bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of recombinant human thyrotropin application in following-up patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Rajkovaca Zvezdana , Kovacevic Pedja , Stanetic Mirko , Ristic Sinisa
Published: November 2012

Background/Aim. The most sensitive indicators for detecting recurrence of
well-differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) are 131I whole body scintigraphy
(WBS) and measurement of serum thyroglobulin (Tg). In order to perform it, it
is necessary to raise the level of endogenous tiroidstimulating hormon (TSH),
which can be achieved by Lthyroxine withdrawal for 3-5 weeks or
administration of recombinant human thyrotropin (rhTSH) without requiring the
discontinuation of thyroid hormone therapy. The aim of this study was to
assess the effect of rhTSH using in comparison to the traditional thyroid
hormone withdrawal in the follow-up of patients with DTC. Methods. This
retrospective study included 44 patients, mean age 48.8 years, with DTC
divided into 2 groups. The group I consisted of patients (n = 31) in which
the analysis in the follow-up (WBS with 131I, TSH, Tg and antiTgAt) made in
the hypothyroid state, and group II patients (n = 13) in which they made
after the administration of rhTSH. The presence of 13 symptoms and signs of
hypothyroidism was investigated on the day of giving 131I. Quality of life
was evaluated using a modified form: the quality of life scale (SF-36)
completed on the day of giving 131I. Results. In both groups, serum TSH
reached a very good stimulation level, but significantly higher in the group
II (group I 30.3-101.5 ?lU/mL, group II 68.6-192.0 ?lU/mL, p < 0.05). In
both groups, TSHstimulated Tg was higher (group I 0.1-546.0 ng/mL, group II
0.1-7517 ng/mL) comapred to value during the Lthyroxine therapy (group I
0.1-495.0 ng/mL, group II 0.1- 2785 ng/mL). There was no difference in
technical quality of WBS obtained from both groups. The patients in the group
I had attended 8-13 symptoms of hypothyroidism, while patients in group II
did not have symptoms of hypothyroidism. The patients after application of
rhTSH, showed statistically significantly better quality of life as compared
with those who showed to have L-thyroxine withdrawal, (74-91 points vs 43-62
points; p < 0.05). The rhTSH was well tolerated, with nausea occurring in
only one patient. Conclusion. Administration of rhTSH in the follow- up of
patients with DTC prevents the debilitating effects of hypothyroidism
contributing to the maintenance of metabolic homeostasis of the organism and
preserves the quality of life. RhTSH is safe, effective and easy to use, but
is still an expensive product in our country.
Risk factors for the appearance of minimal pathologic lesions on vocal folds in vocal professionals
Authors: Stojanovic Jasmina , Ilic Nevenka , Stankovic Predrag , Arsenijevic Snezana , Erdevicki Ljiljana , Belic Branislav , Zivic Ljubica , Bankovic Dragic
Published: November 2012

Background/Aim. An excessive use or misuse of voice by vocal professionals
may result in symptoms such are husky voice, hoarse voice, total loss of
voice, or even organic changes taking place on vocal folds - minimal
pathological lesions - MAPLs. The purpose of this study was to identify the
type of MAPLs which affects vocal professionals, as well as to identify the
risk factors that bring about these changes. Methods. There were 94 vocal
professionals who were examined altogether, out of whom 46 were affected by
MAPLs, whereas 48 of them were diagnosed with no MAPLs, so that they served
as the control group. All these patients were clinically examined (anamnesis,
clinical examination, bacteoriological examination of nose and pharynx,
radiography of paranasal cavities, allergological processing, phoniatric
examination, endo-video-stroboscopic examination, as well as
gastroenterologic examination, and finally endocrinological and pulmological
analyses). Results. The changes that occurred most often were identified as
nodules (50%; n = 23/46) and polyps (24%; n = 11/46). Risk factors causing
MAPLs in vocal professionals were as follows: age, which reduced the risk by
23.9% [OR 0.861 (0.786-0.942)] whereas the years of career increase the risk
[OR 1.114 (1.000-1.241)], as well as the presence of a chronic respiratory
disease [OR 7.310 (1.712- 31.218)], and the presence of gastro-oesophageal
reflux disease [OR 4.542 (1.263-16.334)]. The following factors did not
contribute to development of MAPLs in vocal professionals: sex, a place of
residence, irritation, smoking, endocrinologic disease and the presence of
poly-sinusitis. Conclusion. It is necessary to introduce comprehensive
procedures for prevention of MAPLs, particularly in high-risk groups.
Identification of the risk factors for MAPLs and prevention of their
influence on vocal professionals (given that their income depends on their
vocal ability) is of the highest importance.
Philometroides acanthopagri sp. nov., a new philometrid (Nematoda, Philometridae) from the musculature of Acanthopagrus latus (Sparidae) from marine waters of Iraq
Authors: Moravec František , Jassim Abdul , Al-Salim Nadrah
Published: November 2012

A new nematode species, Philometroides acanthopagri sp. nov. (Philometridae), is described from gravid and subgravid specimens found in the musculature near pectoral fins and in nasal cavity of the yellowfin seabream Acanthopagrus latus (Houttuyn) (Sparidae, Perciformes) from marine waters off the coast of southern Iraq. Based on light and scanning electron microscopical examination, the new species differs from its congeners in a combination of morphological and biometrical features. It is the first species of Philometroides reported from a sparid fish and the first representative of this genus recorded from fishes in the Arabian Gulf. A key to Philometroides species parasitizing marine and brackish-water fishes is provided.
Syringophilopsis davidi sp. nov. (Prostigmata, Syringophilidae) a new quill mite species parasitizing Calandrella brachydactyla (Passeriformes, Alaudidae) in Egypt
Authors: Glowska Eliza , Laniecka Izabella
Published: November 2012

