bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Formulation Development and in vitro Evaluation of Drug Release Kinetics from Sustained Release Aceclofenac Matrix Tablets using Hydroxypropyl Methyl Cellulose
Authors: Kabir Abul Kalam Lutful , Halder Shimul , Shuma Madhabi Lata , Rouf Abu Shara Shamsur
Published: November 2012

The objective of the present study was to develop a once-daily sustained release matrix tablet of Aceclofenac using hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (Methocel K 100M CR) as release controlling factor and to  evaluate drug release parameters as per various release kinetic models. The tablets were prepared by direct  compression method. The powder blends were evaluated for angle of repose, loose bulk density, tapped bulk density,  compressibility index, total porosity and drug content etc. The tablets were subjected to thickness, weight variation test, drug content, hardness, friability and in vitro release studies. The in vitro dissolution study was carried out for 24  hours using United States Pharmacopoeia (USP) 22 paddle-type dissolution apparatus in phosphate buffer (pH 7.4). The powder blends showed satisfactory flow properties, compressibility index and drug content etc. All the tablet formulations showed acceptable pharmacotechnical properties and complied with pharmacopoeial specifications. The results of dissolution studies indicated that the formulation F-3 (40% Methocel K100M CR of total weight of tablet) could extend the drug release up to 24 hours and the total release pattern was very close to the theoretical release profile. By comparing the dissolution profiles with the originator brand of Arrestin SR, the formulation F-3 exhibited drug release profile like originator brand. From this study, a decrease in release kinetics of the drug was observed by  increasing the polymer concentration. Kinetic modeling of in vitro dissolution profiles revealed the drug release mechanism ranges from diffusion controlled or Fickian transport to anomalous type or non-Fickian transport, which  was only dependent on the type and amount of polymer used. The drug release followed both diffusion and erosion  mechanism in all cases. The drug release from the formulation (F-3) was satisfactory after 3 months storage in 400C  and 75% RH. Besides, this study explored both of the optimum concentration and effect of polymer(s) on  Aceclofenac release pattern from the tablet matrix for 24 hour period. The matrix tablet of Aceclofenac using HPMC  with molecular weight of K100M controlled the drug release effectively for 24 hours; hence the formulation can be  considered as a once daily sustained release tablet of Aceclofenac in order to improve patient compliance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v11i1.12485 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 11(1): 37-43, 2012 (June)
Quantitative Determination of Azithromycin in Human Plasma by Liquid ChromatographyMass Spectrometry and its Application in Pharmackokinetic Study
Authors: Ahmed Maizbha Uddin , Islam Mohammad Safiqul , Sultana Tasmin Ara , Mostofa AGM , Bin Sayeed Muhammad Shahdaat , Nahar Zabun , Hasnat Abul
Published: November 2012

Azithromycin is an effective and well-known antimicrobial agent. In the present study, a simple, sensitive and specific LC/MS/MS method has been developed and validated for the quantification of Azithromycin in  human serum samples using Clarithromycin as internal standard. Azithromycin was extracted from biological matrix  by using solid phase extraction process. The chromatographic separation was performed on Luna C18 (3 ?, 2x150   mm) column with a mobile phase consisting of 35 mM ammonium acetate buffer (mobile phase-A) and acetonitrile  and methanol in ratio of 90:10 ( as mobile phase-B) at a flow rate of 0.25 mL/min. The method was validated over a  linear concentration range of 0.5?50.0 ng/mL and limit of quantification (LOQ) was 0.5 ng/mL with a coefficient of  correlation (r2) = 0.9998. The intra-day and inter-day precision expressed as relative standard deviation were 1.64%  8.43% and 2.32%  9.92%, respectively. The average recovery of azithromycin from serum was 98.11%. The method  was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Azithromycin 200 mg/5 ml suspension in healthy Bangladeshi volunteers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v11i1.12488 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 11(1): 55-63, 2012 (June)
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Uraria lagopodies DC. and Urena lobata L.
Authors: Islam Md Torequl , Ibrahim Mohammed , Ahsan Md Qamrul , Chowdhury M Mohi Uddin , Hossain Md Aslam , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: November 2012

Easy availability and reduced side effects of plants and plant-derived herbal preparations are the gifts of nature and are useful since ancient time for the treatment of various diseases. From this view point twoBangladeshi plants, Uraria lagopodies DC. and Urena lobata L. have been evaluated for their possible pharmacological activities. Preliminary phytochemical screenings with the crude ethanol extracts demonstrated the  presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, saponins, steroids and reducing sugars. The crude extract of U. lagopodies significantly (p<0.001) increased the charcoal evacuation by 375 min at 500 mg/kg body weight of mice when  compared to the standard, Loperamide by 391.8 min at 5 mg/kg b.w. In the acetic acid induced analgesic activity test,  the oral administration of ethanol extract of U. lobata produced significant (p<0.05) pain relieving activity (number  of writhing 32) at 500 mg/kg body weight as compared to standard diclofenac-Na. Both the crude extracts showed mild anti-inflammatory and membrane stabilizing activities during the heat induced anti-inflammatory test and  membrane stabilization screening. A dose dependent biological activity was observed during the study period. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v11i1.12490 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 11(1): 65-69, 2012 (June)
Antioxidant, Thrombolytic and Cytotoxic Activities of Picrasma javanica
Authors: Sharmin Tasnuva , Islam Farhana , Kaisar Mohammad Abul , Uddin Md Gias , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: November 2012

