bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health Risk Assessment for Trace Metals, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Trihalomethanes in Drinking Water of Cankiri, Turkey
Authors: Caylak Emrah
Published: April 2012

Lifetime exposure to trace metals, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), trihalomethanes (THMs), and the other chemicals in drinking water through ingestion, and dermal contact may pose risks to human health. In this study, drinking water samples were collected from 50 sampling sites from Cankiri and its towns during 2010. The concentrations of all pollutants were analyzed, and then compared with permissible limits set by Turkish and WHO. For health risk assessment of trace metals, chronic daily intakes (CDIs) via ingestion and dermal contact, hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI) were calculated by using statistical formulas. For ingestion pathway, the maximum HQ values of As‐non cancer in central Cankiri and Kursunlu town were higher than one. Considering dermal adsorption pathway, the mean and maximum HQ values were below one. HI values of As‐non cancer in central Cankiri and Kursunlu town were also higher than one. Each trace metal (As‐non cancer, B, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Sb) of the mean HI values were slightly below unity. Risks of As, PAHs, THMs, and benzene on human health were then evaluated using carcinogenic risk (CR). It is indicated that CRs of As and THMs were also found >10−5 in drinking water of Cankiri might exert potential carcinogenic risk for people. These assessments would point out required drinking water treatment strategy to ensure safety of consumers.
Application of Heat Balance Integral Methods to One-Dimensional Phase Change Problems
Authors: Mitchell S. L. , Myers T. G.
Published: April 2012

We employ the Heat Balance Integral Method (HBIM) to solve a number of thermal and phase change problems which occur in a multitude of industrial contexts. As part of our analysis, we propose a new error measure for the HBIM that combines the least-squares error with a boundary immobilisation method. We describe how to determine this error for three basic thermal problems and show how it can be used to determine an optimal heat balance formulation. We then show how the HBIM, with the new error measure, may be used to approximate the solution of an aircraft deicing problem. Finally we apply the new method to two industrially important phase change problems.
A Genetic and Simulated Annealing Combined Algorithm for Optimization of Wideband Antenna Matching Networks
Authors: Chen Aixin , Jiang Tiehua , Chen Zhizhang , Zhang Yanjun
Published: April 2012

A genetic and simulated annealing combined algorithm is presented and applied to optimize broadband matching networks for antennas. As a result, advantages of both the genetic algorithm (GA) and simulated annealing (SA) are taken. Effectiveness and efficiency of the presented combined algorithm are demonstrated by optimization of a wideband matching network for a VHF/UHF discone-based antenna. The optimized parameters provide significant improvements of VSWR and transducer power gain for the antenna.
Efficacy and Tolerability of Fixed-Dose Combination of Dexketoprofen and Dicyclomine Injection in Acute Renal Colic
Authors: Porwal A. , Mahajan A. D. , Oswal D. S. , Erram S. S. , Sheth D. N. , Balamurugan S. , Kamat V. , Enadle R. P. , Badadare A. , Bhatnagar S. K. , Walvekar R. S. , Dhorepatil S. , Naik R. C. , Basu I. , Kshirsagar S. N. , Keny J. V. , Sengupta S.
Published: April 2012

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of a fixed-dose combination of dexketoprofen and dicyclomine (DXD) injection in patients with acute renal colic. Patients and Methods. Two hundred and seventeen patients were randomized to receive either DXD (n=109) or fixed-dose combination of diclofenac and dicyclomine injection (DLD; n=108), intramuscularly. Pain intensity (PI) was self-evaluated by patients on visual analogue scale (VAS) at baseline and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. Efficacy parameters were proportion of responders, difference in PI (PID) at 8 hours, and sum of analogue of pain intensity differences (SAPID). Tolerability was assessed by patients and physicians. Results. DXD showed superior efficacy in terms of proportion of responders (98.17% versus 81.48; P<0.0001), PID at 8 hours (P=0.002), and SAPID0–8 hours (P=0.004). The clinical global impression for change in pain was significantly better for DXD than DLD. The incidence of adverse events was comparable in both groups. However, global assessment of tolerability was rated significantly better for DXD. Conclusion. DXD showed superior efficacy and tolerability than DLD in patients clinically diagnosed to be suffering from acute renal colic.
A Pleiotropic Role for the Orphan Nuclear Receptor Small Heterodimer Partner in Lipid Homeostasis and Metabolic Pathways
Authors: Garruti Gabriella , Wang Helen H. , Bonfrate Leonilde , de Bari Ornella , Wang David Q.-H. , Portincasa Piero
Published: April 2012

Nuclear receptors (NRs) comprise one of the most abundant classes of transcriptional regulators of metabolic diseases and have emerged as promising pharmaceutical targets. Small heterodimer partner (SHP; NR0B2) is a unique orphan NR lacking a DNA-binding domain but contains a putative ligand-binding domain. SHP is a transcriptional regulator affecting multiple key biological functions and metabolic processes including cholesterol, bile acid, and fatty acid metabolism, as well as reproductive biology and glucose-energy homeostasis. About half of all mammalian NRs and several transcriptional coregulators can interact with SHP. The SHP-mediated repression of target transcription factors includes at least three mechanisms including direct interference with the C-terminal activation function 2 (AF2) coactivator domains of NRs, recruitment of corepressors, or direct interaction with the surface of NR/transcription factors. Future research must focus on synthetic ligands acting on SHP as a potential therapeutic target in a series of metabolic abnormalities. Current understanding about the pleiotropic role of SHP is examined in this paper, and principal metabolic aspects connected with SHP function will be also discussed.
Regulation of Translation Initiation under Abiotic Stress Conditions in Plants: Is It a Conserved or Not so Conserved Process among Eukaryotes?
Authors: Muñoz Alfonso , Castellano M. Mar
Published: April 2012