A new quill mite species Syringophilopsis davidi sp. nov. (Prostigmata, Syringophilidae) parasitizing Greater Short-toed Lark Calandrella brachydactyla (Leisler) (Passeriformes, Alaudidae) in Egypt is described. This new species is distinguishable from S. tyranni Bochkov and Galloway by 10–13 chambers of the peritremal lateral branches, setae se located slightly anterior to c1, and by setae ag2 about twice longer than the genital setae. This is the first record of this genus from the hosts of the family Alaudidae and in the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Trichinella spiralis reinfection: changes in cellular and humoral immune response in BALB/c mice
Authors: Dvorožňáková E. , Kołodziej-Sobocińska M. , Hurníková Z.
Published: November 2012

Trichinella spiralis infection induces a host cell-mediated and humoral response. The role of T and B lymphocytes in the immune response of mice reinfected with 2 × 400 T. spiralis larvae was studied in relation to the parasite burden. BALB/c mice were infected on days 0 and 60 and immunological parameters were examined within a period of 180 days. In comparison with a single T. spiralis infection, T- and B-lymphocytes in reinfected mice responded by a significant increase in the proliferative activity during 10 days after reinfection. At the same time, the percentages of CD4+ T-cells of reinfected mice were also increased. In contrast, the CD8+ T-cell numbers were significantly reduced almost 30 days after reinfection. High concentration of serum IFN-γ lasted till the end of the experiment. The IL-5 level was increased only for 2 weeks after reinfection, followed by its decrease. Kinetics of specific anti-Trichinella immunoglobulins IgG2a was not affected with reinfection, but specific antibodies IgG1 significantly increased after reinfection and persisted elevated till the end of the experiment. Lower numbers of adults (69.2 % reduction) in the small intestine and 72.3 % reduction in muscle larvae were found after reinfection. Stimulation of the host immune response — the increased activity of CD4+ T lymphocytes and high levels of IFN-γ and specific IgG1 after reinfection, contributed to the reduction of the parasite burden.
Effect of albendazole therapy on susceptible and resistant Haemonchus contortus larvae in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) and distribution of inflammatory cells in the stomach wall
Authors: Königová A. , Hrčková G. , Velebný S. , Dolinská M. , Molnár L. , Várady M.
Published: November 2012

The effect of albendazole therapy on the reduction of drugsusceptible and drug-resistant strains of Haemonchus contortus larvae on day 10 post infection (p.i.), distribution and the relative numbers of innate immunity cells — eosinophils/neutrophils and mast cells in the stomach wall of immunosupressed Mongolian gerbils on days 4/1, 7/4, 10/7 and 14/11 post infection/post therapy (p.i./p.t.) were investigated in the present study. The efficacy of albendazole was significantly lower on benzimidazole (BZ) resistant larvae (L3 and L4 stages) (58.92 %) than the efficacy on susceptible strain of larvae (94.15 %). H. contortus infection elicited strong inflammation in mucosal and submucosal layers of the stomach, where mucosal mast cells MMC) were in the highest numbers in the lamina propria mucosae on day 7/4 p.i./p.t. Reduction of larval numbers following treatment resulted in a gradual decrease of MMC and connective tissue mast cells (CTMC). The lower counts of CTMC in the submucosa were seen in gerbils infected with BZ-susceptible strain during the whole period post therapy. In case of infection with BZ-resistant strain, peroxidase containig cells (eosinophils) peaked on day 7/4 p.i./p.t., whereas infection with BZ-susceptible strain elicited massive accumulation of these cells on day 4/1 p.i./p.t., particularly in the submucosa. No marked differences in eosinophils localisation were observed between both groups after the therapy. Goblet cells were found only in the proximal parts of glandulae gastricae close to the mucosal surface and no differences in the distribution in the stomach wall of both groups of animals were observed. After therapy the higher larval counts in case of BZ-resistant strain were in the correlation with the lower decline of CTMC and eosinophils, but MMC numbers were not significantly different between both treated groups. Present data indicate that in early stage post infection, the distribution of individual innate immunity cells might be directly affected by the larvae, and that the genetic and consequently biological differences related to the resistance to benzimidazoles probably had the impact on the interactions of larvae with the different immune cells in their niche.
Monitoring of Ascaris suum in slaughter pigs during 2000–2009 in Slovakia
Authors: Ondrejková A. , Černek Ľ. , Prokeš M. , Ondrejka R. , Hurníková Z. , Takáčová D.
Published: November 2012

Ascaris suum is a parasitic nematode of pigs with worldwide distribution causing economic loses due do health interactions, reduced feed to gain efficiency and loses due to liver condemnation at abattoirs. To survey the herd prevalence of ascariosis in Slovakia, the presence of milk spots in liver of slaughtered pigs is monitored at abattoirs. According to shortened life-span of fattening pigs, this is the most suitable screening method for efficiency evaluation of control measures. Within the monitoring in 2000–2009, in total 279 herds (19 017 animals) were examined. During this period, marked decrease in occurrence of pathological lesions, resp. milk spots, in liver was recorded (from 39.51 % to 6.85 %) in investigated herds.
Canine subcutaneous dirofilariosis — noteless and neglected (Difficulties in disease monitoring)
Authors: Miterpáková M. , Iglódyová A. , Hurníková Z.
Published: November 2012

In Central Europe, several new endemic regions of subcutaneous dirofilariosis caused by filarial nematode Dirofilaria repens were identified during recent years. Among those countries is also Slovakia, where the infection in dogs was recorded for the first time in 2005. We summarize here the activities intended to increase the veterinarian’s awareness of dirofilariosis and problems connected with establishing cooperation in monitoring of the infection in Slovakia. We also present the results of the questionnaire survey of public (foremost dog breeders and owners) knowledge on dirofilariosis.

