bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Effect of Melatonin on Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Jaworek Jolanta , Szklarczyk Joanna , Jaworek Andrzej K. , Nawrot-Porąbka Katarzyna , Leja-Szpak Anna , Bonior Joanna , Kot Michalina
Published: April 2012

Melatonin, a product of the pineal gland, is released from the gut mucosa in response to food ingestion. Specific receptors for melatonin have been detected in many gastrointestinal tissues including the pancreas. Melatonin as well as its precursor, L-tryptophan, attenuates the severity of acute pancreatitis and protects the pancreatic tissue from the damage caused by acute inflammation. The beneficial effect of melatonin on acute pancreatitis, which has been reported in many experimental studies and supported by clinical observations, is related to: (1) enhancement of antioxidant defense of the pancreatic tissue, through direct scavenging of toxic radical oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS) species, (2) preservation of the activity of antioxidant enzymes; such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), or glutathione peroxidase (GPx), (3) the decline of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosisα(TNFα) production, accompanied by stimulation of an anti-inflammatory IL-10, (4) improvement of pancreatic blood flow and decrease of neutrophil infiltration, (5) reduction of apoptosis and necrosis in the inflamed pancreatic tissue, (6) increased production of chaperon protein (HSP60), and (7) promotion of regenerative process in the pancreas.Conclusion. Endogenous melatonin produced from L-tryptophan could be one of the native mechanisms protecting the pancreas from acute damage and accelerating regeneration of this gland. The beneficial effects of melatonin shown in experimental studies suggest that melatonin ought to be employed in the clinical trials as a supportive therapy in acute pancreatitis and could be used in people at high risk for acute pancreatitis to prevent the development of pancreatic inflammation.
Flavonoids Inhibit the Respiratory Burst of Neutrophils in Mammals
Authors: Ciz Milan , Denev Petko , Kratchanova Maria , Vasicek Ondrej , Ambrozova Gabriela , Lojek Antonin
Published: April 2012

Neutrophils represent the front-line defence cells in protecting organisms against infection and play an irreplaceable role in the proper performance of the immune system. As early as within the first minutes of stimulation, neutrophilic NADPH oxidase is activated, and cells release large quantities of highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS). These oxidants can be highly toxic not only for infectious agents but also for neighboring host tissues. Since flavonoids exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, they are subjects of interest for pharmacological modulation of ROS production. The present paper summarizes contemporary knowledge on the effects of various flavonoids on the respiratory burst of mammalian neutrophils. It can be summarized that the inhibitory effects of flavonoids on the respiratory burst of phagocytes are mediated via inhibition of enzymes involved in cell signaling as well as via modulation of redox status. However, the effects of flavonoids are even more complex, and several sites of action, depending upon the flavonoid structure and way of application, are included.
Anticoagulant and Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Mischke Karl , Knackstedt Christian , Marx Nikolaus
Published: April 2012

Anticoagulation represents the mainstay of therapy for most patients with atrial fibrillation. Patients on oral anticoagulation often require concomitant antiplatelet therapy, mostly because of coronary artery disease. After coronary stent implantation, dual antiplatelet therapy is necessary. However, the combination of oral anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy increases the bleeding risk. Risk scores such as the CHA2DS2-Vasc score and the HAS-BLED score help to identify both bleeding and stroke risk in individual patients. The guidelines of the European Society of Cardiology provide a rather detailed recommendation for patients on oral anticoagulation after coronary stent implantation. However, robust evidence is lacking for some of the recommendations, and especially for new oral anticoagulants and new antiplatelets few or no data are available. This review addresses some of the critical points of the guidelines and discusses potential advantages of new anticoagulants in patients with atrial fibrillation after stent implantation.
Cheyne-Stokes Respiration in Patients with First-Ever Lacunar Stroke
Authors: Bonnin-Vilaplana Marc , Arboix Adrià , Parra Olga , García-Eroles Luis , Montserrat Josep M. , Massons Joan
Published: April 2012

The aim of this single-center prospective study was to assess the presence of Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) and CSR-related variables in 68 consecutive patients with radiologically proven first-ever lacunar stroke undergoing a respiratory sleep study using a portable respiratory polygraph within the first 48 hours of stroke onset. CSR was diagnosed in 14 patients (20.6%). Patients with CSR as compared with those without CSR showed a significantly higher mean (standard deviation, SD) apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) (34.9 (21.7) versus 18.5 (14.4),P=0.001) and central apnea index (13.1 (13.8) versus 1.8 (3.4),P=0.0001) as well as higher scores of the Barthel index and the Canadian Neurological scale as a measure of stroke severity, and longer hospital stay. CSR was present in one of each five patients with lacunar stroke. The presence of CSR was associated with a trend towards a higher functional stroke severity and worse prognosis.
Study on the Interaction of Serum Albumin and Micromolecule Compounds
Authors: Huang Rui , Xia Zhi-Ning , Yi Min , Liu Bo-Lin
Published: April 2012