The methanol extract of leaf of Picrasma javanica as well as its n-hexane, carbon tetrachloride,chloroform and aqueous soluble partitionates were subjected to screening for antioxidant and thrombolytic activities and brine shrimp lethality. The antioxidant potential was evaluated by DPPH, Folin-Ciocalteau reagent and phosphomolybdenum total antioxidant assays using butylatedhydroxytolune (BHT) and ascorbic acid as standards. All fractions showed moderate to strong antioxidant activity, of which the chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions demonstrated the highest activity with the IC50 value of 14.59 ± 0.73 ?g/ml and 18.6 ± 0.15 ?g/ml, respectively. The  total phenolic content of the chloroform and aqueous soluble fractions was 10.4 ± 0.64 and 5.15 ± 0.22 mg of GAE/g of extractive, respectively. Thus, a positive correlation was found between the total phenolic content and total antioxidant activity of P. javanica. The general toxicity was determined by brine shrimp lethality bioassay where the crude extract (LC50 1.04 ± 0.31 ?g/ml) and its n-hexane (LC50 1.28 ± 0.45?g/ml) soluble partitionate demonstrated the  presence of considerable bioactive principles. Mild to moderate thrombolytic activity was discerned by the methanol extract of leaf of P. javanica and its different fractions. During assay for thrombolytic activity, the carbon tetrachloride soluble materials revealed 34.165±1.57 % of clot lysis while standard streptokinase and water, used as positive and negative controls, demonstrated 66.77% and 3.791% lysis of clot, respectively. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v11i1.12491 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 11(1): 71-74, 2012 (June)
Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Activitiy of Limonia acidissima L.
Authors: Shermin Sadia , Aktar Fahima , Ahsan Monira , Hasan Choudhury M
Published: November 2012

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v11i1.12492 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 11(1): 75-77, 2012 (June)
Isochavicinic Acid and Steroids from Gomphrena globosa L.
Authors: Hamiduzzaman Md , Hasan Choudhury M , Azam ATM Zafrul
Published: November 2012

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/dujps.v11i1.12493 Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 11(1): 79-81, 2012 (June)
Management of Diabetes Mellitus: Shifting Paradigm
Authors: Latif Zafar Ahmed
Published: November 2012

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i3.12459 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 123-125
Clinicopathological Profile of Rhabdomyosarcoma in Children
Authors: Begum Umme Habiba , Islam Afiqul
Published: November 2012

Objectives: To describe the clinical profile as well as  histopathological sub-types of Rhabdomyosarcoma in  children.Methods: A hospital base prospective observational study  was conducted among 20 diagnosed cases of  Rhabdomyosarcoma in children, those attending in  Hemato-Oncology department of Bangabandhu Sheikh  Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka in the period  between January to December 2009.Results: The peak incidence of Rhabdomyosarcoma was  in 1-5 years of age group (n=9, 45%) with mean age 6.83  years with male to female ratio 5.66:1. The common sites  of primary tumor was in head and neck region (40%, n=08),  followed by genito-urinary tract, 30% (n=06), extremities  20% (n=04), trunk 10% (n=02). The most common clinical  presentation was mass lesion 100% (n=20), followed by local  pain 25% (n=05), urinary obstructions 15% (n=03)  dysphagia, chronic otorrhea, dysuria, haematuria, and  proptoses were 10% each (n=02, each); The histological  sub-types were Embryonal 60% (n=12), alveolar 30% (n=6),  and Botryoid 10% (n=02); Of Embryonal variety in head  and neck region 58.33% (n=7), and Genito-urinary sites  41.67% (n=5); of Alveolar variety in trunk 66.67% (n=4),  and in extremities33.33% (n=2), of Botryoid sub-type  frequency was equal in head - neck region and genitourinary  site 50% each (n=1).Conclusion: Children with Rhabdomyosarcoma presented mostly in 1 to 5 years of age, with mass lesion (100%),  predominantly in head and neck region (40%) and the  commonest histological sub-type was Embryonal variety  (60%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i3.12461 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 132-136
Validation of the Modified Friedewalds Formula to Calculate Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Bangladeshi Population
Authors: Parvin Mimi , Saiedullah Muhammad , Khan Aminul Haque , Rahman Muhammad Rezwanur , Islam Md Saiful
Published: November 2012

Objective: A modification of Friedewalds formula was proposed to calculate LDL cholesterol in Bangladeshi population up to serum triglyceride concentration of 1000 mg/dL. The aim of this study was to validate the modification of Friedewalds formula in Bangladeshi population.Methods: Serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations were measured in specimens obtained form 314 adult Bangladeshi subjects selected conveniently. LDL cholesterol concentrations were also calculated by modified Friedewalds formula and original Friedewalds formula. Results were expressed as mean ± SD and calculated LDL cholesterol was compared with measured LDL cholesterol by two-tailed paired t test and Pearsons correlation coefficient (r).Results: The mean ± SD of measured LDL cholesterol was 138.3 ± 54.58 mg/dL. LDL cholesterol calculated by modified Friedewalds formula and original Friedewalds formula were 135.9 ± 59.26 mg/dL (P>0.05) and 123.5 ± 65.75 mg/dL (P<0.001) respectively. Compared to measured LDL cholesterol, calculated LDL cholesterol were 2.47 mg/ dL and 17.20 mg/dL lower for modified formula and original formula respectively. The correlation coefficient (r) with measured LDL cholesterol was 0.8601 (P<0.0001) for LDL cholesterol calculated by the modified Friedewalds formula and 0.8565 (P<0.0001) for the LDL cholesterol calculated by the original Friedewalds formula.Conclusion: The study validates the modified Friedewalds formula to calculate LDL cholesterol in Bangladeshi    population. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i3.12463 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 141-144
Letter to the Editor Vol.30(3)
Authors: Akhter Neke
Published: November 2012

