bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytogenetic studies in three species of Lutjanus (Perciformes: Lutjanidae: Lutjaninae) from the Isla Margarita, Venezuela
Authors: Nirchio Mauro , Rondón Rodolfo , Oliveira Claudio , Ferreira Irani A. , Martins Cesar , Pérez Julio , Sola Luciana , Rossi Anna Rita
Published: April 2008

In the present study, three species of Lutjaninae, Lutjanus analis, L. griseus and L. synagris, were analyzed by conventional Giemsa staining, C-banding and silver staining, to reveal active Nucleolus Organizer Regions (NORs). Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was also applied to establish the number and location of the ribosomal gene clusters (18S and 5S rRNA genes). Counts of diploid metaphasic cells revealed a diploid modal chromosome complement composed of 48 acrocentric chromosomes in both L. analis and L. griseus. Two cytotypes were observed in L. synagris: cytotype I, with 2n=48 acrocentric chromosomes, found in 19 specimens, and cytotype II, with 46 acrocentric chromosomes and one large metacentric, found in two specimens. The large metacentric, which possibly originated from a Robertsonian rearrangement, was not found to be sex-related. In the three species, constitutive heterochromatin is located in the centromeres of all chromosomes. NORs were detected on the short arms of a single chromosome pair, number 24 in L. analis and number 6 in both cytotypes of L. synagris. In L. griseus, a polymorphism of the NORs number was detected, by both Ag-staining and FISH, as females show a maximum of three NORs, and males a maximum of six NORs. In all species, minor ribosomal genes were found located on a single chromosome pair. The obtained data, along with those previously reported for other five Lutjanidae species, show that a general chromosome homogeneity occurs within the family, but that derived karyotypes based on Robertsonian rearrangements as well as multiple and variable NORs sites can also be found.
The protein tyrosine phosphatase-BL, modulates pancreatic β-cell proliferation by interaction with the Wnt signalling pathway
Authors: Welters Hannah J , Oknianska Alina , Erdmann Kai S , Ryffel Gerhart U , Morgan Noel G
Published: April 2008

In pancreatic β-cells, increased expression of the MODY5 gene product, HNF1β, leads to enhanced rates of apoptosis and altered regulation of the cell cycle, suggesting that control of HNF1β expression may be important for the control of β-cell proliferation and viability. It is unclear how these effects of HNF1β are mediated, but previously we have identified a protein tyrosine phosphatase, (PTP)-BL, as an HNF1β-regulated protein in β-cells and have now studied the role of this protein in INS-1 β-cells. Stably transfected cells were generated, which express either wild-type (WT) or a phosphatase-deficient mutant (PTP-BL-CS) of PTP-BL conditionally under the control of a tetracycline-regulated promoter. Enhanced expression of WT PTP-BL inhibited INS-1 cell growth dose dependently, but this effect was not observed when PTP-BL-CS was expressed. Neither construct altered the rate of apoptosis. PTP-BL has been reported to interact with components of the Wnt signalling pathway, and we observed that addition of exogenous Wnt3a resulted in an increase in cell proliferation and a rise in β-catenin levels, consistent with the operation of this pathway in INS-1 cells. Up-regulation of WT PTP-BL antagonised these responses but PTP-BL-CS failed to inhibit Wnt3a-induced proliferation. The rise in β-catenin caused by Wnt3a was also suppressed by over-expression of HNF1β, suggesting that HNF1β may interact with the Wnt signalling pathway via an increase in PTP-BL levels. We conclude that PTP-BL plays an important role in the regulation of cell cycle progression in pancreatic β-cells, and that it interacts functionally with components of the Wnt signalling pathway.
Briefing: IHA sustainability guidelines and assessment protocol
Authors: Karki Pravin
Published: April 2008

This article discusses the development of the International Hydropower Association's (I HA) sustainability guidelines and assessment protocol for the hydropower industry as a tool for advancing sustainable hydropower.
A comparative analysis of two building rating systems Part 1: Evaluation
Authors: Fenner R. A. , Ryce T.
Published: April 2008

Buildings are responsible for a significant proportion of world energy usage, raw material consumption, fresh water withdrawals, carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and municipal waste production. In recognition of these problems, buildings are increasingly being procured through green design principles, and a number of tools have been developed to evaluate their environmental performance. This paper compares the two most widely adopted schemes—the UK Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (Breeam) and the international Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (Leed), as implemented by the Canada Green Building Council. The nature and limitations of these kinds of building rating systems are discussed and their performance is analysed by considering the way credits are allocated, their ability to be customised, the complexity involved in the assessment process and the accessibility of the information they generate. The paper indicates some limitations in current practice. Emerging trends that will shape the development of future building rating systems are discussed.
A comparative analysis of two building rating systems. Part 2: Case study
Authors: Fenner R. A. , Ryce T.
Published: April 2008

The results of an assessment of a building incorporating a number of sustainability features using two different building rating systems (the UK Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) and the international Leadership in Energy and Environmental Development (LEED), as developed by the Canada Green Building Council) are described. The building scored well under both systems, although the credits achieved were more equally distributed in the Leed Canada assessment than under Breeam. A number of differences between the schemes are highlighted; the categories achieving the highest percentage credits under both tools were water, energy and occupant health. The paper concludes that, while the two schemes may differ in name, applications style and ranking mechanisms, the tools are more similar than dissimilar and provide broadly comparable assessments.
Sustainability assessment and reporting in property development: a case study
Authors: Panagiotakopoulos P. D. , Jowitt P. W.
Published: April 2008