Fluorescence spectrometry is a classical and conventional technique widely used in interaction investigation, which takes serum albumin as the fluorescence source while micro‐molecule compound as the quencher. With analyzing the properties of serum albumin and its amino acids, deficiencies in the conventional fluorescence spectrometry became obvious: information expressed by the conventional technique was not sufficient to represent the entire interaction. In consideration of that, a new method was proposed to improve the conventional one. Intercompared the experimental results of those two methods, defects of the conventional fluorescence spectrometry were noticeable. In addition, molecular docking simulation and binding force investigation also manifested the same as above.
Ultra High-Mass Resolution Paper Spray by Fourier Transform Ion Cyclotron Resonance Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Quinn Kevin D. , Cruickshank Charmion I. , Wood Troy D.
Published: April 2012

Paper Spray Ionization is an atmospheric pressure ionization technique that utilizes an offline electro-osmotic flow to generate ions off a paper medium. This technique can be performed on a Bruker SolariX Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer by modifying the existing nanospray source. High-resolution paper spray spectra were obtained for both organic and biological samples to demonstrate the benefit of linking the technique with a high-resolution mass analyzer. Error values in the range 0.23 to 2.14 ppm were obtained for calf lung surfactant extract with broadband mass resolving power (m/Δm50%) above 60,000 utilizing an external calibration standard.
Human Muscle Progenitor Cells Displayed Immunosuppressive Effect through Galectin-1 and Semaphorin-3A
Authors: Lecourt Séverine , Lepelletier Yves , Vanneaux Valérie , Jarray Rafika , Domet Thomas , Raynaud Françoise , Hadj-Slimane Réda , Cras Audrey , Hermine Olivier , Marolleau Jean-Pierre , Larghero Jérôme
Published: April 2012

In human skeletal muscle, myoblasts represent the main population of myogenic progenitors. We previously showed that, beside their myogenic differentiation capacities, myoblasts also differentiate towards osteogenic and chondrogenic lineages, some properties generally considered being hallmarks of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs are also characterized by their immunosuppressive potential, through cell-cell contacts and soluble factors, including prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interleukine-10, or indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. We and others also reported that Galectin-1 (Gal-1) and Semaphorin-3A (Sema-3A) were involved in MSCs-mediated immunosuppression. Here, we show that human myoblasts induce a significant and dose-dependant proliferation inhibition, independently of PGE-2 and TGF-β1. Our experiments revealed that myoblasts, in culture orin situin human muscles, expressed and secreted Gal-1 and Sema-3A. Furthermore, myoblasts immunosuppressive functions were reverted by using blocking antibodies against Gal-1 or Sema-3A. Together, these results demonstrate an unsuspected immunosuppressive effect of myoblasts that may open new therapeutic perspectives.
Effect of Annealing on the Nanostructure Formation in Alkoxy Substituted Phthalocyanine Thin Films
Authors: Vadakel Vinu. T. , Menon C. S.
Published: April 2012

Vacuum deposited 2,3,9,10,16,17,23,24‐octakis (octyloxy) phthalocyanine (H2PcOC8) thin films on glass substrates have exhibited a change on their surface morphology with the post deposition annealing temperature under normal atmosphere. These films have been characterized by optical absorptions and Scanning Electron Microscopy. SEM images also have shown nano‐rod like structures for the samples annealed at different temperatures. The variation of optical band gap with annealing temperature is determined. The direct and allowed optical band gap energy has been evaluated from the α2 versus hυ plots. The electrical conductivity of the films at various heat treated samples are also studied. The activation energies are determined from the Arrhenius plots of lnσ versus 1000/T . It shows variation with the annealing temperature.
Salivary Lipid Peroxidation and Total Sialic Acid Levels in Smokers and Smokeless Tobacco Users as Maraş Powder
Authors: Kurtul Naciye , Gökpınar Engin
Published: April 2012

Maraş powder (MP), a different type of smokeless tobacco (ST) and prepared from a tobacco of speciesNicotiana rusticaLinn, is widely used in Turkey. We aimed to investigate the effects of MP on salivary total sialic acid (TSA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and to compare these parameters in smokers and MP users (MPUs). The salivary TSA and MDA concentrations were significantly higher in the smokers and MPU than those of control subjects and also in MPU than that of smokers. We have also observed that as the number of cigarettes consumed and MP amount increases, TSA and MDA levels increase too. In smokers, MDA values were significantly correlated with the number of cigarettes smoked and the duration of smoking. In MPU, both MDA and TSA levels were significantly correlated with the duration of MP use and the amount of daily consumed MP. We have concluded increased salivary TSA and MDA levels associated in MPU and smokers. Results can help to evaluate harmful effects of these habits. It is important to point out that bigger change in the measured parameters has been observed for MP use. This observation may be an important indication of harmful effects of ST use as MP.
The Prevalence of AflatoxinogenicAspergillus parasiticusin Jordan
Authors: Al-Hmoud Nisreen , Ibrahim Mohammed A. , Al-Rousan Hiyam , Alseyah Abbas
Published: April 2012