Our experience shows that despite the fact that the disease was discovered in Slovakia already 6 years ago, veterinarians still do not attach adequate importance and attention to it. Out of over 540 veterinarians, who have been repeatedly requested to cooperate, only 26 were willing to engage in the monitoring programme. Surprisingly, we noticed much higher interest from the general public and dog owners: 53.1 % of responders indicated that they had already heard about dirofilariosis and 45.2 % of them knew about the risk of transmission to humans. But as many as 78.9 % of animal owners pointed out, that they were not informed by their veterinarian about the possibilities of testing and prevention.

Nevertheless, in spite of multiple negative experiences, it is necessary to continue the monitoring of dirofilariosis given that the real distribution of the parasite in Slovakia is still unknown, which prevents the introduction of effective preventive measures.
Changes of enzymatic antioxidant system in the small intestine of rats after the chronic invasion by Hymenolepis diminuta (Cestoda, Hymenolepididae)
Authors: Czeczot H. , Skrzycki M. , Majewska M. , Podsiad M. , Salamatin R. , Twarowska J. , Grytner-Zięcina B.
Published: November 2012

The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the enzymatic antioxidant system in rat small intestine caused by invasion of tapeworms Hymenolepis diminuta. The study material consisted of samples of the rats small intestine after short- (1.5-months) and long-term (1.5-years) larvae invasion of tapeworm H. diminuta. In tissue extracts the concentration of oxidative stress markers (GSH and TBARS) and activity of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, total GSHPx, SeGSHPx, GST and GSHR) were determined. Changes demonstrated for GSH and TBARS level and the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the small intestine in rats indicate the induction of oxidative stress and weakening of antioxidant defense mechanisms, after both short- and long-term invasion of H. diminuta tapeworms. Observed profile of antioxidant enzymes activity in the small intestine of rats after prolonged exposure to direct or indirect contact with H. diminuta tapeworms points to the adaptation of the definitive host to oxidative stress and defense against parasitic invasions.
Parasitic helminthes — probable cause of death of birds
Authors: Okulewicz A. , Sitko J.
Published: November 2012

Parasitic helminths were the probable cause of death of 41 passeriform birds (29 adults and 12 juveniles in their first year of life) caught in the net during the spring and autumn ringing (1986–2010). The birds (1 Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs, 1 House Martin Delichon urbica, 2 Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus, 9 Great Tit Parus major, 3 Willow Tit Poecile palustris, 1 Great Reed Acrocephalus arundinaceus, 1 Chiffchaff Phylloscopus collybita, 3 Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla, 2 Dunnock Prunella modularis, 1 Magpie Pica pica, 5 Robin Erithacus rubecula, 9 Common Blackbird Turdus merula and 3 Song Thrush T. philomelos) were caught in the environs of Přerov (Czech Republic). The helminths: trematodes, tapeworms, nematodes and hook worms, were located in the intestine, glandular and muscular stomach, cloaca, rectum, gall bladder, liver, pulmonary cavity, air sac, nasal and orbital cavity and subcutaneous tissue of the hosts. The intensity of invasion with different species of parasites was up to 734 per host. Some parasites Brachydistomum ventricosum, Mosesia sittae, Aprocta cylindrica, Diplotriaena tridens were acquired at the wintering grounds. All the helmniths were heteroxenous, with development cycle involving intermediate hosts (invertebrates) which are part of the birds’ diet.
The egg-shell ultrastructure of Blatticola blattae (Graeffe, 1860) (Oxyuridomorpha: Thelastomatidae)
Authors: Guzeeva E. , Spiridonov S.
Published: November 2012

The egg-shell ultrastructure of Blatticola blattae has been studied under scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Similar to other studied oxyurids, it consists of five layers: a lipid layer, a chitinous layer, a vitelline layer, internal and external uterine layers. Unlike in the closely related thelastomatid Hammerschmidtiella diesingi, the external uterine layer of B. blattae has a honeycomb structure, the complex system of tightly joined prismatic chambers.
Effects of some abiotic factors on the occurrence of aquatic mycobiota in lakes of the Drawa National Park
Authors: Mazurkiewicz-Zapałowicz Kinga , Silicki Artur , Gregorczyk Andrzej , Biedunkiewicz Anna , Wolska Maria
Published: November 2012

Effects of environmental factors, including acidity, temperature, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphate and total iron content, on the diversity of aquatic mycobiota in lake water were studied in two lakes in Northern Poland in 2005–2007. Fifty four species of fungi and fungus-like organisms were recorded in the sub-surface and benthic of both lakes. There were 36 and 45 species in Lakes Marta and Sitno, respectively. The greatest species diversity was observed with a higher content of oxygen and biogenic compounds in the surface water. Temperature and oxygen content were the most important factors affecting the distribution of mycobiota in lake water.
Exposure to chlorine affects the extracellular polymeric substance production and cell surface hydrophobicity in biofilm bacteria
Authors: Rathi Rengaswamy , Satheesh Sathyaneson
Published: November 2012