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i3.12472 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 183
From the desk of Editor-in-Chief Vol.30(3)
Authors: Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: November 2012

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbcps.v30i3.12474 J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2012; 30: 185
A Novel Type III Endosome Transmembrane Protein, TEMP
Authors: Aturaliya Rajith N. , Kerr Markus C. , Teasdale Rohan D.
Published: November 2012

As part of a high-throughput subcellular localisation project, the protein encoded by the RIKEN mouse cDNA 2610528J11 was expressed and identified to be associated with both endosomes and the plasma membrane. Based on this, we have assigned the name TEMP for Type III Endosome Membrane Protein. TEMP encodes a short protein of 111 amino acids with a single, alpha-helical transmembrane domain. Experimental analysis of its membrane topology demonstrated it is a Type III membrane protein with the amino-terminus in the lumenal, or extracellular region, and the carboxy-terminus in the cytoplasm. In addition to the plasma membrane TEMP was localized to Rab5 positive early endosomes, Rab5/Rab11 positive recycling endosomes but not Rab7 positive late endosomes. Video microscopy in living cells confirmed TEMP's plasma membrane localization and identified the intracellular endosome compartments to be tubulovesicular. Overexpression of TEMP resulted in the early/recycling endosomes clustering at the cell periphery that was dependent on the presence of intact microtubules. The cellular function of TEMP cannot be inferred based on bioinformatics comparison, but its cellular distribution between early/recycling endosomes and the plasma membrane suggests a role in membrane transport.
Structural Probes in Quadruplex Nucleic Acid Structure Determination by NMR
Authors: Karsisiotis Andreas , Webba da Silva Mateus
Published: November 2012

Traditionally, isotope-labelled DNA and RNA have been fundamental to nucleic acid structural studies by NMR. Four-stranded nucleic acid architectures studies increasingly benefit from a plethora of nucleotide conjugates for resonance assignments, the identification of hydrogen bond alignments, and improving the population of preferred species within equilibria. In this paper, we review their use for these purposes. Most importantly we identify reasons for the failure of some modifications to result in quadruplex formation.
Arthroscopic Excision of Os Acromiale: Effects on Deltoid Function and Strength
Authors: Campbell Peter T. , Nizlan Nasir M. , Skirving Allan P.
Published: November 2012

Arthroscopic excision of os acromiale is a feasible alternative to open excision or fusion. This article describes the authors’ experience with 28 patients (31 shoulders) who underwent arthroscopic excision of os acromiale and its effect on shoulder pain and function, with specific emphasis on deltoid strength measurement.

Thirty-one os acromiale (all persistent unfused pre- and meso-acromions) in 28 patients were excised arthroscopically. Sixteen patients underwent concomitant rotator cuff repair (9 arthroscopic and 7 mini-open). At an average follow-up of 41 months, the patients were assessed using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score, and deltoid function and strength were measured. Pain was completely alleviated postoperatively in 20 (65%) shoulders, and 9 (29%) shoulders had less pain postoperatively. Pain worsened postoperatively in 2 patients, both of whom had features of glenohumeral arthritis at arthroscopy. Average postoperative ASES score (80.33) was significantly improved compared with the average preoperative score (33.71). No significant loss of deltoid strength occurred compared with the contralateral side. No objective or subjective loss of normal deltoid appearance occurred. Rotator cuff repair did not compromise deltoid strength or significantly reduce ASES score irrespective of repair technique (arthroscopic vs mini-open).

With careful attention to surgical technique maintaining an intact periosteal sleeve to preserve the integrity of the deltoid attachment, arthroscopic excision is an effective management tool for mobile os acromiale in a painful shoulder requiring surgical intervention.
Distraction Arthrolysis of Posttraumatic Elbow Stiffness With a Hinged External Fixator
Authors: Wang Jianwei , Li Hang , Zheng Qiang , Feng Gang , Li Jianbing , Pan Zhijun
Published: November 2012

The treatment of elbow stiffness remains a challenge for orthopedic surgeons. A hinged external fixator with distraction ability has recently emerged as a new option in the surgical treatment of elbow stiffness. Between January 2007 and December 2009, twenty-five posttraumatic stiff elbows (mean patient age, 29.2 years) received distraction arthrolysis from 1 surgeon group (W.J.W., L.H., P.Z.J.) at the authors’ institution. For patients with only periarticular soft tissue contracture (grade 1), close mechanical distraction was performed with the assistance of an external fixator under anesthesia; open arthrolysis was avoided as much as possible. For patients who also had heterotopic ossification (grade 2), it was removed through a limited approach before the external fixator was applied. For patients with osteoarticular surface damage or destruction (grade 3), osteoarticular integrity was restored before arthrolysis. Range of motion increased markedly, from 33.4° (range, 0°–75°) preoperatively to 105.6° (range, 80°–140°) immediately postoperatively (Student’s
t
test,
P
<.05).