Property development is a highly complex issue with outputs having widespread and long-lasting ramifications that can affect many different stakeholders. Property developers can play a significant role in enhancing the sustainability of urban developments; their activities result in a variety of economic, social and environmental impacts—the three key strands in which sustainable development is couched. This paper presents the development of an assessment and reporting framework for a particular property developer company (PDC). The development of the framework was based initially on a ‘bottom-up’/input-driven process and then on a ‘top-down’/output-driven approach. The problems and advantages of each and the lessons learnt in the development of the methodology are described using a systems methodology. The resulting top-down assessment approach is simple to apply, easy to characterise and relies on the self-assessment of a small number of strategic indicators by project managers. This systems-level approach also made it easier to capture high-level emergent properties of each development project in terms of its contribution to sustainable development. The methodology and assessment framework could easily be adapted for other property developers and construction generally, and so contribute to the creation of a more sustainable built environment.
Modelling embankments reinforced with sand columns
Authors: Sathishbalamurugan M. , Muhunthan B.
Published: April 2008

Numerical simulation of the deformation characteristics of an embankment on weak clay reinforced with stone columns was carried out using FLAC 3D software. The problem was also analysed by using equivalent criticalstate parameters of the composite ground. The results of the equivalent parameter model are found to correlate well with the analysis of the original configuration. The numerical analyses show that improvement in vertical as well as lateral displacement of the embankment is very much dependent on the location and extent of the sand columns. The displacement pattern of unimproved ground is shown to be useful for economical placement of the sand columns in this regard. The numerical results also show that, beyond 40% improved area ratio, very little improvement in displacement is achieved.
T5A roof: the abutment first run study
Authors: Frankland W. , Hulme P.
Published: April 2008

The abutment structures provide the support for the main span of the dramatic 176 m free-spanning roof of Heathrow's Terminal 5 (T5) main terminal building. The abutments contain many complex engineered components, which are replicated 22 times throughout the roof structure. The roof modules were essentially made up of the central portion of the span containing the majority of the roof cladding supported by a 107 m bow-string arch structure, which was in turn supported by the end abutments which form the subject of this paper. The programme for the construction of T5 was time-critical and relied heavily upon constructing the roof in a series of modules to an extremely ambitious cycle time. The construction of the abutments was key to achieving these rapid cycle times. In order to ensure that the cycle times could be achieved, BAA embarked upon what was termed the abutment first run study (AFRS) essentially to determine, ahead of the construction on site and offline from the critical path, that these crucially important cycle times could be achieved. The current paper describes the rationale behind the study and the preparations made for the construction of the AFRS at Severfield Rowen's facility in North Yorkshire. The paper focuses on how practical refinement of complex installations can contribute to savings of both time and cost and how attention to detail during the design and manufacturing phases ensured that the components successfully fitted together. The effectiveness of the AFRS helped to guarantee that when the roof module was suspended from the strand jacks some 30 m in the air, the support points on the abutment structure were correctly aligned.
Statistical analysis of structural vibrations due to crowd jumping loads
Authors: Sim J. , Blakeborough A. , Williams M. S.
Published: April 2008

This paper presents an analysis method for the response of an assembly structure such as a grandstand to simulated crowd jumping loads. The structure is initially modelled as a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system and then modified by the addition of a two-degree-of-freedom (2DOF) model of a passive standing crowd. A statistical approach is used in order to represent realistically the natural variability in the jumping loads. The paper outlines how to simulate individual jumping loads based on a statistical model developed elsewhere. The response of the joint crowd–structure system to the jumping loads is then obtained and presented in graphical form. These results give a first estimate to the response of cantilever grandstands due to crowd jumping loads. An example is presented, the various factors affecting the structural response owing to crowd jumping loads are discussed and the limitations of the results considered.
Cyclic response of concrete-encased composite columns with low steel ratio
Authors: Shim C. S. , Chung Y. S. , Han J. H.
Published: April 2008

