bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recurrent Inversion Events at 17q21.31 Microdeletion Locus Are Linked to the MAPT H2 Haplotype
Authors: Rao P.N. , Li W. , Vissers L.E.L.M. , Veltman J.A. , Ophoff R.A.
Published: August 2010

The chromosomal band 17q21.31, containing the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT) gene, is a hotspot for chromosomal rearrangements. It is known to contain a common inversion polymorphism of approximately 900 kb in populations with European ancestry. The inverted configuration is linked to a distinct MAPT haplotype, H2, which is relatively common in Europeans but nearly absent in Asian and African populations. Recent studies have demonstrated that the H2 haplotype is ancestral in hominoids, and under positive selection in Europeans. This haplotype is also linked to events leading to the 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome, one of the most common causes of ‘idiopathic’ mental retardation in people of European descent. We performed direct analysis of the chromosome structure by fluorescence in situ hybridization and observed heterozygosity of the inversion status for the H2 chromosomes, but not for the H1 haplotype. Inversion heterozygosity was also observed in a mother homozygous for the H2 haplotype, who transmitted the chromosome with the deletion to a proband with 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome. Our results highlight an allele-specific sensitivity to chromosome rearrangements and suggest that it is the heterozygosity of inversion status that predisposes to the 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome.
HIV/AIDS Information by African Companies: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Barako Dulacha G , Taplin Ross H , Brown Alistair M
Published: August 2010

This article investigates the extent of Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Disclosures (HIV/AIDSD) in online annual reports by 200 listed companies from 10 African countries for the year ending 2006. Descriptive statistics reveal a very low level of overall HIV/AIDSD practices with a mean of 6 per cent disclosure, with half (100 out of 200) of the African companies making no disclosures at all. Logistic regression analysis reveals that company size and country are highly significant predictors of any disclosure of HIV/AIDS in annual reports. Profitability is also statistically significantly associated with the extent of disclosure.
Coping Versus Grieving in a ‘Death-accepting’ Society: AIDS-Bereaved Women Living with HIV in Indonesia
Authors: Damar Alita P , du Plessis Gretchen
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study was to understand how AIDS-bereaved women in Indonesia cope in a society where death is believed to be fated. Data analyses were conducted based on the women’s interview transcripts and journal entries. Each of the women experienced at least three traumatic life events. The most challenging experience was learning that they have contracted a disease they regarded as associated with prostitution. Given the short lapse of time between their husbands’ deaths and learning about their seropositivity, biographical disruption appeared to have acted as an ‘analgesic’, while concerns to protect their children seemed to have triggered biographical reinforcement. This phenomenon may have brought about a positive bereavement outcome. Specific counselling programmes for women affected by HIV/AIDS are needed, but emphasis should first be placed on improving their wellbeing and their perception of stigma.
Changing Differences by Educational Attainment in Fathers’ Domestic Labour and Child Care
Authors: Sullivan Oriel
Published: August 2010

In understanding processes of change in family work, examining differences in the degree of change between different social groups (‘changing differences’) can be more informative than focusing either on overall changes or on cross-sectional differences by social group alone. British and US time-use data sets are used to examine 30-year changes in men’s contribution to domestic work and child care by differences in educational attainment. Changes are compared for fathers in dual-earner couples with different levels of education. The findings illustrate two contrasting changing differences: a ‘catch-up’ effect over time between fathers with different educational attainment in the case of domestic labour; and in the case of child care, a widening of the gap by education. The challenges posed by these changing differences for common structural explanations of change in family work are discussed.
Stages of the global: Media, sport, racialization and the last temptation of Zinedine Zidane
Authors: Rowe David
Published: August 2010

Major sport spectacles are probably the most potent, vibrant stages on which human drama can be played out in real time before a vast international audience. Media sport, through global scale ‘frozen moments’, can precipitate popular interrogations of ‘race’ and its myriad connections to other socio-cultural structures and identities. This article considers the case of the now infamous incident of French captain Zinedine Zidane head-butting the Italian Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup Final of association football in Germany, as a striking example of the political resonance and reach of mega-media sport, as well as of the perils of being ‘lost’ and ‘found’ in popular media translation. The persistence and pervasiveness of sexism in the language and metaphor of racism, it is argued, is an essential ingredient of the ‘sexual racism’ within the patriarchal genre of sports field insults. The immediate speculation and intense search for ‘signs’ of racism in the Zidane-Materazzi affair reveals that it lurks close below the surface of contemporary sport. This article advocates a cultural politics that understands and resists the causes of racism through sport, just as it refuses to legitimize racialized categories of the human in the process.
Rocks of Ages: Tempo and Time in Megalithic Monuments
Authors: Scarre Chris
Published: August 2010

Chronology remains a problematic area in prehistoric archaeology but the increasing number and precision of radiometric dates begin to suggest patterns that can be resolved down to the scale of individual lifetimes. The study of megalithic monuments has benefited from these developments but remains hampered by the indirect relationship between the materials that are dated and the structures themselves. Drawing on evidence from France, Scandinavia, and Iberia, it is nonetheless arguable that available patterns of dates suggest an event-like tempo to the construction of megalithic monuments, with large numbers being built within relatively short periods of time. This has implications for typological models and for the social context in which such monuments were designed and built.
Jane Addams on citizenship in a democracy
Authors: Deegan Mary Jo
Published: August 2010