Of the 25 patients, 23 were followed for a mean of 16 months. No serious complications occurred. Mean range of motion was 97.4° (range, 70°–130°) at final follow-up, a significant increase from preoperatively (Student’s
t
test,
P
<.05). No significant loss of range of motion was found at final follow-up compared with intraoperative values (average 8.2° loss; Student’s
t
test,
P
>.05). This study suggests that a hinged external distraction fixator is a less invasive option for treating posttraumatic elbow stiffness and prevents contracture recurrence after arthrolysis.
Open Reduction and Intramedullary Nail Fixation of Closed Tibial Fractures
Authors: Bishop Julius A. , Dikos Gregory D. , Mickelson Dayne , Barei David P.
Published: November 2012

Some tibial shaft fractures cannot be accurately reduced using closed or percutaneous techniques during an intramedullary nailing procedure. Under these circumstances, a formal open reduction can be performed. Direct exposure of the fracture facilitates accurate reduction but does violate the soft tissue envelope. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of open reduction prior to intramedullary nailing.

Using the trauma database at a Level I trauma center, 11 uncomplicated closed displaced tibia fractures treated with formal open reduction prior to intramedullary nailing were identified and matched with a cohort of 21 fractures treated with closed reduction and nailing. The authors attempted to match 2 controls to each patient to improve the power of the study. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were compared. All fractures ultimately healed within 5° of anatomic alignment. No infections or non-unions occurred in the open reduction group, and 1 deep infection and 1 nonunion occurred in the closed reduction group. No significant differences existed between the study groups.

Although closed reduction and intramedullary nailing remains the treatment of choice for most significantly displaced tibial shaft fractures, open reduction with respectful handling of the soft tissue envelope can be safe and effective and should be considered when less invasive techniques are unsuccessful.
Review Article: Ancient Galilee and the realities of the Roman Empire
Authors: Cromhout Markus
Published: November 2012

This review article summarises and delivers comment on Religion, ethnicity and identity in Ancient Galilee: A region in transition, edited by Jürgen Zangenberg, Harold W. Attridge and Dale B. Martin and published by Mohr Siebeck in 2007. The majority of the articles in this volume testify of a ‘Jewish’ or rather Judean Galilee in the 1st century. It was a region that had cultural, economic, social, political and religious contact with surrounding areas and was thoroughly integrated into the realities of the Roman Empire. Whilst interregional contact and trade occurred freely, resistance and conflict occurred due to the proximity of ‘the Other’ that threatened the cultural and religio-political sensitivities of the Galileans. The Galileans also had strong attachments to aspects of their Judean identity, as evidenced by their enhanced musical culture, conservative epigraphic habit, participation in the revolt and the following of cultural practices also found in Judea. Based on this collection of articles, there are a few areas that need further investigation: how and when did the region fall under Hasmonean control and what was the exact nature of the local population at that time? At the time of Antipas, were Galilean peasants generally experiencing harsh economic conditions, or did his rule allow for economic participation to flourish? The exact context of Jesus’ ministry, therefore, is still a matter to be decided and invites further investigation.
Is die ortodoksie se verstaan van die sondeval belemmerend vir die gesprek tussen teologie en natuurwetenskap?
Authors: Buitendag Johan
Published: November 2012

In hierdie artikel is betoog dat die Gereformeerde Ortodoksie se begrip van die sondeval ’n  belemmering  was  vir  die  gesprek  tussen  teologie  en  natuurwetenskap.  Die  rede hiervoor was dat dit ten eerste ’n bepaalde verstaan van liniêre tyd nahou en ten tweede dat dit ’n bonatuurlike ingryp veronderstel het. Albei hierdie aspekte het die debat onnodig problematiseer. Die argument is ontwikkel deur eerstens die probleem te definieer, gevolg deur ’n uiteensetting van die standpunte van Augustinus en Calvyn onderskeidelik oor die sondeval. As ’n heuristiese sleutel is die konsepte van infralapsarisme en supralapsarisme aangewend om die tema te ontleed. Die artikel is afgesluit met die oortuiging dat die imago Dei ’n beliggaamde menslike persoon is wat biologies in die geskiedenis in terme van selfbewussyn en morele verantwoordelikheid ontluik het.Is the Orthodoxy’s notion of the Fall inhibitory for the dialogue between theology and science? In this article it was argued that the Reformed Orthodoxy’s interpretation of the Fall had become an impediment in the dialogue between theology and science. The reason was that it assumed firstly a specific understanding of linear time and secondly a metaphysical intervention. Both events were unnecessarily problematising the debate. The argument was deployed by stating the problem, followed by an exposition of the views of Augustine and Calvin on the Fall. As a heuristic key, the concepts of infralapsarism and supralapsarism were applied respectively to analyse the topic. The article concluded with the conviction that the imago Dei is an embodied human person that had biologically emerged in history as a center of self-awareness, and moral responsibility.
Efficacy and Safety of Atomoxetine in the Treatment of Children and Adolescents with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: Kohn Michael R. , Tsang Tracey W. , Clarke Simon D.
Published: November 2012

