bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic efforts to improve completion rates of masters’ degree students in nursing
Authors: Roets Lizeth , Botma Yvonne
Published: December 2012

Supervisors at Higher Education Institutions are challenged to shorten throughput of Master’s degree students in nursing as researchers are needed to improve the art and science of the nursing profession. Globally the completion time for a postgraduate degree in the health sciences varies between 4.7 and 5.5 years. The purpose of the study was to describe strategies that were implemented to shorten completion time and attrition rate of postgraduate students. A cyclic technical, scientific collaborative mode within an action research methodology was used to identify factors impeding completion time in this study. Contrary to other studies, supervision was not an inhibiting factor in this study. Physical, technical, academic and financial aspects were identified by postgraduate students through questionnaires and informal discussion groups with supervisors as well as progress reports. Strategies were implemented to address these. Following implementation of all strategies, 42% of the postgraduate students in the School of Nursing completed their Master’s degree within two years. This implies a 34% improvement. Although the completion rate improved it was still unsatisfactory and new challenges were identified during the second cycle, for example, the number of inexperienced supervisors increased and they needed mentoring. Speed mentoring is a possible solution to the problem.
Integrated Financial Management Information Systems: Guidelines for effective implementation by the public sector of South Africa
Authors: Hendriks Christoffel J.
Published: December 2012

Background: Integrated Financial Management Information Systems (IFMIS) can improve public sector management by providing real-time financial information to managers in order to enhance their decision-making capabilities. The South African Public Service is currently busy with the implementation of an IFMIS. However, the implementation of such a project has proved to be a very demanding undertaking and has not been met with resounding success.Objectives: The research was conducted in order to identify the challenges and risks that are involved in the implementation of the IFMIS in South Africa. After identification of the challenges and risks, solutions or guidelines were developed that may make the implementation more successful.Method: The methodology that was used is that of a literature study where theories were explored and used to solve a research problem. Based on the theoretical research, solutions and guidelines were developed to solve challenges and risks experienced.Results: The results indicated that there are a number of challenges involved with the implementation of an IFMIS. A set of best practice guidelines was developed that may make the implementation more successful.Conclusion: The sheer size and complexity of an IFMIS poses significant challenges and a number of risks to the implementation process. There are, however, critical success factors or best practices that can be used for the project to succeed. It is recommended that these best practices be used by the South African Public Service.
Scaling Regimes and the Singularity of Specific Heat in the 3D Ising Model
Authors: Kaupužs J. , Melnik R. V. N. , Rimšāns J.
Published: December 2012

The singularity of specific heatCVof the three-dimensional Ising model is studied based on Monte Carlo data for lattice sizesL≤1536. Fits of two data sets, one corresponding to certain value of the Binder cumulant and the other — to the maximum ofCV, provide consistent values ofC0in the ansatzCV(L)=C0+ALα/νat largeL, ifα/ν=0.196(6). However, a direct estimation from ourdata suggests thatα/ν, most probably, has a smaller value (e.g.,α/ν= 0.113(30)). Thus, the conventional power-law scaling ansatz can be questioned because of this inconsistency. We have found that the data are well described by certain logarithmic ansatz.
A Polynomial Chaos Expansion Trust Region Method for Robust Optimization
Authors: Zein Samih
Published: December 2012

Robust optimization is an approach for the design of a mechanical structure which takes into account the uncertainties of the design variables. It requires at each iteration the evaluation of some robust measures of the objective function and the constraints. In a previous work, the authors have proposed a method which efficiently generates a design of experiments with respect to the design variable uncertainties to compute the robust measures using the polynomial chaos expansion. This paper extends the proposed method to the case of the robust optimization. The generated design of experiments is used to build a surrogate model for the robust measures over a certain trust region. This leads to a trust region optimization method which only requires one evaluation of the design of experiments per iteration (single loop method). Unlike other single loop methods which are only based on a first order approximation of robust measure of the constraints and which does not handle a robust measure for the objective function, the proposed method can handle any approximation order and any choice for the robust measures. Some numerical experiments based on finite element functions are performed to show the efficiency of the method.
Cuidados de enfermería en las etapas del proceso donación trasplante, aplicado a un caso clínico
Authors: Hermosilla González Pía Andrea , Rocha Ortiz Susana , Rodríguez Vidal Magali
Published: December 2012

El trasplante es el tratamiento de elección de la insuficiencia renal crónica terminal, el cual permite una mayor sobreviva y mejor calidad de vida para los usuarios, y un menor costo para el sistema sanitario. Corresponde al resultado de un proceso múltiple y complejo, que requiere organización independiente con recursos adicionales y su éxito depende de la sociedad, de un trabajo en equipo multidisciplinario y la donación de órganos(1). El procuramiento (obtención) de órganos ha sido defi-nido como todo el proceso mediante el cual se logra que los órganos y tejidos de alguien que ha fallecido, sean implantados en un receptor determinado(2), siendo principalmente el profesional de enfermería el encargado de coordinar todas las actividades derivadas de los dife-rentes procesos(3), desde la pesquisa del donante hasta la implantación del órgano(4). Su capacitación continua resulta necesaria para llevar a cabo esta práctica(5).
Beneficial Effects of Addition of Glucocorticoid during Induction of Ovulation by Letrozole in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Authors: Begum Mosammat Rashida , Siddiqui Maruf , Baby Hosne Ara , Ehsan Mariya , Begum Mosammat Shahina , Khan Farzana , Quadir Ehsan
Published: December 2012