Aflatoxins are potent carcinogens and produced by almost allAspergillus parasiticusisolates and about 35% ofAspergillus flavusisolates. Chemical methods are used for detection of aflatoxins in food and feed. These methods cannot detect aflatoxinogenic fungi in samples, which contain undetectable amounts of aflatoxins. The objective of this research work was to ascertain the importance of molecular and microbiological methods in detection of aflatoxinogenic fungusA. parasiticusin food and feed samples in Jordan. Specific media for the detection of aflatoxins showed the prevalence ofA. parasiticus(6–22%) in contaminated food and feed samples. HPLC method confirmed the presence of aflatoxins B1, B2, G1, and G2 in food sample contaminated withA. parasiticus. Primer set OmtBII-F and OmtBII-R amplified DNA fragment of 611 base pairs from genomic DNA of aflatoxinogenicA. parasiticusisolated from food and feed samples but could not amplify DNA fragment of nonaflatoxinogenicA. flavus. The results of this study showed the prevalence of aflatoxinogenicA. parasiticusin food and feed samples in Jordan and give further evidence of suitability of microbiological and molecular methods in detection of aflatoxins, which are reliable low-cost approach to determine food and feed biosafety.
Novel Interecting Blends Based on Amino Terminited Oligoimides by Using Michael Addition Reaction‐II
Authors: Patel Rita R. , C. Patel Mukesh
Published: April 2012

New amino terminated oligoimides (AOIs) were prepared by the Michael addition reaction of various bismaleimide (1), namely, 1‐(4‐((4‐((2, 5‐dioxocyclopent‐3 enylamino) methyl) cyclohexyl) methyl) cyclohexyl)‐1, 6‐dihydropyridine‐2, 5‐dione with excess of various diamines (2a‐c). These AOIs were characterized by elemental analysis, FT‐IR spectral studies and number average molecular weight estimated by non‐aqueous conductometric titrations. AOIs were then treated with acrylol chloride and resultant acryl terminated oligoimides (AcOIs) samples were also characterized thermogravimetrically. Each of these AcOI was then combined with the N‐phenyl maleimide (PM) in THF solvent. The resultant suspensions were then heated in the presence of azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) as an initiator. The AcOI and PM polymerized through double bond simultaneously and form interacting blends, which were analyzed thermogravimetrically. The glass fiber reinforced composites were fabricated by using the suspensions of the AcOI and PM. The composites of Interacting blends were analyzed for their mechanical, chemical and electrical properties.
Development and Validation of Stability Indicating HPTLC Method for Determination of Diacerein and Aceclofenac as Bulk Drug and in Tablet Dosage Form
Authors: Gandhi S. P. , Dewani M. G. , Borole T. C. , Damle M. C.
Published: April 2012

Diacerein is a drug for osteoarthritis and is di‐acetylated derivative of rein. Aceclofenac is used as an effective non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) with anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic properties. The present study describes degradation of diacerein and aceclofenac under ICH prescribed stress conditions (hydrolysis, oxidation, dry heat, wet heat, and photolysis) and establishment of a stability‐indicating HPTLC assay method. Different degradation peaks were observed for diacerein when it was exposed to alkaline, and acid catalysed hydrolysis. For aceclofenac, decrease in peak area was observed with single peak of degradation product after oxidation. For HPTLC, RP‐18 F254s pre‐coated plates, and mobile phase consisting of methanol: water 7: 3 v/v was used to achieve separation. Quantitation was done at 268 nm. The method was validated as per ICH Q2 R1 guidelines and results were in limit. The method was found to be simple, specific, precise, and stability indicating.
Evaluation of Phenolic Content and Antioxidant Capacity of Eleusine coracana (L.)
Authors: Mehta Jignasu P. , Fultariya Chirag R. , Parmar Pravin H. , Vadia Solhil H. , Golkiya Balubhai A.
Published: April 2012

The aim of this study is to evaluate the content of phenolics: total seven phenolic acids and one flavonoid were separated from the species of Eleusine coracana (L.). The separated phenolics were characterized by various spectral techniques. The antioxidant capacity of all phenolics was determined by rancimat study of sunflower oil using control and standard drugs like Glipizide and Metformin. The stability period of sunflower oil was found to increase from 0.89 hr to 1.04 hr in presence of eight extracted ingredients of Eleusine coracana (L.), which was compared with result of neat sunflower oil.
New Platinum(II) Complex Containing Asymmetric Tetra Dentate Schiff Base Ligand Synthesis, Characterization and DFT Calculation
Authors: Akbari Alireza , Sheikhshoaie Iran , Saghatforoush Lotfali , Ebrahimipour S. Yousof , Amiri Zohreh
Published: April 2012