Chlorination is a common antifouling method adopted by industrial units to minimize the fouling growth on cooling systems. In the present study, the effect of sodium hypochlorite on extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) production, hydrophobicity, cell adhesion and viability of marine bacteria involved in biofilm formation were assessed in laboratory condition. Two bacterial strains, tentatively identified as Alteromonas sp. and Pseudomonas sp. isolated from the surface of seaweeds were used as test organisms for the present study. The bacterial cultures were treated with sodium hypochlorite at 25% of the minimum inhibitory concentration. Results showed considerable variation in the production of EPS, viable counts, hydrophobicity and adhesion ability of bacteria treated with sodium hypochlorite. In general, the present study indicated that chlorination affects some important characteristics involved in the biofilm formation and thereby reduces the adhesion rate on surfaces.
Monsoon-driven Dynamics of water quality by multivariate statistical methods in Daya Bay, South China Sea
Authors: Wu Mei-Lin , Wang You-Shao , Sun Cui-Ci , Sun Fu-Lin , Cheng Hao , Wang Yu-Tu , Dong Jun-De , Wu Jingfeng
Published: November 2012

Eleven physicochemical parameters of data collected from 12 stations in Daya Bay in 2003 were analyzed by multivariate statistical analysis. Cluster analysis (CA) grouped data from 4 seasons into two groups, the northeast and southwest monsoon periods, representing different natural processes. During the northeast monsoon period, principal component analysis (PCA) and CA group the 12 monitoring sites into Cluster DA1 (S1, S2 and S6) and Cluster DA2 (S3-S5 and S7-S12). During the southwest monsoon period, PCA and CA group the 12 monitoring sites into Cluster WB1 (S1, S2, S7, S9 and S11) and Cluster WB2 (S3-S6, S8, S10, S11 and S12). The spatial heterogeneity within the bay was defined by different hydrodynamic conditions and human activities. These results may be valuable for achieving sustainable use of the coastal ecosystems in Daya Bay.
The Environmental Impacts of Militarization in Comparative Perspective: An Overlooked Relationship
Authors: Jorgenson Andrew K. , Clark Brett , Givens Jennifer E.
Published: November 2012

Drawing from emergent areas of sociological research and theorization, the authors consider the environmental impacts of militaries from a comparative-international perspective. The article begins with an overview of treadmill of production and treadmill of destruction theories, the latter of which highlights the expansionary tendencies and concomitant environmental consequences of militarization. This theoretical overview is followed by a narrative assessment of military growth and energy consumption, with a particular focus on the US military over the past century. Next, the authors detail the various environmental impacts associated with the growth and structure of national militaries, briefly discuss potential future research directions, and conclude by calling for scholars in future studies on society/nature relationships to seriously consider the environmental and ecological impacts of the world's militaries.
Just Plain Disappointment: Why Contemporary Thinking About Environmental Sustainability Needs To Be More Courageous
Authors: Lynne Lee Wendy
Published: November 2012

Edwards, Andres R. 2010. Thriving Beyond Sustainability: Pathways to a Resilient Society. Gabriola Island, Canada: New Society Publishers.

Lake, Osprey Orielle. 2010. Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature. Ashland, OR: White Cloud Press.

Suzuki, David, and David R. Taylor. 2009. The Big Picture: Reflections on Science, Humanity, and a Quickly Changing Planet. Vancouver, Canada: Greystone Books.
Enhancement of Solubility and Dissolution Characteristics of Ibuprofen by Solid Dispersion Technique
Authors: Al Masum Md Abdullah , Sharmin Florida , Islam S M Ashraful , Reza Md Selim
Published: November 2012

In this study solid dispersions (SDs) of ibuprofen were prepared by melt dispersion technique using macrogol 4000 and macrogol 6000 as carrier. Physical mixtures (PMs) of ibuprofen were also prepared with the same carrier and in the same drug-carrier ratio (1:0.5, 1:1 and 1:1.5) to compare the dissolution profile. The solid dispersions and physical mixtures were investigated for drug loading, saturation solubility and dissolution behavior. Saturation solubility study was carried out in phosphate buffer (pH 7.2), 0.1 N HCl solution and distilled water. Solid dispersions were found effective to enhance the solubility of ibuprofen significantly in all the media. Dissolution test was carried out in two different media, phosphate buffer (pH 7.2) and 0.1 N HCl. Solid dispersion containing macrogol 6000 at the ratio of 1:1.5 (drug: carrier) showed faster and higher drug release and was found to be most effective among all the solid dispersions. Drug carrier interactions were studied by comparing Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) of solid dispersions with pure drug which revealed that the SDs were stable. So, solid dispersion may be an effective technique to enhance dissolution rate of ibuprofen. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v11i1.12480 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 11(1): 1-6, 2012 (June)
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activities of Callistemon citrinus (Curtis) Skeels
Authors: Haque Md Enamul , Sultana Afrin , Shibib Biazid Alam , Islam Md Mirazul
Published: November 2012

The petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts of the stem bark of Callistemon citrinus were subjected to screenings for antimicrobial and antioxidant activities and brine shrimp lethality. The ethyl acetate  extract and its column fractions XVIII and XIV exhibited moderate antimicrobial activity, while the methanol extract  revealed significant antioxidant activity having IC50 of 3.84 ?g/ml. The methanol extract and fraction-II showed  potent cytotoxic its cytotoxicity with the LC50 of 11.27 and 11.35 ?g/ml, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v11i1.12487 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 11(1): 51-54, 2012 (June)
Celtic Tradition: The Guiding Force of William Butler Yeats
Authors: Karim Sajjadul
Published: November 2012

The folklore, myth, and legends of ancient Celtic traditions inspired William Butler Yeats a lot. By not falling into the trap of overly romanticizing his work, as many other authors of the time would do, Yeats was able to begin a tradition of another sort, the Irish literary tradition. By giving importance on the Irish culture in his work, Yeats fulfilled his own sense of national pride to the delight of his readers and audiences and to the chagrin of many of his English contemporaries who felt that nothing of value or worthy of study could come out of Ireland. From 1890 he was a member of the occult group of the Golden Dawn1, which fuelled his fascination with the mystic symbols of rosicrucianism and cabbalism. Because of these activities his thinking gave an emphasis on magic and apocalypticism that would remain a constant feature of his work. This article aims at exploring the Irish myth, folklore, occultism and the tradition that inspired William Butler Yeats. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v6i0.12248 IIUC Studies Vol.6 2010: 53-64
Vindication of Newmans Views on Liberal Education from Contemporary Perspective
Authors: Alam Mohammed Sarwar
Published: November 2012

Through his provocative and evocative lectures at the Catholic University of Ireland, John Henry Cardinal Newman (1801-1890) appealed to incorporate liberal education in university education to form a better and sounder society. Endorsing Newmans views/thesis, this paper argues that colonially shaped, commercially motivated and morally bankrupt higher education system has strained liberal education to a large extent. And predictably, now we are perhaps experiencing an increasingly paradoxical scenario of an inhuman society by the human beings. In spite of predictable and unpredictable changes in social dynamics and paradigms since Newman expressed his views, this paper seeks to arrive at an understanding that his insightful defence of liberal education is still rewardingly relevant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v6i0.12249 IIUC Studies Vol.6 2010: 65-76
Note of Existentialism in the Poetry of Philip Larkin
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Taj
Published: November 2012

Existentialism became popular in the twentieth century, and it captured virtually every form of human thought and expression, including the novel, the theatre, poetry, art and theology. Though this philosophy had no specific system or sets of systems, yet it got a wide range of responses due to contemporary social circumstances. Individuals of the 20th century had a problematic existence with anguish, uncertainty, fear, alienation and despair because of different negative socio-political and cultural events that affected every aspect of life in Europe. Philip Larkin belonged to the same century and most of his poems present the typical problems of existence of an individual in the contemporary society. With an aim of better understanding of the poetry of Philip Larkin this paper explores how the poet, while dealing with the themes of his poetry, reflects the mood and ideas of existentialist philosophers. Since philosophy is closely connected with literature, as with other branches of knowledge, this study may help the readers understand Larkins poetry from a new perspective. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v6i0.12251 IIUC Studies Vol.6 2010: 97-110
Teaching Stress to ESL Students
Authors: Hossain Gazi Shahadat , Tarannum Sawsan
Published: November 2012

In English conversation, people use their voice as a complex instrument. As they use sound systems of their languages, their pronunciation usually produces infinite variations of meaning. This variation made by stress on particular syllable or word creates confusion in the minds of the ESL (English as a Second Language) students in identifying the correct meaning of the word. So it is essential for ESL students to be familiar with English stress pattern. This essay will highlight the meaning and role of stress, the ways of raising awareness among the students and the techniques of teaching it in the classroom. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/iiucs.v6i0.12253 IIUC Studies Vol.6 2010: 123-132
Congenital Absence of Gall Bladder
Authors: Kabir Sheikh Firoj , Haque Md Sirajul
Published: November 2012

Congenital absence of gall bladder is a very rare entity found in clinical practices. Due to miss interpretation of  sonographic findings as they are not familiar with the condition it possess a great difficulty in management the  patient. Though the patient present with the feature of acute  cholecystitis, conservative treatment is enough to cure the disease. Modern radiological intervention make the diagnosis confirm, thus preventing unnecessary surgical procedure. Here we report two cases of Congenital absence of gall bladder presenting as acute cholecystitis ultimately  diagnosed and treated. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i3.12470 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 177-180
Obituaries Vol.30(3)
Authors: Editor The
Published: November 2012

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i3.12475 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 186
Integrated Palmer Amaranth Management in Glufosinate-Resistant Cotton: I. Soil-Inversion, High-Residue Cover Crops and Herbicide Regimes
Authors: Aulakh Jatinder , Price Andrew , Enloe Stephen , Santen Edzard , Wehtje Glenn , Patterson Michael
Published: November 2012