For years, the study of gene expression regulation of plants in response to stress conditions has been focused mainly on the analysis of transcriptional changes. However, the knowledge on translational regulation is very scarce in these organisms, despite in plants, as in the rest of the eukaryotes, translational regulation has been proven to play a pivotal role in the response to different stresses. Regulation of protein synthesis under abiotic stress was thought to be a conserved process, since, in general, both the translation factors and the translation process are basically similar in eukaryotes. However, this conservation is not so clear in plants as the knowledge of the mechanisms that control translation is very poor. Indeed, some of the basic regulators of translation initiation, well characterised in other systems, are still to be identified in plants. In this paper we will focus on both the regulation of different initiation factors and the mechanisms that cellular mRNAs use to bypass the translational repression established under abiotic stresses. For this purpose, we will review the knowledge from different eukaryotes but paying special attention to the information that has been recently published in plants.
Enchondroma versus Low-Grade Chondrosarcoma in Appendicular Skeleton: Clinical and Radiological Criteria
Authors: Ferrer-Santacreu Eugenio M. , Ortiz-Cruz Eduardo J. , González-López José Manuel , Pérez Fernández Elia
Published: April 2012

Objectives. To determine the validity of clinical and radiological features of enchondroma and low grade chondrosarcoma, and contrast the biopsy results with the clinical diagnosis based on the history and imaging.Material and Method. The study included 96 patients with cartilage type lesions suggestive of an enchondroma (E) or an low grade chondrosarcoma (LGC) according to the clinical and imaging data. The hypotheses were contrasted with the biopsy.Results. Of the 82 patients studied completely, 56 were considered E (68.29%), 8 as LGC (8.33%) and in 18 (18.75%) were doubtful cases and considered as suspected LGC. Of these, the biopsy showed 4 E (25%), 10 LGC (50%) and 4 were not definitive. On the other hand, of the 56 cases diagnosed as E, 15 were biopsied, 5 of these biopsies turned out to be LGC (33.3%). The 8 cases diagnosed as LGC, were also biopsied and only 4 biopsies (50%) confirmed the initial diagnosis. Features analyzed in the study showed no statistically significant difference. Correlation analysis between the diagnosis issued initially and the biopsy result gave a value of 0.69 (kappa coefficient), which was considered a good correlation.Conclusion. Features analyzed did not have any statistical significance. However, there was a good correlation between initial diagnosis and biopsy's result.
Synthesis of Benzo[b]pyrane Derivatives Using Supported Potassium Fluoride as an Efficient and Reusable Catalytic System
Authors: Hasaninejad Alireza , Jafarpour Nasrolah , Mohammadnejad Mohammad
Published: April 2012

A highly efficient and simple procedure for the synthesis of 4H‐benzo[b]pyrane derivatives is described. The reaction of 5,5‐dimethylcyclohexane‐1,3‐dione or cyclohexane‐1,3‐dione with aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile using catalytic amount of alumina supported KF in reflux ethanol affords the title compounds in high to excellent yields and in short reaction times.
Food Supplement 20070721-GX May Increase CD34+Stem Cells and Telomerase Activity
Authors: Lin Po-Cheng , Chiou Tzyy-Wen , Liu Po-Yen , Chen Shee-Ping , Wang Hsin-I , Huang Pi-Chun , Lin Shinn-Zong , Harn Horng-Jyh
Published: April 2012

Few rejuvenation and antiaging markers are used to evaluate food supplements. We measured three markers in peripheral blood to evaluate the antiaging effects of a food supplement containing placental extract. Samples were evaluated for CD34+cells, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and telomerase activity, which are all markers related to aging. To control the quality of this food supplement, five active components were monitored. In total, we examined 44 individuals who took the food supplement from 1.2 months to 23 months; the average number of CD34+cells was almost 6-fold higher in the experimental group compared with the control group. Food supplement intake did not change serum IGF1 levels significantly. Finally, the average telomerase activity was 30% higher in the subjects taking this food supplement. In summary, our results suggest that the placental extract in the food supplement might contribute to rejuvenation and antiaging.
Hermite Interpolation Using Möbius Transformations of Planar Pythagorean‐Hodograph Cubics
Authors: Lee Sunhong , Lee Hyun Chol , Lee Mi Ran , Jeong Seungpil , Kim Gwang-Il
Published: April 2012

We present an algorithm for C1 Hermite interpolation
using Möbius transformations of planar polynomial Pythagoreanhodograph
(PH) cubics. In general, with PH cubics, we cannot
solve C1 Hermite interpolation problems, since their lack of parameters
makes the problems overdetermined. In this paper, we
show that, for each Möbius transformation, we can introduce an
extra parameter determined by the transformation, with which we
can reduce them to the problems determining PH cubics in the
complex plane ℂ. Möbius transformations preserve the PH property
of PH curves and are biholomorphic. Thus the interpolants
obtained by this algorithm are also PH and preserve the topology
of PH cubics. We present a condition to be met by a Hermite
dataset, in order for the corresponding interpolant to be simple or
to be a loop. We demonstrate the improved stability of these new
interpolants compared with PH quintics.
Clinical and Epidemiologic Characteristics of Hospitalized Patients with 2009 H1N1 Influenza Infection
Authors: Nayman Alpat Saygin , Usluer Gaye , Ozgunes Ilhan , Doyuk Kartal Elif , Erben Nurettin
Published: April 2012