The tetra dentate neutral (E)‐4‐nitro‐2‐((2‐(2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl) ethylthio) ethylimino) methyl) phenol, (pytaO2NSalH), Schiff‐base ligand was synthesized using 1‐(2‐pyridyl)‐3‐thia‐s‐aminopentane (pyta) and 5‐NO2 salicylaldehyde. Then the related square planar Pt (II) cationic complex, [Pt (NSNO)] Cl, was synthesized using PtCl2 (SMe2)2 as precursor complex. The nature of the pytaO2NSalH and its platinum complex were determined by the elemental analysis, molar conductivity and spectrochemical (IR, UV–vis, 1HNMR) techniques. In addition, the fully optimized geometries and vibration frequencies of them together were calculated using the ADF 2009.01 package. Structural parameters are in good agreement with the experimental data. The calculated and experimental results confirmed the suggested structures for the ligand and complex.
Quantification of Power Losses of the Interdigitated Metallization of Crystalline Silicon Thin-Film Solar Cells on Glass
Authors: Gress Peter J. , Varlamov Sergey
Published: April 2012

The metallization grid pattern is one of the most important design elements for high-efficiency solar cells. This paper presents a model based on the unit cell approach to accurately quantify the power losses of a specialized interdigitated metallization scheme for polycrystalline silicon thin-film solar cells on glass superstrates. The sum of the power losses can be minimized to produce an optimized grid-pattern design for a cell with specific parameters. The model is simulated with the standard parameters of a polycrystalline silicon solar cell, and areas for efficiency improvements are identified, namely, a reduction in emitter finger widths and a shift toward series-interconnected, high-voltage modules with very small cell sizes. Using the model to optimize future grid-pattern designs, higher cell and module efficiencies of such devices can be achieved.
Design and Synthesis of Crown Ether Functionalized Imidazoles as a New type of Building Blocks
Authors: Li Sheng-Hui , Xia Jing
Published: April 2012

A simple, convenient and efficient synthesis for a series of crown ether functionalized imidazoles from benzo‐15‐crown‐5 (B15C5), benzo‐18‐crown‐6 (B18C6), imidazole (Im), 2‐methylimidazole (mIm), benzimidazole (bIm) and 2‐methyl benzimidazole (mbIm) is reported. All these compounds obtained were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, ESI‐MS and elemental analysis.
A Note on Fractional Differential Equations with Fractional Separated Boundary Conditions
Authors: Ahmad Bashir , Ntouyas Sotiris K.
Published: April 2012

We consider a new class of boundary value problems of nonlinear fractional differential equations with fractional separated boundary conditions. A connection between classical separated and fractional separated boundary conditions is developed. Some new existence and uniqueness results are obtained for this class of problems by using standard fixed point theorems. Some illustrative examples are also discussed.
Density Functional Theory (DFT) Study of O2, N2 Adsorptions on H‐Capped (5, 0) Single–Walled Carbon Nanotube (CNT)
Authors: Ashrafi Ferydon , Ghasemi Ashraf Sadat
Published: April 2012

CNTs are one of the most significant achievements of nano‐technology with important applications in the design of electronic nano‐devices. Nano‐tubes with small size, physical stability and sensitivity of their electric properties to adsorption of N2 and O2 make them ideal materials for use in gas sensors. In this investigation the (DFT) method is utilized to study the adsorption of oxygen, nitrogen molecules on the surface of (5,0) CNT. The electronic structure, NMR spectrum, dipole moment of nitrogen, oxygen and carbon nuclei′s are thoroughly studied. The computational results indicate that rich adsorption patterns may result from the interaction of oxygen and nitrogen with the CNTs. Sometimes, C‐O bounds are formed via breaking C‐C bounds and sometimes a carbon atom in the nanotube is replaced with an oxygen atom. Sometimes oxygen and nitrogen molecular are attracted to a C‐C bound. In summary, the optimized adsorption rates are calculated. The nitrogen molecules adsorb with a comparatively lower rate and almost never a chemical binding is formed with the CNT. Gaussian 98 software has been used to carry out quantum chemistry calculations.
A Facile Procedure for the Conversion of Oximes to Ketones and Aldehydes with Potassium Dichromate in Dimethylformamide under Homogeneous Conditions
Authors: Huang Li-Hong , Lou Ji-Dong , Zhang Changhe , Lin Fang , Zou Xiao-Nan
Published: April 2012