Jane Addams (1860—1935) was passionately committed to citizenship: her own and that of her neighbors around the world. As a feminist pragmatist she was inspired by the core American documents of the US Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Declaration of Independence. Based on her multilevel approach to democracy, she is honored world-wide as a premier citizen, although her support of the citizenship of women and African Americans has been criticized, often harshly. This latter literature on Addams is documented here as unwarranted and inaccurate.
A Novel Method to Discriminate between Plant- and Petroleum-derived Plastics by Stable Carbon Isotope Analysis
Authors: Suzuki Yaeko , Akamatsu Fumikazu , Nakashita Rumiko , Korenaga Takashi
Published: August 2010

We determined stable carbon isotopic compositions (δ13C) of plastics to discriminate between plant- and petroleum-derived plastics. The δ13C values of plastics derived from C4 plants are significantly higher than those of petroleum-derived plastics. These results suggest that the stable isotope analysis would be useful in discrimination of plant-derived plastics from petroleum-derived plastics.
Projeto: Ylê ayié yaya ilera (Saúde plena na casa desta existência): equidade e integralidade em saúde para a comunidade religiosa afro-brasileira
Authors: Gomes Márcia Constância Pinto Aderne
Published: August 2010

A Política Nacional de Saúde Integral da População Negra definiu o conjunto de princípios, diretrizes e objetivos voltados para a melhoria das condições de saúde dessa população, incluindo, entre outras, ações de cuidado e atenção à saúde, visando à promoção da equidade e integralidade em saúde. Este trabalho relata a experiência de implantar um serviço de saúde vinculado a um terreiro de candomblé. Na condução do projeto encontramos apoio de gestores e profissionais, mas surgiram alguns obstáculos (preconceitos, intolerância religiosa, racismo cordial, “invisibilidade”). Iniciamos o diagnóstico de saúde das mulheres e suas famílias e desenvolvemos ações de atenção e de educação em saúde. O desafio que se destaca consiste em estabelecer mecanismos de sustentabilidade, pois o projeto não responde por todas as necessidades do grupo e nos permitiu “abrir um olhar analisador” sobre equidade e integralidade das ações de saúde para a população negra vinculada a religiões de matriz afro-brasileira.
Cytotoxic Activity of Two Limonoids Isolated From Swietenia mahagoni by Using Brine Shrimp Lethality Bioassay
Authors: Rahman AKM Shahidur , Chowdhury AK Azad , Reza Hossain , Ali Mohammad Shawkat , Choudhury Manzurur Rahman Shah , Nahar Lutfun , Sarker Satyajit D
Published: August 2010

Solvent partitioning followed by column chromatography of the MeOH extract of the seeds of Swietenia mahagoni afforded two limonoids, swietenolide (compound 1) and 2-hydroxy-3-O-tigloylswietenolide (compound 2), later one is new compound. The compounds were identified by spectroscopic means. The cytotoxic activity of these compounds was assessed by using the conventional brine shrimp lethality bioassay. While both compounds were found to have moderate cytotoxic activity, compound 2 displayed overall more potent activity than compound 1. Key words: Cytotoxic; Limonoid; Swietenia mahagoni; Brine shrimp lethality bioassay DOI: 10.3329/bjpp.v24i1.5729Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2008; 24(1&2) : 1-6
Study on the Acceptance of Contraceptive Devices Among Married Female Workers of a Garments Factory of Dhaka City
Authors: Begum Mahjabeen Sultana , Hussain Md Altaf
Published: August 2010

Over the last decade, the number of garments factories in Bangladesh had increased and employed around 1.5 million women, most of them in their reproductive age, therefore, desired family size and child spacing influenced contraceptive prevalence among the married women.This cross sectional study was conducted in Chancellor Garments Factory, Rayer Bazar, Dhaka, to find out the acceptance of contraceptive methods among the married female workers.Out of 121 workers interviewed, the knowledge of respondents on contraceptive methods was found adequate in 83.47%, some knowledge in 15.70% and no knowledge in 0.83%. 27.5% respondents acquired their knowledge from clinics and 25.83% from health workers. Only 13.22% respondents had the knowledge on non contraceptive uses of condom and 50% of them got this knowledge from radio and television. Of the 88.43% respondents who used contraceptive devices, maximum number used oral pill (57.94%) and only 0.93% used condom. Among the non users of contraceptive methods, 28.56% did not use because their husbands did not agree. Among the contraceptive users, 90.65% had consent of both the partners and 2.8% had the desire of their husbands only.Low income, lack of motivation by health workers, lack of information on contraception, less accessibility and availability of devices, cost of the devices, side effects, misconception, etc. have the impact on the contraceptive acceptance among the female garments workers. Key words: Married female workers, Garments factory, Acceptance of contraceptive method. DOI: 10.3329/bjpp.v24i1.5731Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2008; 24(1&2) : 10-13
Effectiveness of Multimodal Preemptive Analgesic Therapy in Maxillofacial Surgery
Authors: Khatun Shohda , Molla Motiur Rahman , Akhteruzzaman AKM , Rahman Md Sayedur
Published: August 2010