Several non-stimulant medications have been used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Atomoxetine, was introduced in 2002. The safety and efficacy of atomoxetine in the treatment of ADHD for children, adolescents, and adults has been evaluated in over 4000 patients in randomized controlled studies and double blinded studies as well as in recent large longitudinal studies. This paper provides an updated summary of the literature on atomoxetine, particularly in relation to findings on the short- and long-term safety of atomoxetine in children and adolescents arising from recent large longitudinal cohort studies. Information is presented about the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of this medication.
Effects of Family, Friends, and Relative Prices on Fruit and Vegetable Consumption by African Americans
Authors: Zhylyevskyy Oleksandr , Jensen Helen H. , Garasky Steven B. , Cutrona Carolyn E. , Gibbons Frederick X.
Published: November 2012

We investigate the effects of parents, best friends, and relative prices on fruit and vegetable consumption by African American youths using behavioral data from the Family and Community Health Study and area‐specific food prices from the Quarterly Food‐at‐Home Price Database. We construct a simultaneous equation ordered probit model that accounts for social interactions in fruit and vegetable consumption and specific aspects of the available food intake data. We estimate statistically significant endogenous consumption effects between a youth and a parent. Lower relative prices tend to increase intakes, particularly in the case of vegetables; however, the statistical significance of these effects is marginal. The results indicate the existence of social multipliers in fruit and vegetable consumption in African American families. The presence of these multipliers supports the design of youth‐parent–based interventions to increase fruit and vegetable intake by African Americans. Additionally, intake also may be increased through relative price reductions.
Innovation through Protection: Does Safeguard Protection Increase Investment in Research and Development?
Authors: Liebman Benjamin H. , Reynolds Kara M.
Published: November 2012

We perform the first empirical study of the impact of temporary trade protection on firm investment in R&D. Using a firm‐level panel of the beneficiaries of safeguard protection between 1975 and 2005, we find support for predictions from the theoretical literature that temporary tariffs stimulate investment in R&D, but we find no evidence that this effect disappears as the termination of protection approaches, as predicted by some models. We also find little evidence that quotas impact firm investment in R&D, which we believe is because of the great deal in variation in how restrictive safeguard‐related quota protection has been over the last 35 years.
In-situ measurements of atmospheric hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) at the Shangdianzi regional background station, China
Authors: Yao B. , Vollmer M. K. , Zhou L. X. , Henne S. , Reimann S. , Li P. C. , Wenger A. , Hill M.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Atmospheric hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) were measured in-situ at the Shangdianzi (SDZ) Global Atmosphere Watch (GAW) regional background station, China, from May 2010 to May 2011. The time series for five HFCs and three PFCs showed occasionally high-concentration events while background conditions occurred for 36% (HFC-32) to 83% (PFC-218) of all measurements. The mean mixing ratios during background conditions were 24.5 ppt (parts per trillion, 10−12, molar) for HFC-23, 5.86 ppt for HFC-32, 9.97 ppt for HFC-125, 66.0 ppt for HFC-134a, 9.77 ppt for HFC-152a, 79.1 ppt for CF4, 4.22 ppt for PFC-116, and 0.56 ppt for PFC-218. The background mixing ratios for the compounds at SDZ are consistent with those obtained at mid to high latitude sites in the Northern Hemisphere. North-easterly winds were associated with negative contributions to atmospheric HFC and PFC loadings (mixing ratio anomalies weighted by time associated with winds in a given sector), whereas south-westerly advection (urban sector) showed positive loadings. Chinese emissions estimated by a tracer ratio method using carbon monoxide as tracer were 3.6 ± 3.2 kt yr−1 for HFC-23, 4.3 ± 3.6 kt yr−1 for HFC-32, 2.7 ± 2.3 kt yr−1 for HFC-125, 6.0 ± 5.6 kt yr−1 for HFC-134a, 2.0 ± 1.8 kt yr−1 for HFC-152a, 2.4 ± 2.1 kt yr−1 for CF4, 0.27 ± 0.26 kt yr−1 for PFC-116, and 0.061 ± 0.095 kt yr−1 for PFC-218. The lower HFC-23 emissions compared to earlier studies may be a result of the HFC-23 abatement measures taken as part of Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) projects that started in 2005.
Experiences in using the TRMM data to complement rain gauge data in the Ecuadorian coastal foothills
Authors: Arias-Hidalgo M. , Bhattacharya B. , Mynett A. E. , van Griensven A.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Nowadays, new technologies are being used to expand the coverage of conventional meteorological datasets. An example of these is the TRMM data as long as one considers the bias, the type of rainfall and the current coarse spatial resolution. Although in the Guayas River Basin (Ecuadorian lowlands) the radar-based precipitation does not match the magnitude of the ground-based rainfall, at least it records somewhat the spatial pattern. The bias remains more or less steady when the temporal resolution increases from yearly to seasonal and monthly data. By means of an empirical disaggregation method, synthetic daily rainfall time series were generated at the satellite measuring spots. These artificial series were incorporated into an existing hydrological model to complement the available raingauge data to assess the model performance. The results were quite comparable with those using only gauge information. Although the model outcomes did not improve remarkably, the contribution of this approach was based on the fact that given a known bias, the satellite data could still be corrected and may resemble the information provided by the raingauges. Therefore, TRMM may supply valuable information in areas scarcely gauged such as the Andean foothills in the Guayas River Basin.
Mafic granulite xenoliths in the Chilka Lake suite, Eastern Ghats Belt, India: evidence of deep-subduction of residual oceanic crust
Authors: Bhattacharya S. , Chaudhary A. K. , Saw A. K. , Das P. , Chatterjee D.
Published: November 2012