Oxidative cleavage of oximes to their parent corresponding carbonyl compounds using potassium dichromate‐dimethylformamide system under homogeneous conditions in good yields is described. The main advantage of the present method is no need of preparation of hexavalent chromium‐based reagents due to using a polar aprotic solvent.
Incomplete Bivariate Fibonacci and Lucas p‐Polynomials
Authors: Tasci Dursun , Cetin Firengiz Mirac , Tuglu Naim
Published: April 2012

We define the incomplete bivariate Fibonacci and Lucas p‐polynomials. In the case x = 1, y = 1, we obtain the incomplete Fibonacci and Lucas p‐numbers. If x = 2, y = 1, we have the incomplete Pell and Pell‐Lucas p‐numbers. On choosing x = 1, y = 2, we get the incomplete generalized Jacobsthal number and besides for p = 1 the incomplete generalized Jacobsthal‐Lucas numbers. In the case x = 1, y = 1, p = 1, we have the incomplete Fibonacci and Lucas numbers. If x = 1, y = 1, p = 1, k = ⌊(n − 1)/(p + 1)⌋, we obtain the Fibonacci and Lucas numbers. Also generating function and properties of the incomplete bivariate Fibonacci and Lucas p‐polynomials are given.
Spatial Cluster Analysis by the Adleman‐Lipton DNA Computing Model and Flexible Grids
Authors: Liu Xiyu , Xiang Laisheng , Wang Xin
Published: April 2012

Spatial cluster analysis is an important data‐mining task. Typical techniques include CLARANS, density‐ and gravity‐based clustering, and other algorithms based on traditional von Neumann’s computing architecture. The purpose of this paper is to propose a technique for spatial cluster analysis based on DNA computing and a grid technique. We will adopt the Adleman‐Lipton model and then design a flexible grid algorithm. Examples are given to show the effect of the algorithm. The new clustering technique provides an alternative for traditional cluster analysis.
Structural and Theoretical Studies of 2‐amino‐3‐nitropyridine
Authors: Al-Hokbany N. S. , Dahya A. A. , Warad I. Kh. , El-Salam N. M. Abd , Akriche S. T. , Rzaiguib M. , Karamac U. , Mahfouzc R. M.
Published: April 2012

Geometrical optimization, spectroscopic analysis, electronic structure and nuclear magnetic resonance of 2‐amino‐3‐nitropyridine (ANP) were investigated by utilizing ab-initio (MP2) and DFT(B3LYP) using 6‐311++G(d,p) basis set. Geometrical parameters (bond lengths, bond angles and torsion angles) were computed and compared with the experimental values obtained using X‐ray single crystal measurements of the title compound. IR spectra were obtained and assigned by vibrational analysis. Comparing the theoretically calculated values (bond lengths, bond and dihedral angles) using both B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p) and MP2/6‐311++G(d,p) methods of calculations with the experimentally determined data by X‐ray single crystal measurements, all the data obtained in this investigation were considered to be reliable. The theoretical infrared spectra have been successfully simulated by means of DFT and MP2 levels of calculations. The 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts of 2‐amino‐3‐nitropyridine were calculated using the GIAO method in DMSO solution using IEF‐PCM model and compared with the experimental data. Intramolecular hydrogen bonding interaction in this compound was investigated by means of the NBO analysis. The calculated HOMO and LUMO energies show that charge transfer occurs within the molecule.
Epoxidation of Alkenes with Molecular Oxygen Catalyzed by Immobilized Co(acac)2 and Co(bpy)2Cl2 Complexes within Nanoreactors of Al‐MCM‐41
Authors: Farzaneh F. , Jalalian M. , Tayebi L.
Published: April 2012

Cobalt complexes with different ligands such as bipyridine, and acetylacetonate were immobilized within nanoreactors of Al‐MCM‐41, designated as Co(acac)2/Al‐MCM‐41 and Co(bipy)22+/Al‐MCM41. The immobilized complexes were characterized by XRD, N2‐adsorption desorption, FT‐IR and UV‐Vis techniques. It was found that Co(bipy)22+/Al‐MCM41 and Co(acac)2/Al‐MCM‐41 successfully catalyze the oxidation of norbornene, styrene, cis‐stilbene, trans‐stilbene, and cyclohexene with 68% to 100% conversion and 41% to 90% selectivity toward the corresponding epoxides. No desorption was observed during the course of reactions.
Overexpression of eIF3a in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity and Its Putative Relation to Chemotherapy Response
Authors: Spilka Rita , Laimer Klaus , Bachmann Felix , Spizzo Gilbert , Vogetseder Alexander , Wieser Manuel , Müller Heimo , Haybaeck Johannes , Obrist Peter
Published: April 2012