This study was an attempt to find out the efficacy of pre-emptive analgesia in reducing post-operative pain. Multiple pre-emptive therapies were used in an attempt to see its superiority over single preemption. Pain scores showed significant differences between the pre-emptive and non pre-emptive groups. Pethidine consumed by the pre-emptive non-recipient group was much higher. Patient’s satisfaction was higher and post operative complications were less in the pre-emptive recipient group. Thus pre-emptive multimodal therapy would be better, in reducing post-operative pain, and the amount of post-operative analgesic requirement. It might be concluded that multimodal preemptive therapy by using I/V Ketorolac & Bupivacaine infiltration is an effective method for post operative pain management in maxillofacial surgery. DOI: 10.3329/bjpp.v24i1.5733Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2008; 24(1&2) : 17-23
Cardio Specific Troponin-I in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease
Authors: Nahar Nazumun , Begum Bilquis Ara , Uzzaman Md Khalaque , Mashud SM , Hoque Md Mozammel , Parveen Sultana , Yeasmin Roksana
Published: August 2010

Valvular heart disease is a common cardiac disease in our country. The valvular heart disease which we face in our day to day hospital and private practice is due to chronic sequlae of rheumatic fever. In chronic rheumatic heart disease mitral valve is affected in more than 90% of cases and aortic valve is the next most frequently affected valve. This study was done to evaluate the association of Cardio specific TroponinI I (cTnI) and valvular heart disease. Cross sectional study was conducted among 60 valvular heart disease patients and 30 control groups. A structured questioner and checklist was used to collect data through face to face interview, echocardiography findings and laboratory estimation of cTnI.A total 60 patients and 30 healthy control subjects were investigated for cTnI. cTnI level was within normal physiological limits in all the control subjects. The mean value was 0.02±00. The mean cTnI level in aortic stenosis patients was 0.67±0.81.In mitral stenosis patients and in patients with both aortic and mitral stenosis cTnI level was also within normal physiological limits. The mean level was 0.02±0.21 and 0.15±0.50 respectively. Ejection fraction of all the patients were normal, indicating that cases yet not developed complication (eg; Heart failure). The cTnI in control group and aortic stenosis patients shows significant difference of mean (<0.001).But the cTnI in control group and other groups of patients shows no significant difference of mean (>0.05) cTnI level in aortic stenosis patients increases in absence of heart failure indicating that it can expose cardiomyocyte injury prior to the development of overt Left ventricular dysfunction. So that, serial monitoring of cTnI could help clinicians to give definitive treatment before development of complications. Key words: Cardiospecific Troponin I; Aortic stenosis DOI: 10.3329/bjpp.v25i1.5737Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2009; 25(1&2) : 4-6
Role of Calcium Therapy on Urinary Calcium/Creatinine Ratio in Healthy Pregnant Women and Pre-eclamptic Women
Authors: Moni Sabiha Yasmin , Rashid Mamun , Begum Hosne Ara , Ara Sahin , Ahmed Nazimuddin
Published: August 2010

The study has been carried out to observe the effect of calcium therapy on urinary calcium/creatinine ratio in healthy gravid women and pre-eclamptic women. Calcium/creatinine ratio has been considered for early detection of pre-eclamptic toxaemia (PET). So for the diagnosis of PET we try to investigate relation of urinary calcium, urinary creatinine, urinary calcium/creatinine ratio before and after calcium therapy. For this purpose total number of 60 healthy gravid and clinically suspected PET women of 20- 28 weeks of pregnancy having age ranged from, 17-39 years were selected. Of these 30 healthy pregnant women were taken as control group and another clinically diagnosed 30 PET women were taken as observational group. Urinary calcium/creatinine ratio was within normal range in healthy pregnant women and after calcium therapy this ratio was not significantly changed. On the other hand urinary calcium/creatinine ratio in PET women was significantly decreased and this ratio was significantly increased after calcium therapy. These observations suggest that low calcium/creatinine ratio help in early prediction of PET and calcium supplement during pregnancy may reduce the incidence of PET. DOI: 10.3329/bjpp.v25i1.5738Bangladesh J Physiol Pharmacol 2009; 25(1&2) : 7-9
Waxing Effect on the Physical Attributes, Antioxidant and Sugar Contents of Orange (Citrus sinensis L. osbeek) Stored at Room Temperature in Nigeria
Authors: Adetuyi FO , Ibrahim TA , Ajalia Lola , Oloye DA
Published: August 2010