Improved economy and speed of construction can be achieved through the use of prefabricated structural members. As a step in the advancement of prefabricated substructures, a precast composite column system for seismic regions is proposed in this work. In order to enhance the seismic performance of the reinforced concrete (RC) pier, it is customary to cover the plastic hinge areas of the RC column with close transverse reinforcements. Concrete-encased composite columns with core structural steel can be regarded as another useful method to reinforce RC columns. Eight concrete-encased composite specimens with a low steel ratio were fabricated in this work. The quasi-static test was carried out to investigate the cyclic response of composite columns embedded with single structural steel and multiple structural steels. The specimens were composed of a concrete-encased section and structural steel, the steel being an H-shaped or a circular tube. Concrete was partially in-filled inside a circular steel tube. The test parameters used are the amount of transverse reinforcement, structural steel and loading pattern. Seismic performance was investigated by measuring the ductility and the energy-absorption capacity of composite columns. The effects of embedded steel members and transverse reinforcements on the cyclic performance were estimated through the observation of local behaviour. It was observed from test results that structural steels increased the deformation capacity of RC columns. In order to satisfy required ductility in seismic regions for composite columns with low steel ratio, it is adequate to follow the detail requirements of transverse reinforcement for RC columns to satisfy required ductility in seismic regions.
De Graaf's Thread: The Human Epididymis
Authors: Turner Terry T.
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACT:The epididymis consists of a single, highly coiled and convoluted tubule that Antoine De Graaf, the famous 17th‐century anatomist, likened to a thread thickening to a string. The uncoiled tubule is several meters long and sperm in transit through it become functionally mature under the under the influence of the tubule lumen's microenvironment. The regulation of that microenvironment and the manner by which it influences sperm maturation have been the topic of investigation for many years, though the study of the human epididymis directly is fraught with problems related to sample availability and condition. Nevertheless, investigations using a variety of mammalian tissue sources, human included, have resulted in significant advances in our understanding of both the biology and pathology of the organ. The epididymal functions of transporting, concentrating, maturing, and storing sperm are important to male fertility and their absence or significant impairment can be a factor in male infertility.
Selected Players in the Inflammation Cascade and Drugs That Target These Inflammation Genes Against Metastasis
Authors: Alikunju Shanavas , Pillarisetti Sivaram
Published: April 2008

Despite many recent advances the prognosis of cancer patients with metastasis still remains poor. In metastatic invasion, tumor cells interact with endothelial cells through several distinct adhesion molecules. Adherent tumor cells extravasate into tissues by degrading basement membranes with matrix degrading enzymes such as heparanases and matrix metalloproteinases. Endothelial expression of matrix degrading enzymes and adhesion molecules are under the control of inflammatory cytokines. These inflammatory proteins and the signaling pathways involved in the expression of these genes are under intense investigation as therapeutic targets to prevent tumor growth and metastasis. The current review focuses on selected players of the inflammation cascade and drugs that target these inflammatory genes.
Mitotic Catastrophe as a Consequence of Chemotherapy
Authors: Mansilla Sylvia , Bataller Marc , Portugal Jose
Published: April 2008

According to a widespread model, anti-cancer chemotherapy involves the triggering of tumor cells to undergo apoptosis, so apoptosis-resistant cells would be recalcitrant to such therapy. However, in addition to apoptosis, which is mainly dependent on the activity of the tumor suppressor protein p53, cells can be eliminated following DNA damage by other mechanisms. Mitotic catastrophe, a form of cell death that results from abnormal mitosis, is one such mechanism. While the term mitotic catastrophe has been used to describe a type of cell death that occurs during mitosis, there is still no broadly accepted definition. Occasionally, mitotic catastrophe is used restrictively for abnormal mitosis leading to cell death, which can occur through necrosis or apoptosis, rather than cell death itself. Although different classes of cytotoxic agents induce mitotic catastrophe, the pathways of abnormal mitosis differ depending on the nature of the inducer and the status of cell-cycle checkpoints. Moreover, mitotic catastrophe can also develop because of aberrant re-entry of tumor cells into the cell cycle after prolonged growth arrest. Elucidation of the factors that regulate different aspects of treatment- induced mitotic catastrophe should assist in improving the efficacy of anti-cancer therapy, providing opportunities for the development of new drugs.
Acridine and Acridone Derivatives, Anticancer Properties and Synthetic Methods: Where Are We Now?
Authors: Belmont Philippe , Bosson Johann , Godet Thomas , Tiano Martin
Published: April 2008

Acridine derivatives are interesting chemotherapeutic agents that were first used as antibacterial and antiparasite agents. In this review we wish to concentrate our attention on the anticancer properties of acridines used in clinics since the 1970s. Based on recent results, an outlook on antitumour acridine chemotherapy will be proposed. The biological activity of acridines is mainly attributed to the planarity of these aromatic structures, which can intercalate within the double-stranded DNA structure, thus interfering with the cellular machinery. Recent understanding of the mode of action of acridines leads to continuous and exciting research in this heterocyclic family. Indeed, biological targets such as topoisomerases I and II, telomerase/telomere and protein kinases emerge and allow the design of novel acridine-based patterns. This review further pinpoints the latest progress in the development of anticancer agents based on naturally occurring and synthetic acridines (e.g. acridones, pyridoacridines); for this matter in vitro/in vivo studies and clinical trial results will be discussed. The DNA-affinic property of acridine is also useful to vectorise drugs into cell nuclei and some applications in hypoxia-selective treatment, platinum or N-mustard derived conjugates will be reported. Some other properties including inhibition of multidrug resistance or potential impact on Alzheimer disease will be treated. It is noteworthy that the position and the nature of the substituent on the heterocyclic core are determinants for the biological property and selectivity observed. So, we wish also to disclose a summary of recent synthetic methodologies developed for acridine synthesis.
Targeting the Ubiquitin-Proteasome Pathway in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ishii Yuki , Waxman Samuel , Germain Doris
Published: April 2008