A three year field experiment was conducted to evaluate the role of soil-inversion, cover crops and herbicide regimes for Palmer amaranth between-row (BR) and within-row (WR) management in glufosinate-resistant cotton. The main plots were two soil-inversion treatments: fall inversion tillage (IT) and non-inversion tillage (NIT). The subplots were three cover crop treatments: crimson clover, cereal rye and winter fallow; and sub subplots were four herbicide regimes: preemergence (PRE) alone, postemergence (POST) alone, PRE + POST and a no herbicide check (None). The PRE herbicide regime consisted of a single application of pendimethalin at 0.84 kg ae ha−1 plus fomesafen at 0.28 kg ai ha−1. The POST herbicide regime consisted of a single application of glufosinate at 0.60 kg ai ha−1 plus S-metolachlor at 0.54 kg ai ha−1 and the PRE + POST regime combined the prior two components. At 2 weeks after planting (WAP) cotton, Palmer amaranth densities, both BR and WR, were reduced ≥90% following all cover crop treatments in the IT. In the NIT, crimson clover reduced Palmer amaranth densities >65% and 50% compared to winter fallow and cereal rye covers, respectively. At 6 WAP, the PRE and PRE + POST herbicide regimes in both IT and NIT reduced BR and WR Palmer amaranth densities >96% over the three years. Additionally, the BR density was reduced ≥59% in no-herbicide (None) following either cereal rye or crimson clover when compared to no-herbicide in the winter fallow. In IT, PRE, POST and PRE + POST herbicide regimes controlled Palmer amaranth >95% 6 WAP. In NIT, Palmer amaranth was controlled ≥79% in PRE and ≥95% in PRE + POST herbicide regimes over three years. POST herbicide regime following NIT was not very consistent. Averaged across three years, Palmer amaranth controlled ≥94% in PRE and PRE + POST herbicide regimes regardless of cover crop. Herbicide regime effect on cotton yield was highly significant; the maximum cotton yield was produced by the PRE + POST herbicide regime. Averaged over three years, the PRE, POST and PRE + POST cotton yields were about three times higher than no herbicide regime. In a conservation tillage production system, a PRE + glufosinate POST herbicide based regime coupled with a cereal rye cover crop may effectively control Palmer amaranth and maximize cotton yields.
Climate Change, Sea-Level Rise and Implications for Coastal and Estuarine Shoreline Management with Particular Reference to the Ecology of Intertidal Benthic Macrofauna in NW Europe
Authors: Fujii Toyonobu
Published: November 2012

In many European estuaries, extensive areas of intertidal habitats consist of bare mudflats and sandflats that harbour a very high abundance and biomass of macrobenthic invertebrates. The high stocks of macrobenthos in turn provide important food sources for the higher trophic levels such as fish and shorebirds. Climate change and associated sea-level rise will have potential to cause changes in coastal and estuarine physical properties in a number of ways and thereby influence the ecology of estuarine dependent organisms. Although the mechanisms involved in biological responses resulting from such environmental changes are complex, the ecological effects are likely to be significant for the estuarine benthic macrofauna and hence the consumers they support. This paper reviews the utilisation patterns of estuarine intertidal habitats by shorebirds, fish and crustaceans, as well as factors affecting the distribution, abundance and biomass of estuarine macrobenthos that is known to be important food source for these estuarine predators. This study also provides simple conceptual models of the likely impacts of sea-level rise on the physical and biological elements of estuarine intertidal habitats, and implications of these results are discussed in the context of sustainable long term flood and coastal management in estuarine environments.
Human Stem Cells and Articular Cartilage Regeneration
Authors: Inui Atsuyuki , Iwakura Takashi , Reddi A.
Published: November 2012

The regeneration of articular cartilage damaged due to trauma and posttraumatic osteoarthritis is an unmet medical need. Current approaches to regeneration and tissue engineering of articular cartilage include the use of chondrocytes, stem cells, scaffolds and signals, including morphogens and growth factors. Stem cells, as a source of cells for articular cartilage regeneration, are a critical factor for articular cartilage regeneration. This is because articular cartilage tissue has a low cell turnover and does not heal spontaneously. Adult stem cells have been isolated from various tissues, such as bone marrow, adipose, synovial tissue, muscle and periosteum. Signals of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily play critical roles in chondrogenesis. However, adult stem cells derived from various tissues tend to differ in their chondrogenic potential. Pluripotent stem cells have unlimited proliferative capacity compared to adult stem cells. Chondrogenesis from embryonic stem (ES) cells has been studied for more than a decade. However, establishment of ES cells requires embryos and leads to ethical issues for clinical applications. Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are generated by cellular reprogramming of adult cells by transcription factors. Although iPS cells have chondrogenic potential, optimization, generation and differentiation toward articular chondrocytes are currently under intense investigation.
Life as Thermodynamic Evidence of Algorithmic Structure in Natural Environments
Authors: Zenil Hector , Gershenson Carlos , Marshall James A. R. , Rosenblueth David A.
Published: November 2012

In evolutionary biology, attention to the relationship between stochastic organisms and their stochastic environments has leaned towards the adaptability and learning capabilities of the organisms rather than toward the properties of the environment. This article is devoted to the algorithmic aspects of the environment and its interaction with living organisms. We ask whether one may use the fact of the existence of life to establish how far nature is removed from algorithmic randomness. The paper uses a novel approach to behavioral evolutionary questions, using tools drawn from information theory, algorithmic complexity and the thermodynamics of computation to support an intuitive assumption about the near optimal structure of a physical environment that would prove conducive to the evolution and survival of organisms, and sketches the potential of these tools, at present alien to biology, that could be used in the future to address different and deeper questions. We contribute to the discussion of the algorithmic structure of natural environments and provide statistical and computational arguments for the intuitive claim that living systems would not be able to survive in completely unpredictable environments, even if adaptable and equipped with storage and learning capabilities by natural selection (brain memory or DNA).
Ambient Air Pollution Exposure and Respiratory, Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Mortality in Cape Town, South Africa: 2001–2006
Authors: Wichmann Janine , Voyi Kuku
Published: November 2012