Objective

The aim of the study was to explore the efficacy of glucocorticoid in folliculogenesis and ovulation during induction of ovulation by letrozole in polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Materials and methods

This experimental study was conducted in Dhaka Medical College and Hospital and Infertility Care and Research Centre (ICRC) Dhaka, Bangladesh. Two hundred and eighty infertile patients with PCOS, who failed to ovulate by letrozole 10 mg/day for 5 days were the target population of this study. The patients received glucocorticoid (Dexamethasone) 0.5 mg every alternate day from D2 of the cycle till D10 along with same dose of letrozole in subsequent cycles. Only letrozole-treated cycles were taken as control and letrozole plus glucocorticoid-treated cycles were taken as experimental. Monitoring was done by transvaginal ultrasonography. Six ovulatory cycles were observed for pregnancy. Main outcome measures were ovulation and pregnancy.

Results

Baseline characteristics were similar as same patients were taken as control and experimental. One hundred and eighty-two (65%) patients were ovulated and 93 (33.21%) patients got pregnant after addition of glucocorticoid.

Conclusion

In PCOS addition of glucocorticoid during induction of ovulation appears to cause significant improvement in folliculogenesis, ovulation and pregnancy.

How to cite this article

Begum MR, Ehsan M, Begum MS, Khan F, Baby HA, Siddiqui M, Quadir E. Beneficial Effects of Addition of Glucocorticoid during Induction of Ovulation by Letrozole in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(2):85-89.
GNK-PIMS Score: A Predictive Model for Success of External Cephalic Version
Authors: Tasnim Nasira , Mahmud Ghazala , Javaid Kiran
Published: December 2012

Objective

To determine association of GNK-PIMS score vs Newmann Peacock score with success of external cephalic version (ECV).

Materials and methods

This comparative cross-sectional analysis was carried out at MCH center Unit I, PIMS, Islamabad, from 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2009. Characteristics of 166 breech versions performed during study period were integrated into both Newmann Peacock score and GNK-PIMS score. Association of the two scoring systems with success of ECV was determined using Student t-test, correlation coefficient, Chi-square test and Cox and Snell test. The individual characteristics of two scores were also evaluated by stepwise linear regression model.

Results

The success rate of ECV was 49.9%. Newman Peacock score had weaker correlation with success of ECV (r = 0.234, p = 0.001) than GNK-PIMS score (r = 0.716, p = 0.000). The success rate was 6.3% at a score of <3 and 60% at >8 with Newmann Peacock score while that with GNKPIMS score was nil at a score of <3 and 100% at >8. All individual parameters of the GNK-PIMS score had significant association with success of ECV compared to only three variables of Newman Peacock score.

Conclusion

GNK-PIMS score is stronger predictor of ECV success than Newman Peacock score. Larger randomized controlled trials should be conducted based on this scoring system.

How to cite this article

Tasnim N, Mahmud G, Javaid K. GNKPIMS Score: A Predictive Model for Success of External Cephalic Version. J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(2): 99-102.
Myiasis: A Boon or a Bane?
Authors: Bhalerao A , Somalwar S , Kulkarni S , Joshi S , Chopde Y
Published: December 2012

Myiasis is known to man since ages and has always been considered bane due to its prevalence in unhygienic conditions. But nowadays it is considered as a boon as it is being tried in treatment of nonhealing wounds.