The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway plays a central role in the degradation of proteins involved in several pathways including the cell cycle, cellular proliferation and apoptosis. Bortezomib is the first proteasome inhibitor to enter clinical use, and received approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma, therefore validating inhibition of the proteasome as an anticancer target. The approval of Bortezomib was based on a large, international, multicenter phase III trial showing its efficacy and safety compared with conventional therapy. Preclinical data also demonstrates the synergistic effect of bortezomib with other chemotherapeutic agents and its ability to overcome drug resistance. Since then several other proteasome inhibitors have been developed. The anti-tumor activities of bortezomib have been attributed to its effect on pro-apoptotic pathways including the inhibition of NF-κB and induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress. However, the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. In this review, we will summarize the molecular mechanism of apoptosis by bortezomib.
On the Computational Complexity of the Numerically Definite Syllogistic and Related Logics
Authors: Pratt-Hartmann Ian
Published: April 2008

Thenumerically definite syllogisticis the fragment of English obtained by extending the language of the classical syllogism with numerical quantifiers. Thenumerically definite relational syllogisticis the fragment of English obtained by extending the numerically definite syllogistic with predicates involving transitive verbs. This paper investigates the computational complexity of the satisfiability problem for these fragments. We show that the satisfiability problem (= finite satisfiability problem) for the numerically definite syllogistic is strongly NP-complete, and that the satisfiability problem (= finite satisfiability problem) for the numerically definite relational syllogistic is NEXPTIME-complete, but perhaps not strongly so. We discuss the related problem of probabilistic (propositional) satisfiability, and thereby demonstrate the incompleteness of some proof-systems that have been proposed for the numerically definite syllogistic.
Logicality and Invariance
Authors: Bonnay Denis
Published: April 2008

This paper deals with the problem of giving a principled characterization of the class of logical constants. According to the so-called Tarski–Sher thesis, an operation is logical iff it is invariant under permutation. In the model-theoretic tradition, this criterion has been widely accepted as giving a necessary condition for an operation to be logical. But it has been also widely criticized on the account that it counts too many operations as logical, failing thus to provide a sufficient condition.

Our aim is to solve this problem of overgeneration by modifying the invariance criterion. We introduce a general notion of invariance under a similarity relation and present the connection between similarity relations and classes of invariant operations. The next task is to isolate a similarity relation well-suited for a definition of logicality. We argue that the standard arguments in favor of invariance under permutation, which rely on the generality and the formality of logic, should be modified. The revised arguments are shown to support an alternative to Tarski's criterion, according to which an operation is logical iff it is invariant under potential isomorphism.
How enumeration reductibility yields extended Harrington non-splitting
Authors: Soskova Mariya I. , Cooper S. Barry
Published: April 2008

§1. Introduction. Sacks [16] showed that every computably enumerable (c.e.) degree > 0 has a c.e. splitting. Hence, relativising, every c.e. degree has a Δ2 splitting above each proper predecessor (by ‘splitting’ we understand ‘nontrivial splitting’). Arslanov [1] showed that 0′ has a d.c.e. splitting above each c.e. a < 0′. On the other hand, Lachlan [11] proved the existence of a c.e. a < 0 which has no c.e. splitting above some proper c.e. predecessor, and Harrington [10] showed that one could take a = 0′. Splitting and nonsplitting techniques have had a number of consequences for definability and elementary equivalence in the degrees below 0′.

Heterogeneous splittings are best considered in the context of cupping and non-cupping. Posner and Robinson [15] showed that every nonzero Δ2 degree can be nontrivially cupped to 0′, and Arslanov [1] showed that every c.e. degree > 0 can be d.c.e. cupped to 0′ (and hence since every d.c.e., or even n-c.e., degree has a nonzero c.e. predecessor, every n-c.e. degree > 0 is d.c.e. cuppable). Cooper [4] and Yates (see Miller [13]) showed the existence of degrees noncuppable in the c.e. degrees. Moreover, the search for relative cupping results was drastically limited by Cooper [5], and Slaman and Steel [17] (see also Downey [9]), who showed that there is a nonzero c.e. degree a below which even Δ2 cupping of c.e. degrees fails.

We prove below what appears to be the strongest possible of such nonsplitting and noncupping results.
Intrathoracic Petechial Hemorrhages in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome and other Infant Deaths: Time for Re-Examination?
Authors: Goldwater Paul N.
Published: April 2008

The objective of this study was to provide a predictive tool to assist forensic and pediatric pathologists in the diagnosis of sudden unexpected infant death and to discuss the pathogenesis of intrathoracic petechial hemorrhages through a retrospective autopsy report review of 174 sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) cases (2004 definition) and 67 age-matched comparison deaths. The setting was a qualitative assessment (presence or absence) of macroscopic intrathoracic petechiae in SIDS and age-matched comparison of sudden unexpected deaths that occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for thymic, pleural, and epicardial petechial hemorrhages were developed. Results showed 89.5%, 80%, and 79.9% SIDS (<12 months of age) had thymic, pleural, and epicardial petechiae, respectively, compared with 47.6%, 47.5% and 43.6% in non-SIDS deaths, respectively. Respective odds ratios were: 9.4 (4.5 to 19.9), 4.6 (2.3 to 9.1), 5.3 (2.6 to 10.8). When all 3 intrathoracic organ sites contain macroscopic petechiae, this is 84.9% predictive of SIDS; when all 3 sites have no detectable petechiae this is 93.1% predictive of a non-SIDS diagnosis. Thus, we conclude that careful assessment of intrathoracic petechiae at autopsy is likely to be diagnostically useful in the assessment of sudden unexplained infant death.
Misdiagnosis of Serotonin Syndrome as Fibromyalgia and the Role of Physical Therapists
Authors: Alnwick Gregory M
Published: April 2008