The objective of this work was to determine the influence of edible wax and non-edible wax on the physical attributes, vitamin C and total phenol of orange stored at room temperature (28±5°C) in Nigeria. The oranges were divided into three lots, viz one was waxed with sheabutter, the second with petroleum wax and the third was left unwaxed. They were subsequently analyzed for physical apperance, weight loss, vitamin C and total phenol. The waxed orange had a better appearance and market appeal than the unwaxed orange. The percentage weight loss in unwaxed orange 5.88% was higher than significantly (P0.05) higher in waxed than the unwaxed orange at every sampling point while there was no significant (P0.05) difference in the total phenol of both waxed and unwaxed orange. It is concluded that oranges should be waxed with sheabutter because it had better qualities than unwaxed and pertoleum waxed orange and also to prevent postharvest losses in these orange. Key words: Waxed; Unwaxed; Orange; Vitamin C; Phenol DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i2.5707Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(2), 111-116, 2010
Preparation of Polymer Composites using Natural Fiber and their Physico-Mechanical Properties
Authors: Nur Husna P , Hossain M Akram , Sultana Shahin , Mollah M Mamun
Published: August 2010

Use of natural fiber as reinforcing material is the latest invention of polymer science in order to get higher strength with lower weight composite materials having several applications. In this present investigation banana fiber, a natural fiber, is used as the reinforcing material. Low density polyethylene (LDPE)-banana fiber reinforced composites were prepared using both untreated and bleached (treated) banana fiber and LDPE with 7.5, 15, 22.5 and 30% weight content of fibers by using compression molding technique. Physico-mechanical properties (e.g. tensile strength, flexural strength, elongation at break, Young's modulus) of different types of prepared composites were characterized. From this study it is observed that all these values have augmented up to a definite percentage. The tensile strengths and flexural strengths of the composites increased up to 22.5% fiber addition then started to decrease gradually. Young moduli of the composites increased with the increase of fiber addition. Water absorption also increased with the weight of the fiber. Whereas elongation at break decreased with increasing fiber loading. Mechanical properties of bleached banana fiber-LDPE composites were slightly higher than the untreated banana fiber-LDPE composites. Compared to virgin molded LDPE both tensile and flexural strengths and Young moduli of these LDPE-banana fiber composites were significantly higher. All the variable properties like tensile strength, flexural strength, and water absorption capacity showed a very significant role in these polymer composites. Keywords: Banana fiber; LDPE; Composite; Tensile strength; Flexural strength DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i2.5708Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(2), 117-122, 2010
Availability Optimization of CO-Shift Conversion System of a Fertilizer Plant using Genetic Algorithm Technique
Authors: Kumar Sanjeev , Tewari PC , Kuma Sunand , Gupta Meenu
Published: August 2010

This paper discusses the availability optimization of CO shift conversion system of a fertilizer plant using Genetic Algorithm. The fertilizerplant comprises of various systems viz. shell gasification and carbon recovery, desulphurization, CO-shift conversion, decarbonation-CO2cooling, CO2 removal, nitrogen wash and ammonia synthesis etc. One of the most important functionaries of a fertilizer plant is CO shiftconversion system. The CO shift conversion system of a fertilizer plant has four main subsystems, arranged in series. Considering exponentialdistribution for the probable failures and repairs, the mathematical formulation of the problem is done using probabilistic approach anddifferential equations are developed on the basis of Markov birth-death process. These equations are then solved using normalizing conditionsso as to determine the steady state availability of the CO shift conversion system. The performance of each subsystem of CO shift conversionsystem of a fertilizer plant has also been optimized using Genetic Algorithm. So, the findings of the present paper will be highlyuseful to the plant management for the timely execution of proper maintenance decisions and hence to enhance the system performance.Key words: Performance optimization, CO shift conversion, Genetic algorithm.DOI: 10.3329/bjsir.v45i2.5711Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 45(2), 133-140, 2010
The Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) in Ultraviolet Radiation-Induced Carcinogenesis
Authors: Shimizu Tadamichi
Published: August 2010

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is the most common cause of physical injury to the skin due to environmental damage, and UV exposure substantially increases the risk of actinic damage to the skin. The inflammatory changes induced by acute UV exposure include erythema (sunburn) of the skin, while chronic exposure to solar UV radiation causes photo-aging, immunosuppression, and ultimately, carcinogenesis of the skin. After skin damage by UV radiation, the cells are known to secrete many cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). MIF was originally identified as a lymphokine that concentrates macrophages at inflammatory loci, and is known to be a potent activator of macrophages in vivo. MIF is considered to play an important role in cell-mediated immunity. Since the molecular cloning of MIF cDNA, MIF has been re-evaluated as a proinflammatory cytokine and pituitary-derived hormone that potentiates endotoxemia. MIF is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, including the skin. Recent studies have suggested a potentially broader role for MIF in growth regulation because of its ability to antagonize p53-mediated gene activation and apoptosis. This article reviews the latest findings on the roles of MIF with regard to UV-induced skin cancer.
Dynamic Resource Allocation and QoS Control Capabilities of the Japanese Academic Backbone Network
Authors: Urushidani Shigeo , Fukuda Kensuke , Koibuchi Michihiro , Nakamura Motonori , Abe Shunji , Ji Yusheng , Aoki Michihiro , Yamada Shigeki
Published: August 2010