The eukaryotic translation initiation factor eIF3a is one of the core subunits of the translation initiation complex eIF3, responsible for ribosomal subunit joining and mRNA recruitment to the ribosome. It is known to play an important role in general translation initiation as well as in the specific translational regulation of various gene products, among which many influence tumour development, progression, and the therapeutically important pathways of DNA damage repair. Therefore, beyond its role in protein synthesis, eIF3a is emerging as regulator in tumour pathogenesis and therapy response and, therefore, a potential tumor marker. By means of a tissue microarray (TMA) for histopathological and statistical assessment, we here show eIF3a expression in 103 cases of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity (OSCC), representing tissues from 103 independent patients. A subset of the study cohort was treated with platinum based therapy. Our results show that the 170 kDa protein is upregulated in OSCC and correlates with good overall survival. Overexpressing tumors respond better to platinum-based chemotherapy, suggesting eIF3a as a putative predictive as well as prognostic tumor marker in OSCC.
A Facile Synthesis of Polysubstituted Pyrroles by One‐Pot Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Anaraki-Ardakani Hossein , Noei Maziar , Karbalaei-Harofteh Mina , Zomorodbakhsh Shahab
Published: April 2012

A new and efficient one‐pot synthesis of polysubstituted pyrrole derivatives by three‐component reaction between dialkyl acetylenedicarboxylates, triphenylphosphine, 2‐aminopyridin derivatives in the presence of arylglyoxals is described. The reactions were performed in dichloromethane at room temperature and neutral conditions and afforded high yields of products.
Co(II) Complex of Mefloquine Hydrochloride: Synthesis, Antimicrobial Potential, Antimalaria and Toxicological Activities
Authors: Femi Adediji J. , Ayoola Obaleye J.
Published: April 2012

Transition metal complex of Co(II) with Mefloquine hydrochloride (antimalaria drug) was synthesized using template method. Chemical analysis including conductivity measurements and spectroscopic studies were used to propose the geometry and mode of binding of the ligand to metal ion. From analytical data, the stoichiometry of the complex has been found to be 1:1. Infrared spectral data also suggest that the ligand (mefloquine hydrochloride) behaves as a tridentate ligand with N:N:O donor sequence towards the metal ion. The complex generally showed octahedral coordinate geometry. Conductivity measurement of 10-2 mol dm-3 methanol solution of the complex indicated non‐electrolytic nature of metal complex. It also revealed that the ligand anions were covalently bonded to the complex. In-vivo evaluation of antimicrobial studies of the metal complex showed greater activities when compared to the free mefloquine.The complex was screened against malarial parasites (Plasmodium yoelii nigeriensis): It was evident from the results obtained that Co(II) mefloquine has highest clearance of about 80% parasitaemia reduction compared to the free mefloquine. The ligand and metal complex were screened for their toxicological activities at the dose of 0.60 mg/Kg body weight twice daily for seven days on the alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotranferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities of rat serum, liver and kidney. Overall, it was revealed that both mefloquine and its metal complex do not showed toxicity particularly on the liver and kidney.
Degradation of Organophosphorus Pesticides in Water during UV/H2O2 Treatment: Role of Sulphate and Bicarbonate Ions
Authors: Fadaei Am , Dehghani Mh , Mahvi Ah , Nasseri S. , Rastkari N. , Shayeghi M.
Published: April 2012

The photodegradation of two organophosphorus pesticides, malathian and diazinon, by sulfate radicals and bicarbonate radicals in aqueous solution were studied. The effect of the operational parameters such as pH, salt concentration, water type, H2O2 concentration and initial concentration of pesticides was studied. Gas chromatography mass spectroscopy (GC–MS) was used for analyses of pesticides. When salt effect was studied, it was found that sodium bicarbonate was the most powerful inhibitor used, while sodium sulfate was the weakest one. The highest degradation in UV/H2O2 process for malathion was found in alkaline condition and for diazinon in acidic condition. The photodegradation in all waters used in this work exhibited first order kinetics. Photodegradation rate in distilled water was higher than real water. The degradation of pesticides increased with increasing of H2O2 concentration.
Effect of Temperature on the Critical Micelle Concentration and Micellization Thermodynamic of Nonionic Surfactants: Polyoxyethylene Sorbitan Fatty Acid Esters
Authors: Mohajeri Ehsan , Noudeh Gholamreza Dehghan
Published: April 2012