Background and Purpose

With increased use of serotonergic medications, a condition triggered by serotonin excess within the brain and spinal cord has emerged and may be gaining prevalence. The purposes of this case report are to describe how to identify serotonin syndrome in a patient who is taking citalopram (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) on the basis of signs and symptoms and to promote the ability of physical therapists to recognize such signs and symptoms.

Case Description

The patient was a 42-year-old woman referred for physical therapy with a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The physical therapist recognized that the patient's symptoms did not resemble those of fibromyalgia and recommended referral to a neurologist for further diagnostic testing.

Outcomes

The patient was referred to a neurologist, who diagnosed serotonin syndrome related to the use of citalopram. The patient was weaned off citalopram and made a successful recovery, with scores on the Oswestry Disability Index decreasing from 70% to 28% at discharge from the physical therapy treatment and to 0% at the 6-month follow-up. The patient has since returned to her prior activity level, which includes skiing, motorcycle riding, and working at her consulting firm.

Discussion

This case report demonstrates how careful evaluation by the physical therapist indicated that signs and symptoms were not consistent with fibromyalgia, and further medical evaluation revealed the actual diagnosis of serotonin syndrome.
Tree spacing and area of competitive influence do not scale with tree size in an African rain forest
Authors: Lawes Michael J. , Griffiths Megan E. , Midgley Jeremy J. , Boudreau Stéphane , Eeley Harriet A.C. , Chapman Colin A.
Published: April 2008

Questions:

Is the area of influence of individual trees determined by tree size? Does competition, inferred from spatial pattern between neighbouring trees, affect adult tree spacing patterns in an tropical forest? At what size‐class or stage is competition between neighbours most likely to affect adult tree spacing patterns?

Location:

Kibale National Park, western Uganda.

Methods:

Relationships between focal tree size and nearest neighbour distance, size, density, and species in a 4‐ha permanent plot, using point pattern analyses.

Results:

We found non‐random patterns of distribution of nearest tree neighbours (stems > 10 cm DBH). Independent of identity, tree density was highest and neighbours were regularly spaced within 3–5m of an individual. Tree densities were lower and relatively constant at distances >5m and neighbours were typically randomly spaced. In general, conspecific patterns conformed to the latter trends. Thus, individual area of influence was small (within a radius of 3–5 m). Rarer species were more clumped than common species. Weak competitive thinning occurred among more densely packed small trees (<20 cm DBH), and rapidly disappeared with increasing tree size and distance from an individual. The clumping and density of individuals was not significantly affected by tree size.

Conclusions:

Negative effects of competition among trees are weak, occur within the crown radius of most individuals, and are independent of adult tree size and identity. The density of neighbouring trees (aggregation) did not decline with increasing focal tree size at either the conspecific or the community level and tree diameter (tree size) was not a good estimator of the implied competitive influence of a tree. Mechanisms operating at the recruitment stage may be important determinants of adult tree community diversity and spacing patterns.
In vitro Release Kinetics Study of Diltiazem Hydrochloride from Pellets using an Ethylcellulose Pseudolatex Coating System
Authors: Kibria Golam , Jalil Reza-ul
Published: April 2008

In the present study an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of ethylcellulose as a rate retarding material to sustain the release of diltiazem hydrochloride from pellets prepared by air suspension technique. Aqueous ethylcellulose dispersion (Surelease) with different weight ratios was chosen to sustain the release of the drug. Drug was loaded on dummy seeds by following matrix system as well as barrier coating system. The comparative study of this two manufacturing processes was also the goal of this study. In vitro dissolution studies were carried out using USP dissolution apparatus Type-2. The release of drug was faster from matrix system than that of barrier coating system. About 100% drug was released within 3 hours with 5% polymer load from both systems. While the polymer content was 10%, about 4h & 7h required for 50% & 80% drug release respectively from barrier coating system. The effect of ethylcellulose on the release of diltiazem hydrochloride was found to be predominant in barrier coating system than that of the matrix system. In the matrix system the drug comes to dissolution media easily and water soluble additives form channel very fast. The kinetic study of the drug was performed and it was revealed that the release of drug from pellets appeared to follow zero order kinetics.

Key words: Diltiazem; Pellets; Pseudolatex; Aqueous coating; Manufacturing process; Release kinetics.

Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 6(2): 87-92, 2007 (December)
Hormonal Changes in the Uterus During Pregnancy - Lessons from the Ewe: A Review
Authors: Rahman Abu Nasar Md. Aminoor
Published: April 2008

Pregnancy is the main event in the life of a female mammal to reproduce its progeny and maintain the integrity of the species. It is a very coordinated process involving reproductive organs and changes in the tissue concentration of various hormones, cytokines, enzymes and growth factors, of which hormones are most important. Various hormones are involved in the preparation of the uterus of ewe for conception of embryo, growth and development of embryo and foetus, maintenance of pregnancy and birth of a healthy lamb. However, pregnancy mainly involved two hormones, namely progesterone and oestrogens. Other hormones involved in this process are prostaglandin, cortisone, relaxin and oxytocin, which are mainly important for parturition. The endocrine changes in the ewe during the oestrous cycle, pregnancy and parturition dramatically affect the structure of the endometrium as well as the uterine immune system. During the 17-day oestrus cycle, progesterone dominates for about 13 days and oestrogens dominate for 3-4 days. In the pregnant ewe, oestogens are necessary for the growth and development of the ovarian follicles. However, once the ewe become pregnant progesterone become the key hormone to maintain the pregnancy and, therefore, known as pregnancy hormone. Progesterone dominates until the onset of parturition when endometrium switches from a progesterone-dominated state to an oestrogen-dominated state. Therefore, this paper reviews the hormonal profiles and endocrinological changes that occur during oestrous cycle and different stages of pregnancy in the ewe. The paper also illustrates the important immunological changes of the uterus that occur with the endocrinological changes.

Key words: Oestrous cycle, pregnancy, parturition, endometrium, immune cells, ewe.
Efficacy of Neem Oil on the Biology and Food Consumption of Epilachna Beetle, Epilachna dodecastigma (Wied.)
Authors: Anam M , Ahmad Masum , Haque MA
Published: April 2008

The efficacy of neem oil on the mortality, growth and feeding responses of epilachna beetle showed that all the larval instars were susceptible to this oil. The LC50 values were higher at 3rd instar and it was lowest on 1st instar. The LT50 values of oil increases proportionately with increasing larval age and with decreasing oil concentration. Neem oil significantly prolonged larval and pupal periods and some of the treated larvae never reached to the pupae. Pupal recovery and adult emergence were greatly reduced in treated larvae. In addition, neem oil also reduced the food consumption of this beetle by acting as feeding deterrent.

Key words: Neem oil, mortality, growth, feeding response, Epilachna dodecastigma.
Effects of Plant Spacing and Mulching on Yield and Profitability of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Moniruzzaman M
Published: April 2008

A field experiment with three levels of spacing (40 x 20 cm, 40 x 30 cm and 40 x 40 cm) and two levels of mulching (mulch and non-mulch) was conducted to find out the effect of plant spacing and mulching on yield and profitability of lettuce cv. Green Wave at the Agricultural Research Station, Raikhali, Rangamati Hill District for the two consecutive years during 1999-00 and 2000-01. Plant spacing, mulching and their interaction showed significant effect on yield and yield components of lettuce. The highest fresh yield of lettuce was obtained from the closest spacing (40 x 20 cm) that was statistically similar to that recorded of medium spacing (40 x 30 cm) during both the years. Significantly higher fresh yield of lettuce was obtained from the mulched plants than that of unmulched plants. The highest yield (25.9 t/ha in 1999-00 and 28.3 t/ha in 2000-01 with an average of 27.10 t/ha) was observed in the spacing of 40 x 20 cm with mulch, which was statistically at par with the spacing of 40 x 30 cm with mulch. The results also revealed that higher Gross Return (Tk. 216, 800.00) was obtained from the closest spacing in combination with mulch followed by medium spacing (40 x 30 cm) with mulch (Tk. 210, 160.00). The treatment combination of 40 x 30 cm spacing and mulching gave the highest benefit cost ratio (8.84). But the benefit cost ratio (4.22) from the treatment combination of 40 x 20 cm spacing and mulching was less due to the involvement of higher seedling cost.

Key words: Spacing, mulching, lettuce, yield, profitability.
Gender Participation in Cauliflower Seed Production at Sadar Upazila of Tangail District in Bangladesh
Authors: Haque ME , Hasan SS , Sarker A
Published: April 2008

The purpose of the study was to ascertain gender participation, particularly proportionate involvement of male and female in cauliflower seed production and also to identify the relationship between the selected characteristics of the farm households and their participation in cauliflower seed production in four intensive cauliflower seed producing villages of Sadar Upazila under Tangail District. A sample size of 70 respondents were interviewed by using an interview schedule. The study reveals that women played a significant role in cauliflower seed production along with their male counterparts. However, there were variations in participation in different activities performed for the production of cauliflower seed. A clear gender specific division of labor existed in farm families. Women were more involved in less laboring activities, such as gap filling, plant protection, scooping, drying and storage. While men were mostly involved in land preparation, manure and fertilizer collection and application, transportation in the field and weeding and mulching. A varied level of male-female joint involvement was observed. Involvement of women was minimum in land preparation while least involved in seed storage. Women's participation in different activities of cauliflower seed production increased with the decrease of family size, farm size, annual income and educational level of the family head of the farm households.