Objective. 2009 H1N1 virus is a new virus that was firstly detected in April 2009. This virus spreads from human to human and causes a worldwide disease. This paper aimed to review the clinical and epidemiological properties of patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza who were hospitalized and monitored at Eskisehir Osmangazi University Faculty of Medicine Hospital. Setting. A 1000-bed teaching hospital in Eskisehir, Turkey. Patients-Methods. Between 05 November 2009–01 February 2010, 106 patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza, who were hospitalized, were prospectively evaluated. Results. Out of 106 patients who were hospitalized and monitored, 99 (93.4%) had fever, 86 (81.1%) had cough, 48 (45.3%) had shortness of breath, 47 (44.3%) had sore throat, 38 (35.8%) had body pain, 30 (28.3%) had rhinorrhea, 17 (16%) had vomiting, 15 (14.2%) had headache, and 14 (13.2%) had diarrhea. When the patients were examined in terms of risk factors for severe disease, 83 (78.3%) patients had at least one risk factor. During clinical monitoring, pneumonia was the most frequent complication with a rate of 66%. While 47.2% of the patients were monitored in intensive care unit, 34% of them required mechanical ventilation support. Conclusion. Patients with 2009 H1N1 influenza, who were hospitalized and monitored, should be carefully monitored and treated.
Optimization of Cannula Visibility during Ultrasound-Guided Subclavian Vein Catheterization, via a Longitudinal Approach, by Implementing Echogenic Technology
Authors: Stefanidis Konstantinos , Fragou Mariantina , Pentilas Nicos , Kouraklis Gregorios , Nanas Serafim , Savel Richard H. , Shiloh Ariel L. , Slama Michel , Karakitsos Dimitrios
Published: April 2012

Objective. One limitation of ultrasound-guided vascular access is the technical challenge of visualizing the cannula during insertion into the vessel. We hypothesized that the use of an echogenic vascular cannula (EC) would improve visualization when compared with a nonechogenic vascular cannula (NEC) during real-time ultrasound-guided subclavian vein (SCV) cannulation in the ICU.Material and Methods. Eighty mechanically ventilated patients were prospectively enrolled in a randomized study that was conducted in a medical-surgical ICU. Forty patients underwent EC and 40 patients were randomized to NEC. The procedure was ultrasound-guided SCV cannulation via the infraclavicular approach on the longitudinal axis.Results. The EC group exhibited increased cannula visibility as compared to the NEC group (92%±3%versus85±7%, resp.,P<0.01). There was strong agreement between the procedure operators and independent observers (k=0.9, 95% confidence intervals assessed by bootstrap analysis = 0.87 to 0.93;P<0.01). Access time (12.1 s±6.5versus18.9 s±10.9) and the perceived technical difficulty of the ultrasound method (4.5±1.5versus7.5±1.5) were both decreased in the EC group compared to the NEC group (P<0.05).Conclusions. Echogenic technology significantly improved cannula visibility and decreased access time and technical complexity optimizing thus real-time ultrasound-guided SCV cannulation via a longitudinal approach.
RP-HPLC Method Development and Its Validation for Quantitative Determination of Rimonabant in Human Plasma
Authors: Bankey Shravan , Tapadiya Ganesh , Lamale Jasvant , Jain Deepti , Saboo Shweta , Khadabadi S. S.
Published: April 2012

A simple, accurate, and precise HPLC method was developed and validated for determination of rimonabant in human plasma. Following liquid-liquid extraction, chromatographic separation was accomplished using C18 column with mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile : water (90 : 10, v/v), drug was detected at 260 nm using UVdetector. The LOD and LOQ were 3.0 and 10.0 μg/L, respectively. The method is linear in the interval 50.0–1000.0 μg/L. The average extraction recovery of drug from plasma was found to be 92.2%. The percent CV of the method was found to be less than 10.8%, and accuracy was found between 94.5 and 106.7%. The assay may be applied to a pharmacokinetic and bioequivalence study of rimonabant.
A Class of New Pouzet‐Runge‐Kutta‐Type Methods for Nonlinear Functional Integro‐Differential Equations
Authors: Zhang Chengjian
Published: April 2012

This paper presents a class of new numerical methods for nonlinear functional‐integrodifferential equations, which are derived by an adaptation of Pouzet‐Runge‐Kutta methods originally introduced for standard Volterra integrodifferential equations. Based on the nonclassical Lipschitz condition, analytical and numerical stability is studied and some novel stability criteria are obtained. Numerical experiments further illustrate the theoretical results and the effectiveness of the methods. In the end, a comparison between the presented methods and the existed related methods is given.
Synthesis and Characterization of the Adducts of Morpholinedithioccarbamate Complexes of Oxovanadium (IV), Nickel(II), and Copper(II) with Piperidine and Morpholine
Authors: Sharma Mousami , Sharma Anju , Sachar Renu
Published: April 2012