In this study, non‐ionic surfactants, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters (polysorbate) are chosen to examine the temperature effect on the CMC over a wide temperature range. The enthalpy and entropy of micelle formation are evaluated according to the phase separation model. The surface tension of solutions was determined by means of Du Nöuys ring. The CMC values were taken from the sharp breaks in the surface tension vs. logarithms of surfactant concentration plots. As the surfactants′ chain length increases the CMC at a constant temperature decreases, which is directly related to the decrease of hydrophilicity of the molecules. For each surfactant, as the system temperature increases, the CMC initially decreases and then increases, owing to the smaller probability of hydrogen bond formation at higher temperatures. The onset of micellization tends to occur at higher concentrations as the temperature increases. To evaluate the enthalpy of micellization, the CMCs are first correlated by a polynomial equation. It is found that ∆Gºm decreases monotonically as the temperature increases over the whole temperature range. Both ∆Hºm and ∆Sºm appear to be decrease monotonically with an increase in temperature. The compensation temperature was found to be 42 ºC by linear regression over the whole temperature range and for all three surfactant systems together.
Evaluation of Factors Affecting Uricase Production by the Screened Wild/Natural Microbes
Authors: Dwivedi Harinath , Agrawal Kusum , Saraf Shubhini A
Published: April 2012

Gout is a metabolic disorder due to the deposition of uric acid crystals within articular or periarticular tissues. Uricase (urate oxidase) catalyzes the oxidation of less water soluble uric acid (7 mg/dl) to a compound allantoin which is more water soluble(11g/L at 40°C) resulting into the ease of excretion of uric acid. The objective of the work was to develop a new method for screening of microbes for uricase production and estimation of uricase thereof. This was achieved by utilizing the fact that uric acid dissolves on being acted upon by uricase. The proposed method is a novel, inexpensive, simple and sensitive technique for screening and estimation of uricase. Biomass and uricase production at different stages of microbial growth curve for the uricase producing microbe was studied. Effects of different medium components affecting uricase production by microbes were studied using Placket Burman statistical design. Addition of uric acid in the nutrient medium was found to be effective in increasing the uricase production by microbes growing in the medium.
The Effect of the Microenvironment Created by a Titanium Mesh Cage on Subcutaneous Experimental Bone Formation and Inhibition of Absorption
Authors: Tanoue Ryuichiro , Ohta Keisuke , Kusukawa Jingo , Nakamura Kei-ichiro
Published: April 2012

We attempted to form ectopic bone under the skin of rats without adding any extrinsic bone-inducing growth factors or cytokines using bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs), a collagen scaffold and a titanium mesh cage. We set up a space made up of a cage inserted into the subcutaneous region of rats’ backs, where we could eliminate the possible influence of residual bone tissue on bone induction. We filled this space with a collagen matrix containing BMSCs. At week 8 and month 6 after implantation, the specimens were removed and observed histologically, histochemically and enzyme histochemically. As a result, bone tissue was identified in each case within the titanium cages, even though we had not used bone-inducing chemical substances. Bone generation was not found in test cases without a cage. Enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) labeling of the implanted BMSCs clearly showed that these cells differentiated into osteoblasts and subsequently into osteocytes in the formed bone tissue. Host cells without EGFP labeling were also confirmed to be involved in bone formation. Six months after transplantation, the implanted cells were still present in the generated bone, and no significant resorption of the generated bone was observed. These results indicate that the physically stable spatial microenvironment created by the cage in vivo plays an important role in bone formation and inhibition of its resorption, which we refer to as the ‘cage effect’.
Similar Developmental Patterns of Ghrelin- and Glucagon-Expressing Cells in the Human Pancreas
Authors: Vignjević Sanja , Todorović Vera , Damjanović Svetozar , Budeč Mirela , Mitrović Olivera , Djikić Dragoslava , Drndarević Neda , Mićić Mileva , Mišković-Krivokapić Jelena , Djuričić Slaviša , Nikolić Ivan
Published: April 2012

The pancreas appears to be a major source of ghrelin during fetal development, but the ontogeny of ghrelin cells in the human pancreas and their developmental relationship with α- and β-cells remain largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the dynamics of ghrelin cell growth, colocalization of ghrelin with major pancreatic hormones and defined the similarities and differences among developmental patterns of ghrelin-, glucagon- and insulin-expressing cells in the human pancreas. To this end, paraffin-embedded pancreatic tissue sections from human embryos and fetuses were assessed by immunohistochemistry. Ghrelin-positive cells were first detected in the pancreas of 11-week-old fetuses. With advancing gestational age, both ghrelin- and glucagon-expressing cells were increasingly observed at the periphery of the developing islets, whereas insulin-containing cells were typically found in the islet core. Double immunohistochemistry showed that ghrelin-expressing cells were clearly separate from insulin-, somatostatin- and pancreatic polypeptide-containing cells. In contrast, cells coexpressing ghrelin and glucagon were sporadically detected during both the early and late fetal periods. Furthermore, morphometric analysis revealed a similar trend in the volume density of ghrelin- and glucagon-positive cells, and a contrasting pattern in β-cell density at specific time points during the development of the human pancreas. This study demonstrates that the developmental pattern of ghrelin cells, although clearly distinct, is quite similar to that of glucagon-expressing cells. The obtained findings indicate a close lineage relationship between these cell populations, a functional relationship between their secretory products and an auto/paracrine mode of ghrelin-glucagon interaction in pancreatic development.
Reward Modulation of Hippocampal Subfield Activation during Successful Associative Encoding and Retrieval
Authors: Wolosin Sasha M. , Zeithamova Dagmar , Preston Alison R.
Published: April 2012

