslims in France; the provocative cartoons about Prophet Mohamed in the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo; opposition against the provision of halal meal in France’s fast-food chain Quick; and resistance toward Qatar’s plan to invest in deprived suburbs of France, to name just a few. The other context which this paper examines in relation to the question of sport, Islam, and identity-making of Muslims in Europe is the phenomenon of “reverse migration” or the re-connection of athletes of Muslim background in Europe, or so-called Muslim neo-Europeans, with their (parents’) country of origin. The paper argues that sport is another highly politicised space to judge the level of “integration” of Muslim athletes in European societies, and the degree of “religiosity” in their (parents’) country of origin.
Fall Risk Assessment and Early-Warning for Toddler Behaviors at Home
Authors: Yang Mau-Tsuen , Chuang Min-Wen
Published: December 2013

Accidental falls are the major cause of serious injuries in toddlers, with most of these falls happening at home. Instead of providing immediate fall detection based on short-term observations, this paper proposes an early-warning childcare system to monitor fall-prone behaviors of toddlers at home. Using 3D human skeleton tracking and floor plane detection based on depth images captured by a Kinect system, eight fall-prone behavioral modules of toddlers are developed and organized according to four essential criteria: posture, motion, balance, and altitude. The final fall risk assessment is generated by a multi-modal fusion using either a weighted mean thresholding or a support vector machine (SVM) classification. Optimizations are performed to determine local parameter in each module and global parameters of the multi-modal fusion. Experimental results show that the proposed system can assess fall risks and trigger alarms with an accuracy rate of 92% at a speed of 20 frames per second.
West Nile Virus in the United States — A Historical Perspective
Authors: Roehrig John
Published: December 2013

Prior to 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) was a bit player in the screenplay of global vector-borne viral diseases. First discovered in the West Nile District of Uganda in 1937, this Culex sp.-transmitted virus was known for causing small human febrile outbreaks in Africa and the Middle East. Prior to 1995, the last major human WNV outbreak was in the 1950s in Israel. The epidemiology and ecology of WNV began to change in the mid-1990s when an epidemic of human encephalitis occurred in Romania. The introduction of WNV into Eastern Europe was readily explained by bird migration between Africa and Europe. The movement of WNV from Africa to Europe could not, however, predict its surprising jump across the Atlantic Ocean to New York City and the surrounding areas of the United States (U.S.). This movement of WNV from the Eastern to Western Hemisphere in 1999, and its subsequent dissemination throughout two continents in less than ten years is widely recognized as one of the most significant events in arbovirology during the last two centuries. This paper documents the early events of the introduction into and the spread of WNV in the Western Hemisphere.
Oncofertility in Canada: Gonadal Protection and Fertility-Sparing Strategies
Authors: Ronn R. , Holzer H.E.G.
Published: December 2013

Background: Cancer can be a devastating diagnosis. In particular, malignancy and its indicated treatments have profoundly negative effects on the fertility of young cancer patients. Oncofertility has emerged as a new interdisciplinary field to address the issue of gonadotoxicity associated with cancer therapies and to facilitate fertility preservation. In Canada, fertility issues are often inadequately addressed despite the availability of resources. The goal of this four-part series is to facilitate systemic improvements in fertility preservation for adolescent and young adult Canadians with a new diagnosis of cancer. Methods: Here, we review the fertility preservation measures currently available. Medical and surgical strategies are both outlined. Results: Fertility-preserving strategies and gonadal protection have demonstrated variable success in a number of approaches. The value of hormone suppression is still in question for women. Progestins for endometrial cancer and alternative chemotherapies are other medical approaches. Gonadal shielding and protective surgical approaches have also been attempted. Conclusions: The techniques discussed here may be selectively considered and integrated into patient care in an attempt to preserve future fertility before initiating cancer treatment.