Dynamic resource control capabilities have become increasingly important for academic networks that must support big scientific research projects at the same time as less data intensive research and educational activities. This paper describes the dynamic resource allocation and QoS control capabilities of the Japanese academic backbone network, called SINET3, which supports a variety of academic applications with a wide range of network services. The article describes the network architecture, networking technologies, resource allocation, QoS control, and layer-1 bandwidth on-demand services. It also details typical services developed for scientific research, including the user interface, resource control, and management functions, and includes performance evaluations.
Preparation of Fast Dissolving Films for Oral Dosage from Natural Polysaccharides
Authors: Murata Yoshifumi , Isobe Takashi , Kofuji Kyoko , Nishida Norihisa , Kamaguchi Ryosei
Published: August 2010

Fast-dissolving films (FDFs) were prepared from natural polysaccharides, such as pullulan, without heating, controlling the pH, or adding other materials. The release profiles of model drugs from the films were investigated. In the absence of a drug, the casting method and subsequent evaporation of the solvent resulted in the polysaccharide forming a circular film. The presence of drugs (both their type and concentration) affected film formation. The thickness of the film was controllable by adjusting the concentration of the polysaccharide, and regular unevenness was observed on the surface of 2% pullulan film. All films prepared with polysaccharides readily swelled in dissolution medium, released the incorporated compound, and subsequently disintegrated. The release of dexamethasone from the films was complete after 15 min, although this release rate was slightly slower than that of pilocarpine or lidocaine. Therefore, FDFs prepared from polysaccharides could be promising candidates as oral dosage forms containing drugs, and would be expected to show drug dissolution in the oral cavity.
Using Topological Indices to Predict Anti-Alzheimer and Anti-Parasitic GSK-3 Inhibitors by Multi-Target QSAR in Silico Screening
Authors: García Isela , Fall Yagamare , Gómez Generosa
Published: August 2010

Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania, Trypanosomes, are the causers of diseases such as malaria, leishmaniasis and African trypanosomiasis that nowadays are the most serious parasitic health problems worldwide. The great number of deaths and the few drugs available against these parasites, make necessary the search for new drugs. Some of these antiparasitic drugs also are GSK-3 inhibitors. GSKI-3 are candidates to develop drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. In this work topological descriptors for a large series of 3,370 active/non-active compounds were initially calculated with the ModesLab software. Linear Discriminant Analysis was used to fit the classification function and it predicts heterogeneous series of compounds like paullones, indirubins, meridians, etc. This study thus provided a general evaluation of these types of molecules.
Molecular Evolution of Functional Nucleic Acids with Chemical Modifications
Authors: Kuwahara Masayasu , Sugimoto Naoki
Published: August 2010

Nucleic acids are attractive materials for creating functional molecules that have applications as catalysts, specific binders, and molecular switches. Nucleic acids having such functions can be obtained by random screening, typically using in vitro selection methods. These methods have helped explore the potential abilities of nucleic acids and steadily contributed to their evolution, i.e., creation of RNA/DNA enzymes, aptamers, and aptazymes. Chemical modification would be a key means to further increase their performance, e.g., expansion of function diversity, enhancement of activity, and improvement of biostability for biological use. Indeed, in the past two decades, random screening involving chemical modification, post-SELEX chemical modification, and rational design methods have been advanced, and combining and integrating these methods may produce a new class of functional nucleic acids. This review focuses on the effectiveness of chemical modifications on the evolution of nucleic acids as functional molecules and the outlook for related technologies.
Antioxidant Activity of Butyl- and Phenylstannoxanes Derivedfrom 2-, 3- and 4-Pyridinecarboxylic Acids
Authors: Corona-Bustamante Alicia , Viveros-Paredes Juan Manuel , Flores-Parra Angelina , Peraza-Campos Ana Lilia , Martínez-Martínez Francisco J. , Sumaya-Martínez María Teresa , Ramos-Organillo Ángel
Published: August 2010

In vitro antioxidant activity for 12 stannoxanes derived from Ph3SnCl (compounds 1-3), Ph2SnCl2 (compounds 4-6), Bu3SnCl (compounds 7-9), and Bu2SnCl2 (compounds 10-12), was assayed qualitatively by the chromatographic profile with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazil (DPPH) method and by two quantitative methods: the DPPH radical scavenging activity and Ferric-Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. The results were compared with those obtained with the starting materials 2-pyridine- carboxylic acid (I), 3-pyridinecarboxylic acid (II) and 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid (III), as well as with standard compounds, such as vitamin C and vitamin E, respectively. The in vitro antiradical activity with DPPH of diphenyltin derivative 5 showed a very similar behavior to vitamin C at a 20 µg/mL concentration, whereas according to the FRAP method, compound 8 was better. This difference is due to the mechanism of the antioxidant process. The Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) for both methods is also reported.
Contrasting Nephropathic Responses to Oral Administration of Extract of Cultured Penicillium polonicum in Rat and Primate
Authors: Mantle Peter G. , McHugh Katharine M. , Fincham John E.
Published: August 2010