How to cite this article

Kulkarni S, Joshi S, Bhalerao A, Chopde Y, Somalwar S. Myiasis: A Boon or a Bane? J South Asian Feder Obst Gynae 2012;4(2):116-117.
New type of ensemble of quasi-periodic, long-lasting VLF emissions at the auroral zone
Authors: Manninen J. , Kleimenova N. G. , Kozyreva O. V.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. A new type of the series of quasi-periodic (QP) very low frequency (VLF) emissions in frequency range of 1–5 kHz, and not associated with geomagnetic pulsations, has been discovered at auroral latitudes (L = 5.3) during the Finnish VLF campaign (held in December 2011). At least five unusually spectacular events, each with a duration of several hours, have been observed during the night under conditions of quiet geomagnetic activity (Kp = 0–1), although QPs usually occur during the daytime. Contrary to the QP emissions typically occurring during the day, the spectral structure of these QP events represented an extended, complicated sequence of repeated discrete rising VLF signals. Their duration was about 2–3 min each, with the repetition periods ranging from ~1 min to ~10 min. Two such nighttime non-typical events are reported in this paper. The fine structure of the separated QP elements may represent a mixture of the different frequency band signals, which seem to have independent origins. It was found that the periodic signals with lower frequency appear to trigger the strong dispersive upper frequency signals. The temporal dynamics of the spectral structure of the QPs studied were significantly controlled by some disturbances in the solar wind and interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). This finding is very important for future theoretical investigations because the generation mechanism of this new type of QP emissions is not yet understood.
Trophic state of sediments from two deep continental margins off Iberia: a biomimetic approach
Authors: Dell'Anno A. , Pusceddu A. , Corinaldesi C. , Canals M. , Heussner S. , Thomsen L. , Danovaro R.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The trophic state of benthic deep-sea ecosystems can greatly influence key ecological processes (e.g. biomass production and nutrient cycling). Thus, assessing the trophic state of the sediment at different spatial and temporal scales is crucial for a better understanding of deep-sea ecosystem functioning. Here, using a biomimetic approach based on enzymatic digestion of protein and carbohydrate pools, we assess the bioavailability of organic detritus and its nutritional value in the uppermost layer of deep-sea sediments from open slopes and canyons of the Catalan (NW Mediterranean) and Portuguese (NE Atlantic) continental margins, offshore east and west Iberia, respectively. Patterns of sediment trophic state were analyzed in relation to increasing water depth, including repeated samplings over a 3 yr period in the Catalan margin. Bioavailable organic matter and its nutritional value were significantly higher in the Portuguese margin than in the Catalan margin, thus reflecting differences in primary productivity of surface waters reported for the two regions. Similarly, sediments of the Catalan margin were characterized by significantly higher food quantity and quality in spring, when higher primary production processes occur in surface waters, than in summer and autumn. In both continental margins, bioavailable organic C concentrations did not vary or increase with increasing water depth. Differences in the benthic trophic state of canyons against open slopes were more evident in the Portuguese than in the Catalan margin. Overall our findings indicate that deep-sea sediments are characterized by relatively high amounts of bioavailable organic matter. We suggest that the interactions between biological-related processes in surface waters and particle transport and deposition dynamics can play a crucial role in shaping the quantity and distribution of bioavailable organic detritus and its nutritional value along deep continental margins.
Field intercomparison of four methane gas analysers suitable for eddy covariance flux measurements
Authors: Peltola O. , Mammarella I. , Haapanala S. , Burba G. , Vesala T.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Performances of four methane gas analyzers suitable for eddy covariance measurements are assessed. The assessment and comparison was performed by analyzing eddy covariance data obtained during summer 2010 (1 April to 26 October) at a pristine fen, Siikaneva, Southern Finland. High methane fluxes with pronounced seasonality have been measured at this fen. The four participating methane gas analyzers are commercially available closed-path units TGA-100A (Campbell Scientific Inc., USA), RMT-200 (Los Gatos Research, USA), G1301-f (Picarro Inc., USA) and an early prototype open-path unit Prototype-7700 (LI-COR Biosciences, USA). The RMT-200 functioned most reliably throughout the measurement campaign, during low and high flux periods. Methane fluxes from RMT-200 and G1301-f had the smallest random errors and the fluxes agree remarkably well throughout the measurement campaign. Cospectra and power spectra calculated from RMT-200 and G1301-f data agree well with corresponding temperature spectra during a high flux period. None of the gas analysers showed statistically significant diurnal variation for methane flux. Prototype-7700 functioned only for a short period of time, over one month, in the beginning of the measurement campaign during low flux period, and thus, its overall accuracy and long-term performance were not assessed. Prototype-7700 is a practical choice for measurement sites in remote locations due to its low power demand, however if only the performance in this intercomparison is considered, RMT-200 performed the best and is the recommended choice if a new fast response methane gas analyser is needed.
Methane fluxes measured by eddy covariance and static chamber techniques at a temperate forest in central ontario, Canada
Authors: Wang J. M. , Murphy J. G. , Geddes J. A. , Winsborough C. L. , Basiliko N. , Thomas S. C.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Methane flux measurements were carried out at a temperate forest (Haliburton Forest and Wildlife Reserve) in central Ontario (45°17´11´´ N, 78°32´19´´ W) from June–October, 2011. Continuous measurements were made by an off-axis integrated cavity output spectrometer Fast Greenhouse Gas Analyzer (FGGA) from Los Gatos Research Inc. that measures methane (CH4) at 10 Hz sampling rates. Fluxes were calculated from the gas measurements in conjunction with wind data collected by a 3-D sonic anemometer using the eddy covariance (EC) method. Observed methane fluxes showed net uptake of CH4 over the measurement period with an average uptake flux (± standard deviation of the mean) of −2.7 ± 0.13 nmol m−2 s−1. Methane fluxes showed a seasonal progression with average rates of uptake increasing from June through September and remaining high in October. This pattern was consistent with a decreasing trend in soil moisture content at the monthly time scale. On the diurnal timescale, there was evidence of increased uptake during the day, when the mid-canopy wind speed was at a maximum. These patterns suggest that substrate supply of CH4 and oxygen to methanotrophs, and in certain cases hypoxic soil conditions supporting methanogenesis in low-slope areas, drive the observed variability in fluxes. A network of soil static chambers used at the tower site showed close agreement with the eddy covariance flux measurements. This suggests that soil-level microbial processes, and not abiological leaf-level CH4 production, drive overall CH4 dynamics in temperate forest ecosystems such as Haliburton Forest.
The role of benthic foraminifera in the benthic nitrogen cycle of the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone
Authors: Glock N. , Schönfeld J. , Eisenhauer A. , Hensen C. , Mallon J. , Sommer S.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The discovery that foraminifera are able to use nitrate instead of oxygen as energy source for their metabolism has challenged our understanding of nitrogen cycling in the ocean. It was evident before that only prokaryotes and fungi are able to denitrify. Rate estimates of foraminiferal denitrification were very sparse on a regional scale. Here, we present estimates of benthic foraminiferal denitrification rates from six stations at intermediate water depths in and below the Peruvian oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). Foraminiferal denitrification rates were calculated from abundance and assemblage composition of the total living fauna in both, surface and subsurface sediments, as well as from individual species specific denitrification rates. A comparison with total benthic denitrification rates as inferred by biogeochemical models revealed that benthic foraminifera account for the total denitrification on the shelf between 80 and 250 m water depth. They are still important denitrifiers in the centre of the OMZ around 320 m (29–56% of the benthic denitrification) but play only a minor role at the lower OMZ boundary and below the OMZ between 465 and 700 m (3–7% of total benthic denitrification). Furthermore, foraminiferal denitrification was compared to the total benthic nitrate loss measured during benthic chamber experiments. Foraminiferal denitrification contributes 1 to 50% to the total nitrate loss across a depth transect from 80 to 700 m, respectively. Flux rate estimates ranged from 0.01 to 1.3 mmol m−2 d−1. Furthermore we show that the amount of nitrate stored in living benthic foraminifera (3 to 705 µmol L−1) can be higher by three orders of magnitude as compared to the ambient pore waters in near surface sediments sustaining an important nitrate reservoir in Peruvian OMZ sediments. The substantial contribution of foraminiferal nitrate respiration to total benthic nitrate loss at the Peruvian margin, which is one of the main nitrate sink regions in the world oceans, underpins the importance of previously underestimated role of benthic foraminifera in global biochemical cycles.
Terminations VI and VIII (∼ 530 and ∼ 720 kyr BP) tell us the importance of obliquity and precession in the triggering of deglaciations
Authors: Parrenin F. , Paillard D.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. The main variations of ice volume of the last million years can be explained from orbital parameters by assuming climate oscillates between two states: glaciations and deglaciations (Parrenin and Paillard, 2003; Imbrie et al., 2011) (or terminations). An additional combination of ice volume and orbital parameters seems to form the trigger of a deglaciation, while only orbital parameters seem to play a role in the triggering of glaciations. Here we present an optimized conceptual model which realistically reproduce ice volume variations during the past million years and in particular the timing of the 11 canonical terminations. We show that our model looses sensitivity to initial conditions only after ∼200 kyr at maximum: the ice volume observations form a strong attractor. Both obliquity and precession seem necessary to reproduce all 11 terminations and both seem to play approximately the same role. More precisely, obliquity plays a fundamental role in the triggering of termination VI (~530 kyr BP), while precession plays a fundamental role in the triggering of termination VIII (~720 kyr ago).
Future humidity trends over the western United States in the CMIP5 global climate models and variable infiltration capacity hydrological modeling system
Authors: Pierce D. W. , Westerling A. L. , Oyler J.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Global climate models predict relative humidity (RH) in the western US will decrease at a rate of about 0.1–0.6% per decade, although with seasonal differences (most drying in spring and summer), geographical variability (greater declines in the interior), stronger reductions for greater anthropogenic radiative forcing, and notable spread among the models. Although atmospheric moisture content increases, this is more than compensated for by higher air temperatures, leading to declining RH. Fine-scale hydrological simulations driven by the global model results should reproduce these trends. It is shown that the meteorological algorithms used by the Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) hydrological model, when driven by daily Tmin, Tmax, and precipitation (a configuration used in numerous published studies), do not preserve the original global model's humidity trends. Trends are biased positive in the interior western US, so that strong RH decreases are changed to weak decreases, and weak decreases are changed to increases. This happens because the meteorlogical algorithms VIC incorporates infer an overly large positive trend in atmospheric moisture content in this region. The result could downplay the effects of decreasing RH on plants and wildfire. RH trends along the coast have a weak negative bias due to neglect of the ocean's moderating influence. A numerical experiment where VIC's values of Tdew are altered to compensate for the RH error suggests that eliminating the atmospheric moisture bias could, in and of itself, decrease runoff up to 14% in high-altitude regions east of the Sierra Nevada and Cascades, and reduce estimated Colorado River runoff at Lees Ferry up to 4 % by the end of the century.
Evaluation of factors controlling large earthquake-induced landslides by the Wenchuan earthquake
Authors: Chen X. L. , Ran H. L. , Yang W. T.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. During the 12 May 2008, Wenchuan earthquake in China, more than 15 000 landslides were triggered by the earthquake. Among these landslides, there were 112 large landslides generated with a plane area greater than 50 000 m2. These large landslides were markedly distributed closely along the surface rupture zone in a narrow belt and were mainly located on the hanging wall side. More than 85% of the large landslides are presented within the range of 10 km from the rupture. Statistical analysis shows that more than 50% of large landslides occurred in the hard rock and second-hard rock, like migmatized metamorphic rock and carbonate rock, which crop out in the south part of the damaged area with higher elevation and steeper landform in comparison with the northeast part of the damaged area. All large landslides occurred in the region with seismic intensity ≥ X except a few of landslides in the Qingchuan region with seismic intensity IX. Spatially, the large landslides can be centred into four segments, namely the Yingxiu, the Gaochuan, the Beichuan and the Qingchuan segments, from southwest to northeast along the surface rupture. This is in good accordance with coseismic displacements. With the change of fault type from reverse-dominated slip to dextral slip from southwest to northeast, the largest distance between the triggered large landslides and the rupture decreases from 15 km to 5 km. The critical acceleration ac for four typical large landslides in these four different segments were estimated by the Newmark model in this paper. Our results demonstrate that, given the same strength values and slope angles, the characteristics of slope mass are important for slope stability and deeper landslides are less stable than shallower landslides. Comprehensive analysis reveals that the large catastrophic landslides could be specifically tied to a particular geological setting where fault type and geometry change abruptly. This feature may dominate the occurrence of large landslides. The results will be useful for improving reliable assessments of earthquake-induced landslide susceptibility, especially for large landslides which may result in serious damages.
Fractal dimension analysis of the magnetic time series associated with the volcanic activity of Popocatépetl
Authors: Flores-Marquez E. L. , Galvez-Coyt G. , Cifuentes-Nava G.
Published: December 2012