A series of 1:1 adducts of bis(morpholinedithiocarbamato) complex of VO(IV), 1:1 and 1:2 adducts of bis(morpholinedithiocarbamato) complexes of Ni(II) and Cu(II) with piperidine and morpholine have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, IR, UV‐Vis, and TGA/DTA techniques. Analytical data reveals that VO(IV) complex forms only 1:1 adducts with the formula [VO(morphdtc)2L].H2O while Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes form both 1:1 and 1:2 adducts with 1:1 adducts having general formula Ni(morphdtc)2.L and Cu(morphdtc)2.L and 1:2 adducts having general formula Ni(morphdtc)2.L2 and Cu(morphdtc)2.L2 (morphdtc = morpholinedithiocarbamate, L = morpholine and piperidine). Antifungal activity of some complexes has been carried out against the fungal strain Fusarium oxysporium. Thermal studies indicate a continuous weight loss. A square pyramidal geometry has been proposed for the 1:1 adducts of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes while an octahedral geometry has been proposed for the 1:1 adducts of VO(IV) and for the 1:2 adducts of Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes.
Prevention and Management of Gastroesophageal Varices in Cirrhosis
Authors: Chen Yen-I , Ghali Peter
Published: April 2012

Variceal hemorrhage is one of the major complications of liver cirrhosis associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Its management has evolved over the past decade and has substantially reduced the rate of first and recurrent bleeding while decreasing mortality. In general, treatment of esophageal varices can be divided into three categories: primary prophylaxis (prevention of first episode of bleeding), management of acute bleeding, and secondary prophylaxis (prevention of recurrent hemorrhage). The goal of this paper is to describe the current evidence behind the management of esophageal varices. We will discuss indications for primary prophylaxis and the different modes of therapy, pharmacological and interventional treatment in acute bleeding, and therapeutic options in preventing recurrent bleeding. The indications for TIPS will also be reviewed including its possible benefits in acute variceal hemorrhage.
The Extended Hyperbolic Function Method for Generalized Forms of Nonlinear Heat Conduction and Huxley Equations
Authors: Huang Yong , Shang Yadong
Published: April 2012

The extended hyperbolic function method is used to derive abundant exact solutions for
generalized forms of nonlinear heat conduction and Huxley equations. The extended hyperbolic function
method provides abundant solutions in addition to the existing ones. Some previous results are
supplemented and extended greatly.
A Simple and Sensitive RP‐UPLC Method for the Simultaneous Determination of N‐Hydroxybenzotriazole, Cinchonidine and 1,3‐Dicyclohexyl Urea Contents in Fosinopril Sodium Drug Substance
Authors: Kumar M. Narendra , Reddy V. Krishna , Sharma Hemant Kumar , Kaleemullah T. , Reddy T. Chandra Sekhar , Reddy G. Thirupathi , Sreenivas N. , Sen Goutam
Published: April 2012

A simple and sensitive reverse phase ultra performance liquid chromatography (RP‐UPLC) method has been developed, optimized and validated for the simultaneous determination of N‐Hydroxybenzotriazole (HOBt), Cinchonidine and 1,3‐Dicyclohexyl urea (DCU) contents at low levels in fosinopril sodium drug substance. Efficient chromatographic separation was achieved on Acquity UPLC HSS C18 column, 100 mm long with 2.1 mm i.d., 1.8 µm particle diameter, thermo stated at 30°C. Gradient elution involving binary mixture of potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate (0.01M, pH:3.0±0.05 with ortho‐phosphoric acid) and acetonitrile at a flow rate of 0.10 mL min-1 has been used. The analytes were monitored by photodiode array (PDA) detector set at 205 nm. The drug substance was subjected to stress conditions of hydrolysis, oxidation, photolysis, thermal and humidity degradation. The method was validated for specificity, sensitivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and solution stability. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) for HOBt, Cinchonidine and DCU were in the range of 0.85‐3.52 ppm and 2.57‐10.67 ppm, respectively. The average recoveries for HOBt, Cinchonidine and DCU are in the range of 98.1% to 102.6%. The method can be used for the routine quality control analysis of fosinopril sodium drug substance.
Analytical Method Development and Validation of Exemestane Tablet by UV Spectrophotometry
Authors: Angalaparameswari S. , Thiruvengadarajan V. S. , Kumar N. Amruth , Kutumbarao M. , Ramkanth S. , Madhusudhanachetty C.
Published: April 2012

The present research work discusses the development and validation of a UV spectrophotometric method for Exemestane. Simple, accurate and cost efficient spectrophotometric method has been developed for the estimation of Exemestane in Tablet dosage form. The optimum conditions for the analysis of the drug were established. The maximum wavelength (λ max) was found to be 246 nm. The percentage recovery of Exemestane was in the 98.7±0.4. Beers law was obeyed in the concentration range of 2‐14 µg/mL. Calibration curves shows a linear relationship between the absorbance and concentration. The line equation y=0.05954x+0.0000 with r2 of 0.9938 was obtained. Validation was performed according to ICH guidelines for Linearity, accuracy, precision, LOD and LOQ. The sample solution was stable up to 36 hours. The proposed method may be suitable for the analysis of Exemestane in tablet formulation for quality control purposes.
Fuzzy Treatment of Candidate Outliers in Measurements
Authors: D'Errico Giampaolo E. , Murru Nadir
Published: April 2012