Key words: Gender participation, cauliflower, seed production.
Local Level Agricultural Planning Using GIS
Authors: Hossain Md Bilal , Sadat Anwar
Published: April 2008

Geographical Information System (GIS) is a computer based technology that describes, stores manipulates and analyze information spatially and produces outputs in map and tabular form for decision making in the planning aspects of agricultural development. Land, soil, and land used pattern are the most vital factors for growing more crop yield from a part of land. In case of Bangladesh soil quality and land type varies widely within a small area of land. This study will focus mainly on to categorize the soil texture and land type that exist in Jibannagar thana of Chuadanga district using GIS. Moreover, the suitable cropping pattern for that area were also identified using GIS technology. In order to accumulate all the qualitative and the quantitative data, the "Thana Nirdeshika" booklet for the Jibannagar thana prepared by the Soil Resources Development Institute (SRDI), Ministry of Agriculture (MOA), Bangladesh, was used. The digital data source that has been created by the GIS project of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council (BARC) has also been used for the study. From this study it is found that four map units remain predominantly High Land (PHL), one HL and two predominantly Medium High Land (PMHL) which indicate to use winter crop, HYV rice, Broadcast Aus and Aman rice based cropping pattern.

Key words: Land type, soil texture, cropping pattern, GIS.
Effect of Duration of Seed Soaking before Sowing on Mungbean under Rainfed Conditions in the Southern Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Razzaque MA , Rafiquzzaman S , Islam MN
Published: April 2008

A field experiment was conducted at the farming system research and development site Lebukhali, Patuakhali of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute during 1999 and 2000 to study the effect of seed soaking duration before sowing on yield of two mungbean varieties BARImung-2 and BARImung-5. Seeds were soaked with fresh water for 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours. The results revealed that plants produced with 4 hours soaking gave the maximum seed yield (1379 kg/ha). BARImung-5 produced higher yield (1457 kg/ha) than that of BARImung 2. Control (no soaking) gave lower yield. The highest benefit cost ratio (3.51) was obtained from 4 hours soaking.

Key words: Mungbean variety, time of seed soaking, yield.
Evaluation of Iron Status by Bone Marrow Iron Stain and its Correlation with Serum Iron Profile in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Authors: Rahman Md Mahbubur , Dutta Pradip Kumar , Hoque Mahmudul , Han Md Iftikher Hossain , Banik Dhiman , Dutta Asok Kumar , Hasan Mahtab Uddin , Yunus Emran Bin , Yunus ABM , Rahman Md Jaliolur
Published: April 2008

This observational study was done on 52 cases of predialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with chronic anaemia. The aim of the study was to determine the tissue iron status, comparison of the tissue iron with serum iron profile and justification of giving iron in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on the basis of serum iron profile. Bone marrow iron stain was done in each case and compared with the serum iron profile. The mean age of the patients was 46.8 ± 12.6 years and the mean haemoglobin and serum creatinine levels of the study population were 9.36 ± 2.13 gm/dl and 8.0 ± 4.2 mg/dl respectively. Stainable iron deposits were present in 40 (77%) cases. The mean serum ferritin and transferin saturation (TSAT) of the 52 cases were found to be 412.9 ng/ml and 28.3% and that for the 12 iron deficient cases were 101.8 ng/ml and 23.8%. Over all normal (>100ng/ml <500ng/ml), increased (>500ng/ml) or low (>100 ng/ml) serum ferritin was found in 28 and 15 and nine cases respectively. On the other hand, normal (>20% >50%) and low (>20%) TSAT were found in 31 and 12 cases, and high TSAT (>50%) in only nine cases. Out of the 12 cases having no evidence of stainable iron in the marrow low serum ferritin and low TSAT were found in eight (66.6%) and six (50%) cases, and high TSAT and either normal or high serum ferritin in six (50%) & four (33.3%) cases respectively. Low TSAT was also found in six (15%) cases of those having iron deposits in the marrow. It is, therefore, concluded that absence of stainable iron in the bone marrow is a better evidence of iron depletion than the serum iron profile and that serum ferritin and TSAT correlate less well with the bone marrow iron status in patient with chronic kidney disease.

(J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2007; 25 : 117-120)
Functional Response of Dinarmus basalis (Rond.) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) Parasitizing Callosobruchus maculatus (F.)
Authors: Islam N , Islam W , Mondal KAMSH
Published: April 2008

The functional response of the parasitoid Dinarmus basalis (Rond.) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is determined to evaluate its potential as a biological control agent. Four female wasps in the presence of males parasitoids, were allowed to oviposit during their life span or hosts at different densities. The data were fit by Rogers? (1972) parasitoid model. The rate of parasitoid search was a?= 0.123 ±0.005 life span-1, and handling time Th = 0.056 ± 0.002 life span-1. Volume of grain had no significant (P>0.001) effect on number of parasitoids emerging.