Abstract. Fractal analysis of the total magnetic field (TMF) time series from 1997 to 2003 at Popocatépetl Volcano is performed and compared with the TMF-series of the Teoloyucan Magnetic Observatory, 100 km away. Using Higuchi's fractal dimension method (D). The D changes over time for both series were computed. It was observed, when the time windows used to compute D increase in length, both series show nearly the same behavior. Some criteria of comparison were employed to discriminate the local effects inherent to volcano-magnetism. The simultaneous maximum in D (1.8) of the TMF series at Popocatépetl Volcano and the recovered volcanic activity indicates a scaling relation of the TMF at Popocatépetl Volcano and demonstrates a link between the magnetic field and volcanic activity.
Futures Hedges under Basis Heteroscedasticity
Authors: Nayak Subhankar , Schnabel Jacques A.
Published: December 2012

Minimum variance and mean-variance optimizing hedges are developed when basis risk exhibits heteroscedasticity; that is, the variance of the difference between spot and futures prices is not constant but rises with the level of spot prices. Two different hedging objectives are modeled and optimized. The resulting optimality conditions are then interpreted both analytically and intuitively. Simulations are run to determine whether the model proposed here is superior to the traditional model in terms of minimizing the hedger’s terminal wealth. The resulting hedge ratios are shown to differ from those that are obtained for the traditional homoscedastic basis case, but consistent with the extant theoretical paradigm, the demand for futures contacts is dichotomized into pure hedging and pure speculative components. The simulations demonstrate that, under the statistical assumptions invoked, the proposed model implies uniformly less hedging and a lower variance of terminal wealth compared with the traditional model.
Transfusion Practices in the Management of Sickle Cell Disease: A Survey of Florida Hematologists/Oncologists
Authors: Dunbar Levette N. , Coleman Brown LaRae , Rivera Donna R. , Hartzema Abraham G. , Lottenberg Richard
Published: December 2012

The purpose of this study was to characterize transfusion practices in the management of sickle cell disease and to identify factors attributing to differences in prescribing practices among Florida hematologists/oncologists. A cross-sectional study was performed in 2005-2006 utilizing a mail survey. The survey instrument addressed practice characteristics, sickle cell patient populations, transfusion settings, indications and techniques, red blood cell phenotype specifications/modifications, use of practice guidelines, and educational resource utilization. One hundred fifty two physicians (75% adult-oriented, 25% pediatric) completed the survey. Non-academic practice settings (78 %) were the primary location. Pediatric practices had a larger percentage of patients with overt strokes, and receiving hydroxyurea therapy than adult-oriented practices. The majority of survey respondents did not request limited phenotypically matched red blood cells on a routine basis. The majority of pediatric practices (60%) had individually defined transfusion practice guidelines in contrast to 8% of adult-oriented practices. There were statistically significant differences for pediatric and adult-oriented practices in managing certain acute and chronic transfusion indications. Analysis of clinical vignette data revealed variation among hematologists/oncologists in the transfusion management of common clinical scenarios. The study underscores the need for the development and dissemination of comprehensive sickle cell transfusion guidelines and protocols.
Comparative Studies of the Effects of Egg Yolk, Oats, Apple, and Wheat Bran on Serum Lipid Profile of Wistar Rats
Authors: Omole J. O. , Ighodaro O. M.
Published: December 2012