Robustness against the possible occurrence of outlying observations is critical to the performance of a measurement process. Open questions relevant to statistical testing for candidate outliers are reviewed. A novel fuzzy logic approach is developed and exemplified in a metrology context. A simulation procedure is presented and discussed by comparing fuzzy versus probabilistic models.
Ionic Liquid‐Mediated, Rapid N‐Alkylation of Heterocyclic Compounds with Trialkyl Phosphites in the Presence of Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates
Authors: Hassanabadi Alireza , Mosslemin Mohammad H. , Anary-Abbasinejad Mohammad , Kalantarinejad Azadeh , Shirazi Mozhdeh Jerjisi
Published: April 2012

Ionic liquids such as 1,3‐dialkylimidazolium bromides and make excellent solvents for N‐alkylation of heterocyclic compounds such as saccharin and rhodanine with trialkyl phosphites in the presence of dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates.
Fecal Bacteriotherapy: A Case Report in an Immunosuppressed Patient with Ulcerative Colitis and Recurrent  Clostridium difficileInfection
Authors: Zainah Hadeel , Silverman Ann
Published: April 2012

We report a case of ulcerative colitis (UC) and recurrentClostridium difficileinfection (CDI) where the patient was on immunomodulatory therapy and had successful CDI eradication after fecal transplantation. This is the first case report in the literature documenting successfulC. difficileeradication in an immunosuppressed patient. We feel that fecal transplantation should be studied as a treatment option in these patients.
Synthesis, Physical Characterization of M(III) Transition Metal Complexes Derived from Thiodihydrazide and 5‐tert‐Butyl‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐(3‐phenylpent‐3‐yl) Benzaldehyde
Authors: Kumar Gajendra , Johari Rajeev , Devi Shoma
Published: April 2012

A Schiff base ligand was synthesized by reacting 5‐tert‐butl‐2‐hydroxy‐3‐(3‐phenylpent‐3‐yl) benzaldehyde and thiodihydrazide (2:1) and a series of metal complexes with this new ligand were synthesized by reaction with Cr (III), Mn (III), and Fe (III) metal salt in methanolic medium. The Schiff base ligand and its complexes have been characterized with the help of elemental analysis, conductance measurements, magnetic measurements and their structure configuration have been determined by various spectroscopic (electronic, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, GCMS) techniques. Electronic and magnetic moments of the complexes indicate that the geometries of the metal centers were octahedral. IR spectral data suggest that ligand behaves as a tetradentate ligand with ONNO donor sequence towards the metal ion.
Nitrogen and Carbon Cycling in a Grassland Community Ecosystem as Affected by Elevated Atmospheric CO2
Authors: Torbert H. A. , Polley H. W. , Johnson H. B.
Published: April 2012

Increasing global atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration has led to concerns regarding its potential effects on terrestrial ecosystems and the long-term storage of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) in soil. This study examined responses to elevated CO2in a grass ecosystem invaded with a leguminous shrubAcacia farnesiana(L.) Willd (Huisache). Seedlings ofAcaciaalong with grass species were grown for 13 months at CO2concentrations of 385 (ambient), 690, and 980 μmol mol−1. Elevated CO2increased both C and N inputs from plant growth which would result in higher soil C from litter fall, root turnover, and excretions. Results from the incubation indicated an initial (20 days) decrease in N mineralization which resulted in no change in C mineralization. However, after 40 and 60 days, an increase in both C and N mineralization was observed. These increases would indicate that increases in soil C storage may not occur in grass ecosystems that are invaded withAcaciaover the long term.
Synthesis of 2‐(3‐methyl‐2‐oxoquinoxalin‐1(2H)‐yl)acetamide Based Thiazolidinone Derivatives as Potent Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents
Authors: Kumar Shiv , Kumar Nitin , Drabu Sushma , Khan Suroor Ahmed , Alam Ozair , Malhotra Manav , Minhaj Md. Akram
Published: April 2012

Twelve compounds belonging to series 2‐(3‐methyl‐2‐oxoquinoxalin‐1(2H)‐yl)‐N‐[4‐oxo‐2‐(substituted)phenyl‐1,3‐thiazolidin‐3‐yl]acetamide (5a‐l) were synthesized. These compounds were evaluated for their in-vitro antibacterial against E. coli, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa & antifungal activity against C. albicans, A. niger & A. flavus by cup‐plate method. Structures of all the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed by elemental analysis, 1H‐NMR & FT‐IR spectral data interpretation. Compounds 5d & 5h having p‐nitrophenyl & p‐trifluoromethylphenyl group respectively on 2‐position of thiazolidinone ring attached to N‐atom of acetamido group on 1‐position of 3‐methyl‐1H‐quinoxaline‐2‐one, were found to be active against all the bacterial & fungal strains under investigation, while compound 5l having p‐chlorophenyl on 2‐position of thiazolidinone nucleus was reported as least active compound against all bacterial & fungal strain under investigation.
Gamma Irradiation Effects on Track Properties of PADC‐American Acrylics Track Detector
Authors: Sinha Dipak
Published: April 2012