Key words: Functional response; Dinarmus basalis; Callosobruchus maculatus

J. bio-sci. 14: 11-16, 2006
Toxicity of Essential Oils Against Red Flour Beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Mondal Mina
Published: April 2008

Contact and fumigant toxicity of the three essential oils, viz., cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum Maton), Cinnamon (Cinnamomum aromaticum Nees), and Clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. and Petry) were tested against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) larvae and adults. Residual film bioassay was employed in Petri dish (5 cm dia.) for contact toxicity studies and 6cm × 1.8cm glass vials were used for testing fumigation actions. Three day old adults and 10- day old larvae were equally susceptible to the contact toxicity of cinnamon oil, with LD50 values of 0.074 and 0.196 mg cm-2 respectively. Cardamom oil provided higher toxicity to 14-day and 18- day old larvae having LD50 value of 0.10mg cm-2. In fumigation bioassay cinnamon oil provided the highest toxicity to adult and 10-, 14-, and 18-day old larvae, with LD50 values of 0.03, 0.05, 0.088 and 0.09 mg cm-3 respectively. Furthermore, 10-day old larvae were more tolerant than the adults to the contact toxicity of the essential oils, but 14- day old larvae had the same susceptibility as the adults. In contact and fumigation toxicity adults and all stages of larvae were more resistant to clove oil.

Key words: Bioassay; cardamom; clove; toxicity; essential oil

J. bio-sci. 14: 1-9, 2006
Study of Beetles (Coleoptera) Associated with Stored Products of Kolkata, India III. Family: Staphylinidae
Authors: Basak PK , Pal TK
Published: April 2008

Six species of Staphylinidae under the genera Philonthus Curtis, Coenonica Kraatz, Aleochara Grouvelle and Oligota Mannerheim are reported from 18 different commodities in Kolkata area. All these species are new to the stored product habitat from India. Their diagnostic features with illustrations, distribution and habitat records are dealt with and an identification key to these species is given.

Key words: Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Systematics, Stored products, Kolkata

J. bio-sci. 14: 49-55, 2006
Inhibitory Effect of Different Plant Extracts, Cow Dung and Cow Urine on Conidial Germination of Bipolaris sorokiniana
Authors: Akhter Nargis , Begum Most Ferdousi , Alam Shahidul , Alam Md Shah
Published: April 2008

Inhibition of conidial germination of Bipolaris sorokiniana was tested using eight ethanolic plant extracts, ten aqueous plant extracts in combination with cow dung and five aqueous plant extracts in combination with cow urine. Hundred percent of conidial germination was inhibited with the application of ethanolic extracts of Adhatoda vasica (leaf) and Zingiber officinale (rhizome) at 2.5% concentration. After the treatment with Vinca rosea, Piper betle and Azadirachta indica extracts in combination with cow dung suspension showed 100% inhibition of conidial germination; where the lowest was noted in case of Rauwolfea serpentina (30%) extract at same concentration. At 2.5% concentration of Calotropis procera extracts in combination with cow urine, 91% inhibition of conidial germination was observed. In most cases, Ocimum sanctum extract exhibited less inhibitory effect against B. sorokiniana.

Key words: Bipolaris sorokiniana, Leaf blight, Plant extracts, Triticum aestivum, Cow dung, Cow urine.

J. bio-sci. 14: 87-92, 2006
Effect of Planting Method and Nitrogen Levels on the Yield and Yield Attributes of Wheat
Authors: Hossain Md Ilias , Islam Md Khairul , Sufian Md Abu , Meisner Cracg A , Islam Md Sayeedul
Published: April 2008

A field trial was conducted during the winter season of 2001-2002 to find out the effect of planting method and nitrogen levels on wheat. Effects of two planting methods viz. bed planting and conventional planting were studied on three nitrogen levels viz. 50, 100 & 150 kg /ha on wheat (var. Protiva). Planting methods exhibited significant variation in respect of all the characters studied. The maximum grain yield (3.60 t/ha) was obtained from bed planting. Different levels of nitrogen significantly influenced on yield and yield attributing parameters of wheat. The highest grain yield (3.70 t/ha) was recorded from 150 kg N per hectare. The interaction effects of planting methods and nitrogen levels showed the significant difference in respect of spike/m2, spike length and grain yield. Highest grain yield (4.04 t/ha) was obtained at bed planting using 150 kg N per hectare. Though higher rate of N are used but lodging of plant height was not noticed. The correlation analyses showed that the rate of change of grain yield was highly dependent upon the rate of change of yield contributing characters of wheat.

Key words: Planting methods, Nitrogen, Wheat, Cropping system.

J. bio-sci. 14: 127-130, 2006
Toxicity and Repellant Activity of Three Spice Materials on Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) Adults
Authors: Farhana K , Islam H , Emran EH , Islam N
Published: April 2008

The chloroform extracts of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), ajowain (Trachyspermum ammi (L.) Link.) and fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-grecum L.) were tested against the red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Hbst.) adults through residual film assay and their repellent activity were also conducted. The LD50 values for coriander, ajowain and fenugreek were 316.173 and 243.5895, 271.4573 and 232.7095, and 159.0106 and 4.194236 ?g/cm2 for 24- and 48 h of exposure respectively. According to the intensity of activity the toxicity were found in the order of fenugreek> ajowain >coriander, while the repellent activities were in the order of fenugreek> coriander> ajowain.

Key words: Coriandrum sativum, Trachyspermum ammi, Trigonella foenum-grecum biological activity, Tribolium castaneum.

J. bio-sci. 14: 127-130, 2006
Present Fisheries Status of Sariakandi Fish Pass, Sariakandi, Bogra
Authors: Mondol M Mostafizur Rahman , Sarker M Al-Amin , Hossain MA
Published: April 2008

J. bio-sci. 14: 133, 2006