Liquid- or solid substrate-cultured Penicillium polonicum administered in feed to rats over several days evokes a histopathological response in kidney involving apoptosis and abnormal mitosis in proximal tubules. The amphoteric toxin is yet only partly characterized, but can be isolated from cultured sporulating biomass in a fraction that is soluble in water and ethanol, and exchangeable on either anion- or cation-exchange resins. After several weeks of treatment renal proximal tubule distortion became striking on account of karyocytomegaly, but even treatment for nearly two years remained asymptomatic. Extract from a batch of solid substrate fermentation of P. polonicum on shredded wheat was incorporated into feed for rats during four consecutive days, and also given as an aqueous solution by oral gavage to a vervet monkey daily for 10 days. Treatment was asymptomatic for both types of animal. Rat response was evident as the typical renal apoptosis and karyomegaly. In contrast there was no such response in the primate; and neither creatinine clearance nor any haematological characteristic or serum component concentration deviated from a control or from historical data for this primate. The contrast is discussed concerning other negative findings for P. polonicum in pigs and hamsters. Renal karyomegaly, as a common rat response to persistent exposure to ochratoxin A, is not known in humans suspected as being exposed to more than the usual trace amounts of dietary ochratoxin A. Therefore the present findings question assumptions that human response to ochratoxin A conforms to that in the rat.
EPR and pulsed ENDOR study of intermediates from reactions of aromatic azides with group 13 metal trichlorides
Authors: Bencivenni Giorgio , Cesari Riccardo , Nanni Daniele , El Mkami Hassane , Walton John C
Published: August 2010

The reactions of group 13 metal trichlorides with aromatic azides were examined by CW EPR and pulsed ENDOR spectroscopies. Complex EPR spectra were obtained from reactions of aluminium, gallium and indium trichlorides with phenyl azides containing a variety of substituents. Analysis of the spectra showed that 4-methoxy-, 3-methoxy- and 2-methoxyphenyl azides all gave ‘dimer’ radical cations [ArNHC6H4NH2]+• and trimers [ArNHC6H4NHC6H4NH2]+• followed by polymers. 4-Azidobenzonitrile, with its electron-withdrawing substituent, did not react. In general the aromatic azides appeared to react most rapidly with AlCl3 but this reagent tended to generate much polymer. InCl3 was the least reactive group 13 halide. DFT computations of the radical cations provided corroborating evidence and suggested that the unpaired electrons were accommodated in extensive π-delocalised orbitals. A mechanism to account for the reductive conversion of aromatic azides to the corresponding anilines and thence to the dimers and trimers is proposed.
The Regulation of the CNS Innate Immune Response Is Vital for the Restoration of Tissue Homeostasis (Repair) after Acute Brain Injury: A Brief Review
Authors: Griffiths M. R. , Gasque P. , Neal J. W.
Published: August 2010

Neurons and glia respond to acute injury by participating in the CNS innate immune response. This involves the recognition and clearance of “not self ” pathogens and “altered self ” apoptotic cells. Phagocytic receptors (CD14, CD36, TLR–4) clear “not self” pathogens; neurons and glia express “death signals” to initiate apoptosis in T cells.The complement opsonins C1q, C3, and iC3b facilitate the clearance of apoptotic cells by interacting with CR3 and CR4 receptors. Apoptotic cells are also cleared by the scavenger receptors CD14, Prs-R, TREM expressed by glia. Serpins also expressed by glia counter the neurotoxic effects of thrombin and other systemic proteins that gain entry to the CNS following injury. Complement pathway and T cell activation are both regulated by complement regulatory proteins expressed by glia and neurons. CD200 and CD47 are NIRegs expressed by neurons as “don't eat me” signals and they inhibit microglial activity preventing host cell attack. Neural stem cells regulate T cell activation, increase the Treg population, and suppress proinflammatory cytokine expression. Stem cells also interact with the chemoattractants C3a, C5a, SDF-1, and thrombin to promote stem cell migration into damaged tissue to support tissue homeostasis.
Clinical Analysis on Alteration of Thyroid Hormones in the Serum of Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zhang Yonghua , Meyer Michael A.
Published: August 2010

Low T3 has been associated with increased short-term mortality in intensive care unit and long-term mortality in cardiovascular disease. The objective of this retrospective study is to investigate associations of thyroid hormone status with clinical severity and outcome in acute ischemic stroke, and whether there is association between the pituitary axis abnormality and the anterior/posterior circulation involvement. Patients with no history of thyroid abnormality who presented first ever stroke were studied. Total T3, T4, TSH levels, basic and clinical characteristics were collected and categorized. Neurological impairment was assessed using NIHSS and modified Rankin Scale. Twenty-nine patients (61%) had T3 75 ng/dL. Low T3 group had significant higher NIHSS compared to normal T3 group. There was a significant negative correlation between T3 levels and NIHSS scores on admission. A significantly smaller percentage of patients with low T3 showed favorable neurological function improvement by both NIHSS and mRS measures compared to those with normal T3. There was no significant difference for anterior or posterior circulation involvement between low T3 and normal T3 groups.It is suggested that lowT3 is associated with worse neurological outcome. The severity of low T3 may be a predictor of functional improvement in acute ischemic stroke.
Quadrilateral Cell-Based Anisotropic Adaptive Solution for the Euler Equations
Authors: Zheng H. W. , Qin N. , Nicolleau F. C. G. A. , Shu C.
Published: August 2010