Gamma irradiation effects on track properties of Polyallyl Diglycol Carbonate (PADC) track detector (PADC‐American Acrylics) are studied in the dose range of 101‐106 Gy. It is observed that due to gamma exposure the bulk and track‐etch rates of the detector increases. This increase in both etch‐rates is more pronounced in post gamma exposed PADC detectors. The etch‐rate ratio (S) for both pre and post‐gamma exposed detectors decreases with increasing etching temperature at the dose of 106Gy. At a higher etching temperature of 70ºC, the etch rates ratio becomes almost equal for post gamma exposed detector. Etching efficiency of the detector is found to be much higher when exposed to gamma radiation. However it is observed that at the etching temperature of 70ºC, etching efficiency for both pre and post‐gamma exposed samples tends to become almost equal to the pristine one.
Quantitative Analysis of Lorazepam in Pharmaceutical Formulation Through FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Konoz Elaheh , Sarrafi Amir Hossein Mohsen , Samadizadeh Marjaneh , Boreiri Samaneh
Published: April 2012

A Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometric method was development for the rapid, direct measurement of lorazepam in different pharmaceutical products. The method involves the off‐line extraction of lorazepam with sonication and direct determination in the extract through peak height measurement in the 1704 cm-1 using a baseline correction between 1850 and 1550 cm-1. For standardization an external calibration line established from standard solutions of lorazepam in chloroform were used. The method provides a limit of detection of 0.0030 mg per tablet (n=5), a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 2.65% for 5 independent measurement of standard solution at a concentration level of 1 mgg-1. Result obtained by FTIR agrees with those obtained by a reference methodology based on ultraviolet spectrometry and thus the developed procedure offers a good alternative for the determination of lorazepam in commercial products.
Outcome Measures of Chinese Herbal Medicine for Coronary Heart Disease: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Luo Jing , Xu Hao
Published: April 2012

Objective. The aim of this overview was to summarize the outcome measures of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) based on available systematic reviews (SRs), so as to display the current situation and evaluate the potential benefits and advantages of CHM on CHD.Methods. An extensive search included the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, and 4 databases in Chinese. SRs of CHM for CHD were included. Besides evaluating and summarizing the outcome measures, we also estimated the quality of the included reviews by PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses). Data were extracted according to predefined inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers.Results. 46 articles were included. 20 kinds of CHM were reviewed. 7 SRs were concerned with myocardial infarction (MI), 38 SRs were related to angina pectoris. 11 SRs had primary endpoints, while others focused on secondary endpoints to evaluate CHM for CHD such as angina pectoris and electrocardiogram (ECG). One SR reported more adverse effects of CHM for CHD and of the SRs analyzed quality of life. Many CHM appeared to have significant effect on improving symptoms, ECG, biomarkers and so on. However, most SRs failed to make a definite conclusion for the effectiveness of CHM in CHD patients due specifically to the poor evidence. And according to PRISMA we found most of the trials in the SRs were of low quality.Conclusion. Primary endpoints were not used widely. The benefits of CHM for CHD need to be confirmed in the future with RCTs of more persuasive primary endpoints and high-quality SRs.
PtRu/C Electrocatalysts Prepared Using Gamma and Electron Beam Irradiation for Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Silva Dionisio F. , Geraldes Adriana N. , Pino Eddy S. , Neto Almir Oliveira , Linardi Marcelo , Spinacé Estevam V.
Published: April 2012

PtRu/C electrocatalysts (carbon‐supported PtRu nanoparticles) were prepared in a single step submitting water/2‐propanol mixtures containing Pt(IV) and Ru(III) ions and the carbon support to gamma and electron beam irradiation. The electrocatalysts were characterized by energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and cyclic voltammetry and tested for methanol electrooxidation. PtRu/C electrocatalyst can be prepared in few minutes using high dose rate electron beam irradiation while using low dose rate gamma irradiation some hours were necessary to prepare it. The obtained materials showed the face‐centered cubic (fcc) structure of Pt and Pt alloys with average nanoparticle sizes of around 3 nm. The material prepared using electron beam irradiation was more active for methanol electrooxidation than the material prepared using gamma irradiation.
A Review of Indocyanine Green Fluorescent Imaging in Surgery
Authors: Alander Jarmo T. , Kaartinen Ilkka , Laakso Aki , Pätilä Tommi , Spillmann Thomas , Tuchin Valery V. , Venermo Maarit , Välisuo Petri
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this paper is to give an overview of the recent surgical intraoperational applications of indocyanine green fluorescence imaging methods, the basics of the technology, and instrumentation used. Well over 200 papers describing this technique in clinical setting are reviewed. In addition to the surgical applications, other recent medical applications of ICG are briefly examined.
Raman Microimaging Using a Novel Multifiber-Based Device: A Feasibility Study on Pharmaceutical Tablets
Authors: Tfaili Sana , Gobinet Cyril , Angiboust Jean-François , Manfait Michel , Piot Olivier
Published: April 2012

Raman microimaging is a potential analytical technique in health field and presents many possible pharmaceutical applications. In this study, we tested a micrometer spatial resolution probe coupled to a portable Raman imager via an indexed multifiber bundle. At the level of the probe, the fibers were arranged in a circular geometry in order to fit to the pupil of an objective. The imaging potential of this Raman system was assessed on pharmaceutical-like pellets. We showed that this setup permits to record, nearly in real time, Raman images with a micrometer resolution. The collected images revealed a marked heterogeneity in chemicals distribution. Further investigations will be led on cells and biological tissues to evaluate the potential of this Raman imaging device for biomedical applications.
Validated Spectrophotometric Assay of Cefepime Hydrochloride and Cefuroxime Sodium Using a Tetrazolium Salt
Authors: Elazazy Marwa S. , Shalaby Abadalla A.
Published: April 2012