Little evidence is available on the strength of the association between ambient air pollution exposure and health effects in developing countries such as South Africa. The association between the 24-h average ambient PM10, SO2 and NO2 levels and daily respiratory (RD), cardiovascular (CVD) and cerebrovascular (CBD) mortality in Cape Town (2001–2006) was investigated with a case-crossover design. For models that included entire year data, an inter-quartile range (IQR) increase in PM10 (12 mg/m3) and NO2 (12 mg/m3) significantly increased CBD mortality by 4% and 8%, respectively. A significant increase of 3% in CVD mortality was observed per IQR increase in NO2 and SO2 (8 mg/m3). In the warm period, PM10 was significantly associated with RD and CVD mortality. NO2 had significant associations with CBD, RD and CVD mortality, whilst SO2 was associated with CVD mortality. None of the pollutants were associated with any of the three outcomes in the cold period. Susceptible groups depended on the cause-specific mortality and air pollutant. There is significant RD, CVD and CBD mortality risk associated with ambient air pollution exposure in South Africa, higher than reported in developed countries.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activities of Three Polysaccharide Fractions from Pine Cones
Authors: Xu Ren-Bo , Yang Xin , Wang Jing , Zhao Hai-Tian , Lu Wei-Hong , Cui Jie , Cheng Cui-Lin , Zou Pan , Huang Wei-Wei , Wang Pu , Li Wen-Jing , Hu Xing-Long
Published: November 2012

The traditional method of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for monosaccharide component analysis with pretreatment of acetylation is described with slight modifications and verified in detail in this paper. It was then successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of component monosaccharides in polysaccharides extracted from the pine cones. The results demonstrated that the three pine cone polysaccharides all consisted of ribose, rhamnose, arabinose, xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose in different molar ratios. According to the recovery experiment, the described method was proved accurate and practical for the analysis of pine cone polysaccharides, meeting the need in the field of chemical analysis of Pinus plants. Furthermore; the chemical characteristics, such as neutral sugar, uronic acids, amino acids, molecular weights, and antioxidant activities of the polysaccharides were investigated by chemical and instrumental methods. The results showed that the chemical compositions of the polysaccharides differed from each other, especially in the content of neutral sugar and uronic acid. In the antioxidant assays, the polysaccharide fractions exhibited effective scavenging activities on ABTS radical and hydroxyl radical, with their antioxidant capabilities decreasing in the order of PKP > PAP > PSP. Therefore, although the polysaccharide fractions had little effect on superoxide radical scavenging, they still have potential to be developed as natural antioxidant agents in functional foods or medicine.
Content and Color Stability of Anthocyanins Isolated from Schisandra chinensis Fruit
Authors: Ma Chunhui , Yang Lei , Yang Fengjian , Wang Wenjie , Zhao Chunjian , Zu Yuangang
Published: November 2012

In this work, a multivariate study based on Box-Behnken Design was used to evaluate the influence of three major variables affecting the performance of the extraction process of Schisandra chinensis anthocyanins. The optimum parameters were 5.5 h extraction time; 1:19 solid-liquid ratio and 260 r/min stirring rate, respectively. The extraction yield of anthocyanins was 29.06 mg/g under the optimum conditions. Moreover, many factors on the impact of heating, ultrasound, microwave treatment and ultraviolet irradiation on content and color stability of anthocyanins from Schisandra chinensis fruit were investigated. The results show that thermal degradation reaction of anthocyanins complies with the first order reaction kinetics, and the correlation coefficient is greater than 0.9950 at 40–80 °C. Ultrasound and microwave treatment has little effect on the stability of anthocyanins, and the extraction time of ultrasound and microwave should be no more than 60 min and 5 min, respectively. The anthocyanins degradation effect of UVC ultraviolet radiation is greater than UVA and UVB; after 9 h ultraviolet radiation, the anthocyanins content degradation of UVC is 23.9 ± 0.7%, and the ΔE* was changed from 62.81 to 76.52 ± 2.3. Through LC-MS analysis, the major composition of Schisandra chinensis anthocyanins was cyanidin-3-O-xylosylrutinoside.
Isolation and Structure Elucidation of GM4-Type Gangliosides from the Okinawan Starfish Protoreaster nodosus
Authors: Pan Ke , Tanaka Chiaki , Inagaki Masanori , Higuchi Ryuichi , Miyamoto Tomofumi
Published: November 2012

Three new ganglioside molecular species, termed PNG-1, PNG-2A, and PNG-2B were isolated from pyloric caeca of the starfish Protoreaster nodosus. Their structures were elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic and chemical methods, and characterized as 1-O-[8-O-methyl-N-acetyl-α-neuraminosyl-(2→3)-β-galactopyranosyl]-ceramide for PNG-1, 1-O-[β-galactofuranosyl-(1→3)-α-galactopyranosyl-(1→4)-8-O-methyl-N-acetyl-α-neuraminosyl-(2→3)-β-galactopyranosyl]-ceramide for PNG-2A, and 1-O-[β-galacto furanosyl-(1→3)-α-galactopyranosyl-(1→9)-N-acetyl-α-neuraminosyl-(2→3)-β-galactopyr anosyl]-ceramide for PNG-2B. PNG-2A and PNG-2B represent the first GM4 elongation products in nature.
Amplification and Re-Generation of LNA-Modified Libraries
Authors: Doessing Holger , Hansen Lykke , Veedu Rakesh , Wengel Jesper , Vester Birte
Published: November 2012