Abstract. Granulite xenoliths preserve key geochemical and isotopic signatures of their mantle source regions. Mafic granulite and pyroxinite xenoliths within massif-type charnockitic rocks from the Eastern Ghats Belt have recently been reported by us. The mafic granulite xenoliths from the Chilka Lake granulite suite with abundant prograde biotite are geochemically akin to Oceanic Island Basalt (OIB). They can be distinguished from the hornblende-mafic granulite xenoliths with signatures of Arc-derived basalt occurring in the other suites of the Eastern Ghats Belt. These two groups of xenoliths in the Paleoproterozoic Eastern Ghats Province have quite distinct Nd-model ages- 1.9 Ga and 2.5 Ga respectively, which may be interpreted as their crustal residence ages. Strong positive Nb anomalies, indicating subducted oceanic crust in the source, LREE enrichment and strongly fractionated REE pattern are key geochemical signatures attesting to their origin as OIB-type magma. Also low Yb and Sc contents and high (La / Yb)N ratios can be attributed to melting in the presence of residual garnet and hence at great depths (> 80 km). The variable enrichment in radiogenic 87Sr, between 0.70052 and 0.71092 at 1.9 Ga and less radiogenic 143Nd between ε-1.54 and 7.46 are similar to those of the OIBs compared to MORBs. As OIBs commonly contain some recycled oceanic crust in their sources, we suggest that the residue of the oceanic crust from a previous melting event (~ 2.5 Ga) that produced the Arc-derived basalts (protoliths of hornblende-mafic granulite xenoliths) could have subducted to great depths and mechanically mixed with the mantle peridotite. A subsequent re-melting event of this mixed source might have occurred at ca. 1.9 Ga as testified by the crustal residence ages of the biotite-mafic granulite xenoliths of the Chilka Lake granulite suite.
Bone Scan Is of Doubtful Value as a First Staging Test in the Primary Presentation of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Carmona Echeverria Lina M. , Drudge-Coates Lawrence , Wilkins C. Jason , Muir Gordon H.
Published: November 2012

Purpose. To determine whether axial MR imaging could replace bone scan as the primary staging test in newly diagnosed CaP. Material and Methods. We reviewed retrospectively all bone scans performed in newly diagnosed CaP patients from 2000 to 2010 in a single tertiary academic center. We recorded patient age, ethnicity, PSA at diagnosis, TNM stage, Gleason score, alkaline phosphatase, bone scan results and axial imaging if available. Results. Mean patient age was 72 years (41–96), mean PSA and alkaline phosphatase were 268.9 ng/mL and 166 IU/L, respectively. Patients were divided in four groups according to possible bony metastases on bone scan. Group 1: Negative, no metastases demonstrated. Group 2: Positive, metastases only in pelvis and/or lumbar spine. Group 3: Positive, widespread metastases including pelvis and lumbar spine. Group 4: Positive, distant metastases without pelvic or lumbar spine abnormalities. Group 4 patients were analyzed in detail, two had possible disease that was detected only outside the pelvic and lumbar spine, unfortunately follow up images were insufficient to confirm the nature of the lesions. Conclusions. Although bone scan is a useful investigation to confirm and monitor metastasic CaP, our data suggests that axial MR imaging is an adequate primary staging study in untreated disease. Bone scan is unnecessary if CT or MRI of the pelvis and abdomen are clear of metastases.
Curvature Properties and -Einstein -Contact Metric Manifolds
Authors: Nagaraja H. G. , Premalatha C. R.
Published: November 2012

We study curvature properties in -contact metric manifolds. We give the characterization of -Einstein -contact metric manifolds with associated scalars.
Evaluation of Supplementation of Ashgourd Fermented Beverage to Geriatric Population
Authors: C.S. Devaki  , K.S. Premavalli
Published: November 2012

Existing data indicates a significant morbidity among the aged and most may remain subclinical. Vegetables being good source of vitamins and minerals, further their concentration has been improved by fermentation process. In recent years elderly institutions are being more common and a need for nutritional studies to provide better service. Thus the present study was conducted on geriatrics population to see the effect of ashgourd fermented beverage on anthropometric, nutritional and biochemical status of institutional elderly inmates. Ashgourd Fermented beverage (180ml) was provided to inmates of experimental group with the instructions to drink in fasting condition as a first drink in the morning for 60 days and control group received no supplementation. The parameters which were selected to evaluate the effect of ashgourd fermented beverage were anthropometric data, nutritional status, dietary pattern, clinical, biochemical parameters such as fasting and post prandial blood glucose levels, lipid profile, haemoglobin level and medical histories of the inmates. The selected parameters were assessed before and after the supplementation to see the effect of fermented beverage. It can be concluded from the present study that supplementation of fermented beverage showed significant improvement in BMI grades, heamoglobin and reduced blood glucose level, triglycerides and improved HDL cholesterol levels in experimental group when compared with the control group.
Effect of Short Term Sibutramine Supplementation on Appetite Suppression and Related Metabolic Responses
Authors: Swati Jain  , Saroj K. Verma  , Vijay K. Singh  , Som Nath Singh
Published: November 2012