A simple, rapid and sensitive spectrophotometric method for the determination of micro amounts of cefepime hydrochloride and cefuroxime sodium is described. The method is based on reduction of 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) by the cited drugs in slightly alkaline medium leading to formation of a highly colored formazan derivative. Different variables affecting the color development were investigated and optimized. Absorbance measurements were made at 483 nm. Under the proposed conditions, this method is applicable over concentration range of 4–50 µg ml-1 with molar absorpitivities ranging from 5.208 x 103–1.217 x 104 L.mol-1.cm-1 and Sandell′s sensitivities ranging from 1.007 x 10-3–2.727 x10-3 µg cm-2. The proposed method was successfully applied for analysis of the cited drugs in formulations and the recovery percentages ranged from 99.47 to 99.8%. The results obtained demonstrated that the proposed method is equally accurate, precise and reproducible as the reported methods thus it is recommended for quality control and routine analysis where time, cost effectiveness and high specificity of analytical techniques are of great importance.
Efficient Production Process for Food Grade Acetic Acid by Acetobacter aceti in Shake Flask and in Bioreactor Cultures
Authors: Awad Hassan M. , Diaz Richard , Malek Roslinda A. , Othman Nor Zalina , Aziz Ramlan A. , El Enshasy Hesham A.
Published: April 2012

Acetic acid is one of the important weak acids which had long history in chemical industries. This weak organic acid has been widely used as one of the key intermediate for many chemical, detergent, wood and food industries. The production of this acid is mainly carried out using submerged fermentation system and the standard strain Acetobacter aceti. In the present work, six different media were chosen from the literatures and tested for acetic acid production. The highest acetic acid production was produced in medium composed of glucose, yeast extract and peptone. The composition of this medium was optimized by changing the concentration of medium components. The optimized medium was composed of (g/L): glucose, 100; yeast extract, 12 and peptone 5 and yielded 53 g/L acetic acid in shake flask after 144 h fermentation. Further optimization in the production process was achieved by transferring the process to semi‐industrial scale 16‐L stirred tank bioreactor and cultivation under controlled pH condition. Under fully aerobic conditions, the production of acetic acid reached maximal concentration of about 76 g/L and 51 g/L for uncontrolled and controlled pH cultures, respectively.
Right or Left Ventricular Pacing in Young Minipigs With Chronic Atrioventricular Block
Authors: Salameh Aida , Dhein Stefan , Blanke Katja , Rastan Ardawan , Hiyasat Bahi , Dietze Anna , Sobiraij Axel , Dähnert Ingo , Janousek Jan
Published: April 2012

Background—

Left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony may occur as a result of right ventricular (RV) pacing and is a known risk factor for the development of heart failure. In children with complete atrioventricular block, pacing-induced dyssynchrony lasting for decades might be especially deleterious for LV function. To determine the hemodynamic and ultrastructural remodeling after either RV free wall or LV apical pacing, we used a chronic minipig model.

Methods and Results—

Fourteen piglets 8 weeks of age underwent atrioventricular node ablation and were paced from either the RV free wall or the LV apex at 120 bpm for 1 year (7 age-matched minipigs served as controls with spontaneous heart rates of 104±5 bpm). Echocardiographic examinations, pressure-volume loops, patch-clamp investigations, and examinations of connexin43, calcium-handling proteins, and histomorphology were carried out. RV free wall–paced minipigs exhibited significantly more LV dyssynchrony than LV apex–paced animals, which was accompanied by worsening of LV function (maximum LV mechanical delay/LV ejection fraction: RV free wall pacing, 154±36 ms/28±3%, LV apical pacing, 52±19 ms/45±2%, control 47±14 ms/62±1%;
P
=0.0001). At the cellular level, both pacemaker groups exhibited a significant reduction in L-type calcium and peak sodium current, shortening of action potential duration and amplitude, increased cell capacity, and alterations in the calcium-handling proteins that were similar for RV free wall– and LV apex–paced animals.

Conclusions—

The observed molecular remodeling seemed to be more dependent on heart rate than on dyssynchrony. LV apical pacing is associated with less dyssynchrony, a more physiological LV contraction pattern, and preserved LV function as opposed to RV free wall pacing.
Bridging Therapy in Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Mazighi Mikael , Meseguer Elena , Labreuche Julien , Amarenco Pierre
Published: April 2012

Background and Purpose—

Pending the results of randomized controlled trials, the benefit and safety of bridging therapy (combined intravenous and intra-arterial thrombolysis) remain to be determined. The aim of this analysis was to give reliable estimates of efficacy and safety outcomes of bridging therapy.

Methods—

We conducted a systematic review of all studies using bridging therapy published between January 1966 and March 2011.

Results—

The literature search identified 15 studies. The pooled estimate for recanalization rate was 69.6% (95% CI, 63.9%–75.0%). Meta-analysis on clinical outcomes showed a pooled estimate of 48.9% (95% CI, 42.9%–54.9%) for favorable outcome, 17.9% (95% CI, 12.7%–23.7%) for mortality, and 8.6% (95% CI, 6.8%–10.6%) for symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage. In meta-regression analysis, the shorter mean time to intravenous treatment, the greater the recanalization rate (per 10-minute decrease: OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02–1.51) and the lower mortality rate (per 10-minute decrease: OR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.60–0.94). By using the control groups of intravenous alteplase-treated patients in 8 studies, bridging therapy was associated with a favorable outcome (OR, 2.26; 95% CI, 1.16–4.40), but no differences in mortality or symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage outcomes were found.