An anisotropic solution adaptive method based on unstructured quadrilateral meshes for inviscid compressible flows is proposed. The data structure, the directional refinement and coarsening, including the method for initializing the refined new cells, for the anisotropic adaptive method are described. It provides efficient high resolution of flow features, which are aligned with the original quadrilateral mesh structures. Five different cases are provided to show that it could be used to resolve the anisotropic flow features and be applied to model the complex geometry as well as to keep a relative high order of accuracy on an efficient anisotropic mesh.
Numerical Calculation of Equivalent Permeability Tensor for Fractured Vuggy Porous Media Based on Homogenization Theory
Authors: Huang Zhaoqin , Yao Jun , Li Yajun , Wang Chenchen , Lv Xinrui
Published: August 2010

A numerical procedure for the evaluation of equivalent permeability tensor for fractured vuggy porous media is presented. At first we proposed a new conceptual model, i.e., discrete fracture-vug network model, to model the realistic fluid flow in fractured vuggy porous medium on fine scale. This new model consists of three systems: rock matrix system, fractures system, and vugs system. The fractures and vugs are embedded in porous rock, and the isolated vugs could be connected via discrete fracture network. The flow in porous rock and fractures follows Darcy’s law, and the vugs system is free fluid region. Based on two-scale homogenization theory, we obtained an equivalent macroscopic Darcy’s law on coarse scale from fine-scale discrete fracture-vug network model. A finite element numerical formulation for homogenization equations is developed. The method is verified through application to a periodic model problem and then is applied to the calculation of equivalent permeability tensor of porous media with complex fracture-vug networks. The applicability and validity of the method for these more general fractured vuggy systems are assessed through a simple test of the coarse-scale model.
Design and Development of a Supercharger for Single Cylinder Diesel Engine
Authors:   Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan
Published: August 2010