Locked nucleic acids (LNA) confer high thermal stability and nuclease resistance to oligonucleotides. The discovery of polymerases that accept LNA triphosphates has led us to propose a scheme for the amplification and re-generation of LNA-containing oligonucleotide libraries. Such libraries could be used for in vitro selection of e.g., native LNA aptamers. We maintained an oligonucleotide library encoding 40 randomized positions with LNA ATP, GTP, CTP, and TTP for 7 rounds of ‘mock’ in vitro selection in the absence of a target and analyzed the sequence composition after rounds 1, 4 and 7. We observed a decrease in LNA-A content from 20.5% in round 1 to 6.6% in round 7. This decrease was accompanied by a substantial bias against successive LNA-As (poly-LNA adenosine tracts) and a relative over-representation of single LNA-As. Maintaining a library with LNA TTP yielded similar results. Together, these results suggest that dispersed LNA monomers are tolerated in our in vitro selection protocol, and that LNA-modified libraries can be sustained for up to at least seven selection rounds, albeit at reduced levels. This enables the discovery of native LNA aptamers and similar oligonucleotide structures.
Ipomea hederacea Jacq.: A Medicinal Herb with Promising Health Benefits
Authors: Zia-Ul-Haq Muhammad , Riaz Muhammad , Feo Vincenzo
Published: November 2012

Ipomea hederacea Jacq. (kaladana or ivy leaf morning-glory), a member of the family Convolvulaceae, is used primarily for its seeds and recognized for its medicinal properties, especially in Asian countries. This medicinal herb contains various valuable chemical constituents such as ecdysteriods, steroidal glycosides, aromatic acids, triterpenes, amino acids, organic acids, mineral elements and vitamins. A number of pharmacological properties such as diuretic, anthelmintic, blood purifier, deobstruent, laxative, carminative and anti-inflammatory actions have been ascribed to this plant, besides its use to treat abdominal diseases, fevers, headache and bronchitis. This review focuses on compositional, medicinal and therapeutic properties of this plant, as a potential sources of bioactive molecules for medicinal and nutraceutical applications.
Network Modeling and Energy-Efficiency Optimization for Advanced Machine-to-Machine Sensor Networks
Authors: Jung Sungmo , Kim Jong , Kim Seoksoo
Published: November 2012

Wireless machine-to-machine sensor networks with multiple radio interfaces are expected to have several advantages, including high spatial scalability, low event detection latency, and low energy consumption. Here, we propose a network model design method involving network approximation and an optimized multi-tiered clustering algorithm that maximizes node lifespan by minimizing energy consumption in a non-uniformly distributed network. Simulation results show that the cluster scales and network parameters determined with the proposed method facilitate a more efficient performance compared to existing methods.
Subsurface Event Detection and Classification Using Wireless Signal Networks
Authors: Yoon Suk-Un , Ghazanfari Ehsan , Cheng Liang , Pamukcu Sibel , Suleiman Muhannad
Published: November 2012

Subsurface environment sensing and monitoring applications such as detection of water intrusion or a landslide, which could significantly change the physical properties of the host soil, can be accomplished using a novel concept, Wireless Signal Networks (WSiNs). The wireless signal networks take advantage of the variations of radio signal strength on the distributed underground sensor nodes of WSiNs to monitor and characterize the sensed area. To characterize subsurface environments for event detection and classification, this paper provides a detailed list and experimental data of soil properties on how radio propagation is affected by soil properties in subsurface communication environments. Experiments demonstrated that calibrated wireless signal strength variations can be used as indicators to sense changes in the subsurface environment. The concept of WSiNs for the subsurface event detection is evaluated with applications such as detection of water intrusion, relative density change, and relative motion using actual underground sensor nodes. To classify geo-events using the measured signal strength as a main indicator of geo-events, we propose a window-based minimum distance classifier based on Bayesian decision theory. The window-based classifier for wireless signal networks has two steps: event detection and event classification. With the event detection, the window-based classifier classifies geo-events on the event occurring regions that are called a classification window. The proposed window-based classification method is evaluated with a water leakage experiment in which the data has been measured in laboratory experiments. In these experiments, the proposed detection and classification method based on wireless signal network can detect and classify subsurface events.
Enabling Smart Workflows over Heterogeneous ID-SensingTechnologies
Authors: Giner Pau , Cetina Carlos , Lacuesta Raquel , Palacios Guillermo
Published: November 2012

Sensing technologies in mobile devices play a key role in reducing the gapbetween the physical and the digital world. The use of automatic identification capabilitiescan improve user participation in business processes where physical elements are involved(Smart Workflows). However, identifying all objects in the user surroundings does notautomatically translate into meaningful services to the user. This work introduces Parkour,an architecture that allows the development of services that match the goals of each ofthe participants in a smart workflow. Parkour is based on a pluggable architecture thatcan be extended to provide support for new tasks and technologies. In order to facilitatethe development of these plug-ins, tools that automate the development process are alsoprovided. Several Parkour-based systems have been developed in order to validate theapplicability of the proposal.