Excess consumption of egg especially its yolk has been implicated in hyperlipidaemia (high level of cholesterol and triglyceride in the blood). Conversely, soluble dietary fibers, probably due to their ability to bind free lipid molecules, appear to play an important role in protecting against hyperlipidaemia. This study sought to evaluate the comparative effects of selected sources of fibers: apple, oats, and wheat bran, on serum lipid profile in physiologically normal Wistar rats. Twenty rats were used for the study and were randomized into four groups, with each containing five animals (). A group which serves as control was fed with egg yolk while the other three groups were fed with apple, oats, and wheat bran, respectively. After two weeks of feeding, the animals were fasted overnight and blood samples from the retro-orbital sinus of the eye were collected for analyses of lipid profile. The results obtained showed that the group fed with oats had the lowest level of total cholesterol ( mg), low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol ( mg), and triglycerides (TG) ( mg), as well as the highest level of HDL cholesterol ( mg). On the contrary, the group fed with egg yolk showed the highest level of total cholesterol ( mg), LDL cholesterol ( mg), and triacylglyceride ( mg), as well as the lowest level of HDL cholesterol ( mg). There was no significant difference () between oats and apple in their effects on blood lipid profile of Wistar rats. Wheat bran, being an insoluble dietary fibre, had less significant () effect on the blood lipid profile when compared to oats and apple. Findings from this study may assist physicians and dieticians in recommending appropriate diet for individuals desiring to normalize their blood lipids levels.
Determination of Ambroxol Hydrochloride, Guaifenesin, and Theophylline in Ternary Mixtures and in the Presence of Excipients in Different Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms
Authors: Abdelwahab Nada S
Published: December 2012

Determination of ternary mixtures of ambroxol hydrochloride, guaifenesin, and theophylline with minimum sample pretreatment and without analyte separation has been successfully achieved by using chemometric and RP-HPLC methods. The developed chemometric models are partial least squares (PLS) and genetic algorithm coupled with PLS. Data of the analyses were obtained from UV-Vis spectra of the studied drugs in different concentration ranges. These models have been successfully updated to be applied for determination of the proposed drugs in Farcosolvin® syrup and in the presence of a syrup excipient (methyl paraben). In the developed RP- HPLC method, chromatographic runs were performed on an RP-C18 analytical column with the isocratic mobile phase 0.05 M phosphate buffer–methanol–acetonitrile–triethylamine (63.5 + 27.5 + 9 + 0.25, v/v/v/v, pH 5.5 adjusted with orthophosphoric acid) at a flow rate of 1.2 mL/min. The analytes were detected and quantified at 220 nm. The method was optimized in order to obtain good resolution between the studied components and to prevent interference from methyl paraben. Method validation was performed with respect to International Conference on Harmonization guidelines and the validation acceptance criteria were met in all cases. The proposed methods can be considered acceptable for QC of the studied drugs in pharmaceutical capsules and syrup. The results obtained by the suggested chemometric methods for determination of the studied mixture in different pharmaceutical preparations were statistically compared to those obtained by applying the developed RP-HPLC method, and no significant difference was found.
Multiresidue Method for Pesticide Residue Analysis in Food of Animal and Plant Origin Based on GC or LC and MS or MS/MS
Authors: Muñoz Eva , Muñoz Gloria , Pineda Laura , Serrahima Eulalia , Centrich Francesc
Published: December 2012

A multiresidue method based on GC or LC and MS or MS/MS for the determination of 204 pesticides in diverse food matrixes of animal and plant origin is described. The method can include different stages of cleanup according to the chemical characteristics of each sample. Samples were extracted using accelerated solvent extraction. Those with a high fat content or that contained chlorophyll required further purification by gel permeation chromatography and/or SPE (ENVI-Carb). The methodology developed here was fully validated; the LOQs for the 204 pesticides are presented. The LOQ values lie between 0.01 to 0.02 mg/kg. However, in some cases, mainly in baby food, they were as low as 0.003 mg/kg, thereby meeting European Union requirements on maximum residue levels for pesticides, as outlined in European regulation 396/2005 and the Commission Directive 2003/13/EC. The procedure has been accredited for a wide scope of pesticides and matrixes by the Spanish Accreditation Body (ENAC) following ISO/IEC 17025:2005, as outlined in ENAC technical note NT-19.
Chiral Chromatography Studies of Chemical Behavior of Cinacalcet on Polysaccharide Chiral Reversed-Phase HPLC Stationary Phases
Authors: Douša Michal , Břicháč Jiřiacute;
Published: December 2012

A rapid HPLC method for the analytical resolution of cinacalcet enantiomers was developed. Four chiral columns (two amylose and two cellulose type) were evaluated in RP systems. Excellent enantioseparation with a resolution of more than 6 was achieved on Chiralpak AY (amylose 5-chloro-2-methylphenylcarbamate chiral stationary phase) using 10 mM triethylamine (pH 8.0)–acetonitrile (40 + 60, v/v) mobile phase. Validation of the HPLC method, including linearity, LOD, LOQ, precision, accuracy, and selectivity, was performed according to the International Conference on Harmonization guidelines. The method was successfully applied for the determination of (S)-cinacalcet in enantiopure active pharmaceutical ingredient (R)-cinacalcet.
Simultaneous Analysis of Steviol and Steviol Glycosides by Liquid Chromatography with Ultraviolet Detection on a Mixed-Mode Column: Application to Stevia Plant Material and Stevia-Containing Dietary Supplements
Authors: Jaworska Karolina , Krynitsky Alexander J , Rader Jeanne I
Published: December 2012