Conclusions—

Bridging therapy is associated with acceptable safety and efficacy in stroke patients. Time to intravenous treatment is critical to improve recanalization rates and favorable outcomes.
Hippocampal Involvement in Processing of Indistinct Visual Motion Stimuli
Authors: Fraedrich Eva M. , Flanagin Virginia L. , Duann Jeng-Ren , Brandt Thomas , Glasauer Stefan
Published: April 2012

Perception of known patterns results from the interaction of current sensory input with existing internal representations. It is unclear how perceptual and mnemonic processes interact when visual input is dynamic and structured such that it does not allow immediate recognition of obvious objects and forms. In an fMRI experiment, meaningful visual motion stimuli depicting movement through a virtual tunnel and indistinct, meaningless visual motion stimuli, achieved through phase scrambling of the same stimuli, were presented while participants performed an optic flow task. We found that our indistinct visual motion stimuli evoked hippocampal activation, whereas the corresponding meaningful stimuli did not. Using independent component analysis, we were able to demonstrate a functional connectivity between the hippocampus and early visual areas, with increased activity for indistinct stimuli. In a second experiment, we used the same stimuli to test whether our results depended on the participants' task. We found task-independent bilateral hippocampal activation in response to indistinct motion stimuli. For both experiments, psychophysiological interaction analysis revealed a coupling from posterior hippocampus to dorsal visuospatial and ventral visual object processing areas when viewing indistinct stimuli. These results indicate a close functional link between stimulus-dependent perceptual and mnemonic processes. The observed pattern of hippocampal functional connectivity, in the absence of an explicit memory task, suggests that cortical–hippocampal networks are recruited when visual stimuli are temporally uncertain and do not immediately reveal a clear meaning.
Bifurcation of Commercial Tradition in West Indonesia, 1850–1930, as Reflected in Contemporaneous Malay Print Publishing
Authors: Mahdi Waruno
Published: April 2012

Abstract

To establish the branching-off of a novel tradition, 4 parts of the paper consider: (1) the Austronesian commercial tradition, and precolonial emergence of financial tradition up to the dissolution of the VOC in 1799; (2) continuation of traditional indigenous shipping and trade throughout the 19th and half the 20th centuries; (3) parallel development of divergent, industrial-age forms in indigenous trade and finance since c. 1850, particularly as reflected in commercial advertisements, noting slower modernist development in trade and finance than in indigenous society in general; (4) some post-1930 consequences of the belated modernisation in trade and finance, and the gradual overcoming of the developmental ambiguity after 1945.
Francis Light’s Place in the Trading System of Both Coasts of the Malay Peninsula
Authors: Kratz E. Ulrich
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Based on a close reading of Malay textual sources, this paper looks at the nature of the trading system in place in the Western Malay World towards the end of the 18th century and in particular the role Francis Light played within this system. Touching on Braudel’s broad concept of world theatre and world economy and on Van Leur’s seminal work on the periodization of Southeast Asian history post-Melaka, the paper intends to challenge established notions of the exercise of power and the nature of economic relations in the Malay World during the late 18th century.
The Great Economic Transformation: Social Dilemmas of Chinese Capitalism
Authors: Lue Jen-Der
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The transition from socialism to capitalism involves overcoming tremendous, and unavoidable, difficulties of growth and distribution, and controversial reforms. The case of China presents an important opportunity by inviting us to understand its distinctive experiences from comparative perspectives. While its market-oriented reforms have achieved remarkable growth records, the costs of privatization and liberalization have had to be absorbed by social policy, and redistributed among different social strata and specific units. This study focuses on the reconstruction of state-owned enterprises, the social security system, and industrial relations to show China’s unique path toward a market economy. As a Leninist government continues to enjoy ample room for policy manoeuvres and civil organizations are absent in social policy making, the Chinese case of “great transformation” apparently rests on an unstable ground.
Oceans beyond Boundaries: Environmental Assessment Frameworks
Authors: Warner Robin
Published: April 2012

Abstract

The obligation to conduct environmental impact assessment (EIA) of activities with the potential for significant impact on the marine environment within and beyond national jurisdiction has attained customary international law status. The related but broader process of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) is also applied to plans, policies and programmes with the potential for significant impact on the marine environment in many national jurisdictions and in a transboundary context. The application of EIA and SEA for activities with the potential for significant impact on marine areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) has been much more ad hoc. This commentary reviews the initiatives being taken by the international community to develop a more comprehensive legal and institutional framework for EIA and SEA of activities affecting ABNJ. It examines the role of sectoral environmental assessment in ABNJ, as well as the potential role of global guidelines for EIA and SEA of activities affecting ABNJ.
Consolidating Governance Principles for Areas beyond National Jurisdiction
Authors: Barnes Richard A.
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This article comments upon the list of governance principles for areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) advanced in the Report by Alex Oude Elferink. It begins by considering the meaning of governance principles, and how they can contribute to the development of the legal regime for ABNJ. It suggests that such principles need to be rooted in more than existing rules, although such rules provide an important means of inducing the existence of general principles. Governance principles need to be properly aligned with the nature of the spaces and resources found in ABNJ, as well as with fundamental values of the international community and contours of legal authority. The article offers some further comments on the specific principles, emphasising the importance of not just strong procedural approaches, but also principles that facilitate a sound and reliable knowledge basis for decision-making and that advance a strong version of integrated management.