The appetite suppressing property of Sibutramine is well reported. The present study was undertaken to investigate the appetite regulatory mechanism and associated metabolic changes induced in male Sprague Dawley rats by its short term supplementation. The effect of the drug on the regulatory hormones and biochemical variables was studied at an oral dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. There was a decrease in food intake of rats by 35.5% in comparison to their basal food intake as well as untreated controls. There was an increase in plasma levels of adiponectin, serotonin and a decrease in IGF-1 and corticosterone in the treated animals. The circulating levels of ghrelin marginally decreased with a corresponding increase in leptin and CCK in case of treated rats. These may be responsible for the anorectic effect of the drug.
Arrest History and Intimate Partner Violence Perpetration in a Sample of Men and Women Arrested for Domestic Violence
Authors: Shorey Ryan C , Ninnemann Andrew , Elmquist Joanna , Labrecque Lindsay , Zucosky Heather , Febres Jeniimarie , Brasfield Hope , Temple Jeff R , Stuart Gregory L
Published: November 2012

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious and prevalent problem throughout the United States. Currently, individuals arrested for domestic violence are often court mandated to batterer intervention programs (BIPs). However, little is known about the arrest histories of these individuals, especially women. The current study examined the arrest histories of men (n = 303) and women (n = 82) arrested for domestic violence and court-referred to BIPs. Results demonstrated that over 30% of the entire sample had been previously arrested for a non-violent offense, and over 25% of the participants had been previously arrested for a violent offense other than domestic violence. Moreover, men were arrested significantly more frequently for violence-related and non-violent offenses than their female counterparts. In addition, men were more likely than women to have consumed binge-levels of alcohol prior to the offense that led to their most recent arrest and court-referral to a BIP. Lastly, arrest history was positively associated with physical and psychological aggression perpetration against an intimate partner for men only, such that more previous arrests were associated with more frequent aggression. These results provide evidence that many men and women arrested for domestic violence have engaged in a number of diverse criminal acts during their lifetimes, suggesting that BIPs may need to address general criminal behavior.
The Meetings Handbook
Authors: Francis Ronald D. , Armstrong Anona F.
Published: November 2012

The Meetings Handbook: Formal Rules and Informal Processes is a comprehensive manual to the rules and formal procedures of meetings, as well as a useful guide to understanding the informal processes that underlie their success. The handbook explains the formal issues of meeting processes, including the setting of agendas and the putting forward of formal motions, and canvasses informal aspects such as preparatory work and the reading of participants nonverbal messages. It also offers insight into how to chair meetings, as well as guidance on how to deal with those who seek to subvert the formal rules. A unique accompaniment to the more conventional legal books, which act as good formal guides, The Meetings Handbook also provides supplementary examples of constitutions, agendas, minutes and an ethical code. In order to make the material readily useable, the book is divided into sections that may act as stand-alone guides to specific meetings issues and strategies, thus making it the perfect tool for the busy professional.
Creating space for negotiating the nature and outcomes of collaborative research projects with Aboriginal communities
Authors: Lyons Natasha
Published: November 2012

This article investigates intellectual property and ethical issues involved in negotiating research processes and outcomes in collaborative projects with Aboriginal communities. A series of ideas are outlined to lay a foundation for thinking about ways to create a conceptual space for open and constructive discussions between research partners. Habermas’s notion of “communicative space” is applied to a partnership between southern-based anthropologists and members of the Inuvialuit community of the Canadian Western Arctic. This partnership is focused on documenting knowledge about a large and comprehensive collection of ancestral ethnographic objects housed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C., and on disseminating this knowledge in meaningful ways to the Inuvialuit, anthropological, and museum communities. This article presents a suite of methods generated by the research group that lay some useful parameters for designing research and fostering trust and investment among partners. It also discusses the dynamics of community-based research practices and, specifically, methods for conceiving, constructing, and sustaining research projects.
Whose agenda is it? Regulating health research ethics in Labrador
Authors: Brunger Fern , Bull Julie
Published: November 2012

In Labrador, the NunatuKavut (formerly Labrador Inuit Métis) have begun to introduce a rigorous community-based research review process. We conducted a study with leaders and health care workers in and beyond the NunatuKavut community of Labrador, asking them what should be emphasised in a community review. We also sought to identify whether and how community review should be distinct from the centralised, “institutional” research ethics review that would be the mandate of Newfoundland and Labrador’s impending provincial health research authority. In this article we report on our findings with the aim of providing strategies and direction for researchers, research ethics boards, and Aboriginal communities dealing with dual-level ethics review. We argue for the adoption and use of a consistent label for community review of research (“Community Research Review Committee”) as distinct from research ethics boards. We provide suggestions for the development of separate roles and responsibilities for community review of research to ensure that its tasks are clearly understood and delineated. Our objective is to promote a form of community research review, distinct from the “ethics” review of research ethics boards, that explicitly attends to research in the context of ongoing colonialism, assimilation, and exoticism.
The Nooter photo collection and the Roots2Share project of museums in Greenland and the Netherlands
Authors: Buijs Cunera , Jakobsen Aviâja Rosing
Published: November 2012