Simultaneous separation of steviol and steviol glycosides is challenging because of differences in their polarity and chemical structure. In this study, simultaneous analysis of steviol and steviol glycosides was achieved by LC with UV detection using a mixed-mode RP weak anion exchange chromatography column. Steviol and seven steviol glycosides were analyzed on an Acclaim Mixed-Mode Wax-1 (Dionex) column with a linear gradient of deionized water adjusted to pH 3.00 with phosphoric acid and acetonitrile. The extraction was performed by sonicating dry plant material at 40°C in acetonitrile–water (30 + 70, v/v). LOQ values (mg/g dry weight of plant material) were rebaudioside B, 0.50; steviol, 0.70, dulcoside A, 1.0; steviolbioside, 1.2; stevioside and rebaudioside C, 2.0; rebaudioside D, 3.3; and rebaudioside A, 5.0. The method demonstrated suitable performance for all analytes tested with respect to accuracy (mean recoveries 95–99%), intraday and interday precision for retention times (0.070–0.28% and 0.33–1.0% RSD, respectively), and linearity. The method was used to authenticate steviol glycosides in several samples of Stevia plant material as well as to quantitate steviol glycosides in dietary supplements containing Stevia.
Qualitative and Event-Specific Real-Time PCR Detection Methods for Bt Brinjal Event EE-1
Authors: Randhawa Gurinder Jit , Sharma Ruchi , Singh Monika
Published: December 2012

Bt brinjal event EE-1 with cry1Ac gene, expressing insecticidal protein against fruit and shoot borer, is the first genetically modified food crop in the pipeline for commercialization in India. Qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) along with event-specific conventional as well as real-time PCR methods to characterize the event EE-1 is reported. A multiplex (pentaplex) PCR system simultaneously amplifying cry1Ac transgene, Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV) 35S promoter, nopaline synthase (nos) terminator, aminoglycoside adenyltransferase (aadA) marker gene, and a taxon-specific β-fructosidase gene in event EE-1 has been developed. Furthermore, construct-specific PCR, targeting the approximate 1.8 kb region of inserted gene construct comprising the region of CaMV 35S promoter and cry1Ac gene has also been developed. The LOD of developed EE-1 specific conventional PCR assay is 0.01%. The method performance of the reported real-time PCR assay was consistent with the acceptance criteria of Codex Alimentarius Commission ALINORM 10/33/23, with the LOD and LOQ values of 0.05%. The developed detection methods would not only facilitate effective regulatory compliance for identification of genetic traits, risk assessment, management, and postrelease monitoring, but also address consumer concerns and resolution of legal disputes.
Analysis of Deoxynivalenol, Zearalenone, T-2, and HT-2 Toxins in Animal Feed by LC/MS/MS–A Critical Comparison of Immunoaffinity Column Cleanup with No Cleanup
Authors: Senyuva Hamide Z , Gilbert John , Türköz Gözde , Leeman David , Donnelly Carol
Published: December 2012

A comparison has been made of an LC/MS/MS method using direct analysis of acetonitrile extracts of feed and cereal samples and a method using acetonitrile extraction and subsequent immunoaffinity column (IAC) cleanup. Naturally contaminated samples containing one or more of deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, T-2, and HT-2 toxins were analyzed together with test materials containing known toxin levels. LC/MS/MS ion ratios and peak profiles, repeatability, and LOQs were used as the basis for comparing the two approaches. The method without cleanup had poorer performance than the method with IAC cleanup in terms of identification based on ion ratios compared to standards. Without cleanup, there was more evidence of background interference, and monitored ions were invariably seen against a noisy background. Nevertheless, quantification of samples analyzed without cleanup gave reasonable agreement with the levels found in the same samples that had received IAC cleanup. Repeatability was poorer with no cleanup, and LOQ values were higher for HT-2 and T-2 toxins, but there was no evidence of any adverse effects on MS performance with repeated injections of crude extracts. Overall, it was concluded that LC/MS/MS analysis of samples with no cleanup is adequate for screening, but for definitive measurements (e.g., for food regulatory control purposes) IAC cleanup remains essential.
Comparative Evaluation of a Phage Protein Ligand Assay with VIDAS and BAX Methodology for Detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Using a Standard Nonproprietary Enrichment Broth
Authors: Lu Jingzhang , Tang Mujin , Liu Huiling , Huang Lihua , Wan Zhigang , Zhang Heng , Zhao Fang
Published: December 2012

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a major foodborne pathogen of concern worldwide. This study was conducted to compare the sensitivity and minimum enrichment time for detection of E. coli O157:H7 by the VIDAS ultraperformance E. coli test (VIDAS ECPT UP) with that of two other commercial detection kits, the ELISA-based VIDAS ECO system and the PCR-based BAX® system. Only VIDAS ECPT UP detected all 18 positive results of bacterial suspensions at the level of 104 CFU/mL E. coli O157:H7 and 106 CFU/mL E. coli as background flora, whereas the BAX system PCR assay detected six positive results and VIDAS ECO detected no positive results. A 6 h enrichment at 42°C is enough for detection of all 18 strains in artificial contaminated raw beef meat, raw milk, and raw chicken, and for detection of most of them in soybean sprout and fresh papaya juice with VIDAS ECPT UP, whereas enrichment of more than 8 h was required for detection of the strains with the VIDAS ECO and PCR-BAX systems. These results indicate that the VIDAS ECPT UP is superior to the other two alternative methods when a standard enrichment broth is used that is different from the broths recommended by the manufacturers.
GMOMETHODS: The European Union Database of Reference Methods for GMO Analysis
Authors: Bonfini Laura , van den Bulcke Marc H , Mazzara Marco , Ben Enrico , Patak Alexandre
Published: December 2012