A single cylinder diesel engine is a major power source for agricultural work in small households in South East Asia for many years. Due to most of the agricultural machinery running engine in low speed range, the low-speed torque of engine is the key performance. In this study, the preliminary study of theoretical performance gain or lost at different levels of boost pressure and air-fuel ratio were investigated. Then the artificially boosted ambient air supply system as the variable boost pressure supercharger was set up to evaluate the effect of boost pressure and air-fuel equivalent ratio to engine performance. The information obtained was used to select the commercial supercharger unit and matching piping and speed ratio according to the optimal boost pressure and injected fuel. The result obtains were that the low speed torque can be increased while brake specific fuel consumption and smoke density were reduced significantly. But due to the high fluctuating intake air flow (characteristics of single cylinder engine) and limited space for mounting accumulator, the increased indicating power is much lost through the pumping and flow losses of supercharger especially in high speed range. This reason made the actual performance gain less much than that obtained from theoretical analysis.
Atmospheric transport of persistent semi-volatile organic chemicals to the Arctic and cold condensation in the mid-troposphere – Part 2: 3-D modeling of episodic atmospheric transport
Authors: Zhang L. , Ma J. , Tian C. , Li Y. , Hung H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Two 3-dimensional global atmospheric transport models for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been employed to investigate the association between the large-scale atmospheric motions and poleward transports of persistent semi-volatile organic chemicals (SVOCs). We examine the modeled daily air concentration of α- and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) over a period from 1997 through 1999 during which a number of episodic atmospheric transport events were detected in this modeling study. These events provide modeling evidence for improving the interpretation on the cold condensation effect and poleward atmospheric transport of SVOCs in the mid-troposphere. Two episodic transport events of γ-HCH (lindane) to the high Arctic (80–90° N), one from Asian and another from Eurasian sources, are reported in this paper. Both events suggest that the episodic atmospheric transports occurring in the mid-troposphere (e.g. from 3000 m to 5500 m height) are driven by atmospheric horizontal and vertical motions. The association of the transport events with atmospheric circulation is briefly discussed. Strong southerly winds, forced by the evolution of two semi-permanent high pressure systems over mid-high latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere, play an important role in the long-range transport (LRT) of HCHs to the high latitudes from its sources. Being consistent with the cold condensation effect and poleward atmospheric transport in a mean meridional atmospheric circulation simulated by a 2-D atmospheric transport model, as reported by the first part of this study, this modeling study indicates that cold condensation is likely occurring more intensively in the mid-troposphere where rapid declining air temperature results in condensed phase of the chemical over and near its source regions and where stronger winds convey the chemical more rapidly to the polar region during the episodic poleward atmospheric transport events.
Stratocumulus cloud thickening beneath layers of absorbing smoke aerosol
Authors: Wilcox E. M.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. Marine stratocumulus cloud properties, and the free-tropospheric environment above them, are examined in NASA A-train satellite data for cases where smoke from seasonal burning of the West African savannah overlay the persistent southeast Atlantic stratocumulus cloud deck. CALIPSO space-borne lidar observations show that features identified as layers of aerosol occur predominantly between 2 km and 4 km altitude with double the frequency of occurrence of aerosol features in the boundary layer. Layers identified as cloud features occur predominantly below 1.5 km altitude and beneath the layer of elevated smoke aerosol. The diurnal mean shortwave heating rates attributable to the absorption of solar energy in the aerosol layer is nearly 1.5 K d−1 for an aerosol optical thickness value of 1, and increases to 1.8 K d−1 when the smoke resides above clouds owing to the additional component of upward solar radiation reflected by the cloud. As a consequence of this heating, the 700 hPa air temperature above the cloud deck is warmer by approximately 1 K on average for cases where smoke is present above the cloud compared to cases without smoke above cloud. The warmer conditions in the free-troposphere above the cloud during smoke events coincide with cloud liquid water path values that are greater by 20 g m−2 and cloud tops that are lower by approximately 50 m for overcast conditions compared to smoke-free periods. The observed thickening and subsidence of the cloud layer are consistent with published results of large-eddy simulations showing that solar absorption by smoke above stratocumulus clouds increases the buoyancy of free-tropospheric air above the temperature inversion capping the boundary layer. Increased buoyancy inhibits the entrainment of dry air through the cloud-top, thereby helping to preserve humidity and cloud cover in the boundary layer. The greater liquid water path for cases of smoke overlaying cloud implies a negative semi-direct radiative forcing of regional climate in locations such as the southeast Atlantic Ocean where absorbing aerosol layers frequently exist above persistent stratus cloud decks.
Quantitative and enantioselective analysis of monoterpenes from plant chambers and in ambient air using SPME
Authors: Yassaa N. , Custer T. , Song W. , Pech F. , Kesselmeier J. , Williams J.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. A solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) system has been developed for quantifying enantiomeric and nonenantiomeric monoterpenes in plant chamber studies and ambient air. Performance of this system was checked using a capillary diffusion system to produce monoterpene standards. The adsorption efficiency, competitive adsorption and chromatographic peak resolution of monoterpene enantiomer pairs were compared for three SPME fibre coatings: 75 μm Carboxen-PDMS (CAR-PDMS), 50/30 μm, divinylbenzene-carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane (DVB-CAR-PDMS) and 65 μm divinylbenzene-polydimethyl-siloxane (DVB-PDMS). Key parameters such as the linearity and reproducibility of the SPME system have been investigated in this work. The best compromise between the enantiomeric separation of monoterpenes and competitive adsorption of the isoprenoids on the solid SPME fibre coating was found for DVB-PDMS fibres. The optimum conditions using DVB-PDMS fibres were applied to measure the exchange rates of monoterpenes in the emission of Quercus ilex using a laboratory whole plant enclosure under light and dark conditions, as well as in ambient air. With 592 and 223 ng m−2 s−1, respectively, β-myrcene and limonene were the predominant monoterpenes in the emission of Q. ilex. These values were closely comparable to those obtained using a zNose and cartridge GC-FID systems.
ChemInform Abstract: Low‐Density Form of NaGaSi2O6.
Authors: OHASHI H. , OSAWA T. , SATO A.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Electrochemical Properties and ESR Characterization of Mixed Valence . alpha.‐(XMo3‐xVxW9O40)n‐ Heteropolyanions with X: P(V) and Si(IV), x = 1, 2, or 3.
Authors: CADOT E. , FOURNIER M. , TEZE A. , HERVE G.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: The Surface Acidity/Basicity and Catalytic Activity of Ternary Oxides of La, Ce and Al.
Authors: SUGUNAN S. , AMPILI S. , JACOB B. , VARGHESE R.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Crystal Structure and Spectroscopic Characterization of K6(VO)4(SO4)8 Containing Mixed‐Valent Vanadium(IV)‐Vanadium(V).
Authors: ERIKSEN K. M. , NIELSEN K. , FEHRMANN R.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Lower Valent Molybdenum Oxides by an Ambient Temperature Reduction of Aqueous K2MoO4 by KBH4.
Authors: TSANG C. , DANANJAY A. , KIM J. , MANTHIRAM A.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Successful Application of the Spin‐Delocalization Substituent Constants σ. to the Correlation of the UV Spectra of Some Model Compounds with para‐Y‐Substituted Phenyl Groups.
Authors: JIANG X.‐K. , JI G.‐Z. , WANG D. Z.‐R. , XIE J. R.‐Y.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.
ChemInform Abstract: Circular Dichroism Studies on Chiral 1,3,4,5‐Tetrahydro‐2H‐1,5‐ benzodiazepin‐2‐ones
Authors: KHAN K. M. , MALIK F. , HASAN M , PERVEEN S. , SNATZKE G. , VOELTER W.
Published: August 2010

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 100 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract of an article which was published elsewhere, please select a “Full Text” option. The original article is trackable via the “References” option.