In 2008 two Dutch museums and two Greenland museums started a cooperative venture to share the photo collections of museums in the Netherlands. The photographs were taken from 1965 to 1986 by husband and wife Gerti and Noortje Nooter in Diilerilaaq, a village in the Sermilik Fjord (East Greenland). Gerti Nooter, then curator at the Museon in The Hague and at the National Museum of Ethnology in Leiden, was doing fieldwork in that changing hunting community and, as part of that research, took photographs and collected museum objects for both Dutch museums. The National Museum of Ethnology in particular has long had a working relationship with Greenland museums and the local Tunumiit community. Through the visual repatriation project Roots2Share, these photographs have been scanned and returned to the communities where they originated and where they can now be accessed locally. As a product of cross-cultural interactions, they depict ancestors of present-day Tunumiit and carry multiple meanings: ethnological or exotic ones for a Dutch public and historical or ancestral ones for the people of Diilerilaaq. Many stories have been told about them. This article explores the relationship between the photographs and Tunumiit knowledge, as well as issues of cultural heritage, ownership, and sharing of these images.
Measurement of Phagocytosis, Phagosome Acidification, and Intracellular Killing of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sokolovska Anna , Becker Christine E. , Stuart Lynda M.
Published: November 2012

Phagocytes are an important part of host defense, playing a critical role in innate immune responses against pathogens and in the initiation of adaptive immunity. One of the main characteristics of these cells is their ability to recognize and internalize invading microorganisms into a phagosome. The internalized microbe is rapidly delivered into a mature phagolysosome where it is killed and degraded. However, numerous pathogens have evolved complex mechanisms to manipulate these intracellular organelles to establish a survival niche. Here, we describe several methods to assess important properties of phagosomes in macrophages, such as phagocytosis, acidification of the phagosome contents during the maturation process, and the ability of phagosomes to inactivate and kill pathogens. Phagocytosis and phagosome acidification assays are FACS‐based assays where labeled bacteria are used as probes to monitor internalization into a phagosome and to detect the pH of the phagosome environment. The killing assay is based on the counting of bacterial colonies after recovery of internalized bacteria from macrophages. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 99:14.30.1‐14.30.12. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Fault detection and eigenstructure optimization in IEEE 802.11 wireless sensor actuator networks for building automation
Authors: Liao Yong , Dai Xuewu , Liu Guangyuan , Yang Yang , Yang Shizhong
Published: November 2012

There are signs that wireless sensor actuator networks can be used in time‐sensitive industrial processes to reduce cable deployment and increase flexibility. This paper investigates the time‐sensitive fault detector design in wireless sensor actuator networks subject to random packet delays and packet losses. The impacts of wireless packet delays and losses are modeled as external unknown disturbances and a memory block is introduced to deal with the packet losses and long delays. A frequency component estimation method is proved to estimate the frequency of these unknown disturbances. An eigenstructure optimization method is proposed to enhance the fault detector's sensitivity to the fault and the robustness against the delays and packet losses. The fault detection performance in a wireless building automation system is demonstrated by hybrid MATLAB/NS2 simulation. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Newness, Tradition and Identity: Existential Content and Meaning in Architecture
Authors: Pallasmaa Juhani
Published: November 2012

At a time when novelty and aesthetic invention have become the established norm for contemporary architecture, the esteemed Finnish author and architect Juhani Pallasmaa speaks out in defence of tradition. He explains how nuance, expressive subtlety and an ambition for an experiential and existential quality in a work require a sense of historical continuum: ‘An embodiment of the essence of tradition’ as a precursor for ‘meaningful creativity’.
Chiral Primary Amine Tagged to Ionic Group as Reusable Organocatalyst for Asymmetric Michael Reactions of C‐Nucleophiles with α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones
Authors: Kucherenko Alexander S. , Siyutkin Dmitry E. , Nigmatov Albert G. , Chizhov Alexander O. , Zlotin Sergei G.
Published: November 2012

The first primary amine‐derived organocatalyst modified with an ionic group for asymmetric Michael reactions of C‐nucleophiles with α,β‐unsaturated ketones was synthesized. In the presence of this catalyst and an acidic co‐catalyst (AcOH), hydroxycoumarin and its sulfur‐containing analogue reacted with benzylideneacetone derivatives or cyclohexenone to afford the corresponding Michael adducts in high yields (up to 97%) and with reasonable enantioselectivity (up to 80%). The catalyst could be easily recovered and efficiently reused three times, afterwards, its activity and stereodifferentiating ability gradually declined. The analysis of recovered catalyst samples by ESI‐MS allowed us to detect undesirable side reactions that poisoned the catalyst, and propose an approach for its reactivation.
Ruthenium Phenylindenyl Complex as an Efficient Transfer Hydrogenation Catalyst
Authors: Manzini Simone , Blanco César A. Urbina , Nolan Steven P.
Published: November 2012

An efficient and green protocol for the transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl and imine compounds is presented. The transformations are catalysed by the inexpensive and easily synthesised complex [RuCl(PPh3)(3‐phenylindenyl)]. Its catalytic activity was compared to that of the most commonly encountered ruthenium complexes in transfer hydrogenation reactions involving several protypical substrates.