In order to provide reliable and harmonized information on methods for GMO (genetically modified organism) analysis we have published a database called “GMOMETHODS” that supplies information on PCR assays validated according to the principles and requirements of ISO 5725 and/or the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry protocol. In addition, the database contains methods that have been verified by the European Union Reference Laboratory for Genetically Modified Food and Feed in the context of compliance with an European Union legislative act. The web application provides search capabilities to retrieve primers and probes sequence information on the available methods. It further supplies core data required by analytical labs to carry out GM tests and comprises information on the applied reference material and plasmid standards. The GMOMETHODS database currently contains 118 different PCR methods allowing identification of 51 single GM events and 18 taxon-specific genes in a sample. It also provides screening assays for detection of eight different genetic elements commonly used for the development of GMOs. The application is referred to by the Biosafety Clearing House, a global mechanism set up by the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to facilitate the exchange of information on Living Modified Organisms. The publication of the GMOMETHODS database can be considered an important step toward worldwide standardization and harmonization in GMO analysis.
Detection of Adulterated Ginkgo biloba Supplements Using Chromatographic and Spectral Fingerprints
Authors: Harnly James M , Luthria Devanand , Chen Pei
Published: December 2012

The fingerprints of 18 commercially available Ginkgo biloba supplements, 12 samples of raw G. biloba leaves, and three G. biloba standard reference materials from the National Institute of Standards and Technology were acquired directly (no chromatography) by UV spectrometry and after separation using HPLC with a diode array detector. The fingerprints consisted of the UV spectral images, the chromatographic images, and the areas of the 21 most prominent chromatographic peaks. Data were analyzed by principal component analysis and one-class soft independent modeling of class analogy (SIMCA). It was determined that three of the commercial products were adulterated with rutin, four with quercetin, and one with an unidentified flavonol glycoside. One-class SIMCA of the authentic products allowed the adulterated products to be easily distinguished using Q-residuals. Authentic supplements and raw leaf materials were easily distinguished. The finely powdered samples were also analyzed by near-IR (NIR) spectrometry. The authentic and adulterated products could not be distinguished by NIR spectrometry because of the excipients.
President's Message: 21st Century Skills, 21st Century Infrastructure
Authors: Starr Karen J.
Published: December 2012

President's Message: 21st Century Skills, 21st Century Infrastructure
Editorial: Singularity--Are We There Yet?
Authors: Truitt Marc
Published: December 2012

Editorial: Singularity--Are We There Yet?
Editorial Board Thoughts: Just Like Being There, or How I Learned To Stop Coveting Bare Metal and Learned to Love My VM
Authors: Cyzyk Mark
Published: December 2012

Editorial Board Thoughts: Just Like Being There, or How I Learned To Stop Coveting Bare Metal and Learned to Love My VM
Seeing the Wood for the Trees: Enhancing Metadata Subject Elements with Weights
Authors: Zhang Hong , Smith Linda C. , Twidale Michael , Gao Fang Huang
Published: December 2012

Subject indexing has been conducted in a dichotomous way in terms of what the information object is primarily about/of or not, corresponding to the presence or absence of a particular subject term, respectively. With more subject terms brought into information systems via social tagging, manual cataloging, or automated indexing, many more partially relevant results can be retrieved. Using examples from digital image collections and online library catalog systems, we explore the problem and advocate for adding a weighting mechanism to subject indexing and tagging to make web search and navigation more effective and efficient. We argue that the weighting of subject terms is more important than ever in today’s world of growing collections, more federated searching, and expansion of social tagging. Such a weighting mechanism needs to be considered and applied not only by indexers, catalogers, and taggers, but also needs to be incorporated into system functionality and metadata schemas.
A File Storage Service on a Cloud Computing Environment for Digital Libraries
Authors: Sosa-Sosa Victor Jesus , Hernandez-Ramirez Emigdio M.
Published: December 2012

This paper introduces a file storage service that is implemented on a private/hybrid cloud computing environment. The entire system was implemented using open source software. The characteristic of elasticity is supported by virtualization technologies allowing to increase and to decrease the computing and storage resources based on their demand. An evaluation of performance and resource consumption was made using several levels of data availability and fault tolerance. The set of modules included in this storage environment can be taken as a reference guide for IT staff that wants to have some experience building a modest cloud storage infrastructure.
Examining Attributes of Open Standard File Formats for Long-term Preservation and Open Access
Authors: Park Eun G , Oh Sam
Published: December 2012

This study examines the attributes that have been used to assess file formats in literature and compiles the most frequently used attributes of file formats in order to establish open standard file format selection criteria.  A comprehensive review was undertaken to identify the current knowledge regarding file format selection criteria. The findings indicate that the most common criteria can be categorized into five major groups: functionality, metadata, openness, interoperability and independence. These attributes appear to be closely related. Additional attributes include presentation, authenticity, adoption, protection, preservation, reference and others.