Emerging evidence suggests that motivation enhances episodic memory formation through interactions between medial-temporal lobe (MTL) structures and dopaminergic midbrain. In addition, recent theories propose that motivation specifically facilitates hippocampal associative binding processes, resulting in more detailed memories that are readily reinstated from partial input. Here, we used high-resolution fMRI to determine how motivation influences associative encoding and retrieval processes within human MTL subregions and dopaminergic midbrain. Participants intentionally encoded object associations under varying conditions of reward and performed a retrieval task during which studied associations were cued from partial input. Behaviorally, cued recall performance was superior for high-value relative to low-value associations; however, participants differed in the degree to which rewards influenced memory. The magnitude of behavioral reward modulation was associated with reward-related activation changes in dentate gyrus/CA2,3 during encoding and enhanced functional connectivity between dentate gyrus/CA2,3 and dopaminergic midbrain during both the encoding and retrieval phases of the task. These findings suggests that, within the hippocampus, reward-based motivation specifically enhances dentate gyrus/CA2,3 associative encoding mechanisms through interactions with dopaminergic midbrain. Furthermore, within parahippocampal cortex and dopaminergic midbrain regions, activation associated with successful memory formation was modulated by reward across the group. During the retrieval phase, we also observed enhanced activation in hippocampus and dopaminergic midbrain for high-value associations that occurred in the absence of any explicit cues to reward. Collectively, these findings shed light on fundamental mechanisms through which reward impacts associative memory formation and retrieval through facilitation of MTL and ventral tegmental area/substantia nigra processing.
Trading Networks of Malay Merchants and Traders in the Straits of Melaka from 1780 to 1830
Authors: Hussin Nordin
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Malay merchants and traders played an essential and significant role in the early modern history of trade and commerce in Southeast Asia. Nevertheless records on the history of their entrepreneurship has been hardly written and researched upon. Thus, the main objective of this paper is to trace back the dynamic of Malay trading communities in the late 18th and towards the early decades of the 19th century. The paper would also highlight the importance of Malay traders in early Penang and the survival of Melaka as an important port in the late 18th century. A focal analysis of this study is on the 18th and 19th centuries Malay merchant communities and how their active presence in the Malay waters had given a great impact to the intra-Asian trade in Southeast Asia prior to the period of European colonialism and imperialism.
Malay Islamic Historiography (ca. XIII–XIX) Regarding Finance and Taxes in the Malay World
Authors: Denisova Tatiana
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Malay Islamic historiography from the 13th to the 19th centuries (Hikayat Raja Pasai, Sejarah Melayu, Hikayat Aceh, Peringatan Sejarah Negri Johor, Tuhfat al-Nafis) is well known and recognised as one of the most important sources of history of the Malay world; including, but not limited to the history of economic development in the area. Malay historical chronicles are narrative works written in the Arabic script Jawi, composed in the courts of Malay Muslim rulers (Namely Sultans and Yang Dipertuan) and dedicated to their activities, lives and great services performed for their countries. Commonly speaking, these texts share a common structure, containing a segment devoted to genealogies (silsilah) and a narrative part. Malay Islamic historical chronicles contain a wealth of information and references concerning the history of finance and taxes in the Malay world. This information may be divided into the following subjects: money and coins (banknotes), goods as monetary substitutes; prices; fees and taxes, as well as the credit and loan system etc. The analysis of such information could be highly useful in studying Malay economical and social development from its proper perspectives.
Effect of temperature on the life cycle of Heterodera schachtii infecting oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Kakaire Stephen , Grove Ivan G. , Haydock Patrick P.J.
Published: April 2012

Oilseed rape (OSR; Brassica napus L.) is a crop of increasing world importance and suffers yield loss when infected with Heterodera schachtii. The in vitro hatch, in planta root invasion and development of a field population of H. schachtii were investigated in six thermostatically-controlled water baths at temperatures of 5.0, 10.1, 20.5, 27.8, 32.2 and 37.5°C in a glasshouse. The UK winter OSR cvs Flash and Castille were used. Temperature was shown to have a major influence on the development of H. schachtii in OSR. The highest cumulative percentage hatch of second-stage juveniles (J2) observed over an 8-week incubation period occurred between 20.5 and 27.8°C in leachates of both OSR cultivars, indicating that this is the optimum temperature range for hatching of this population. Cumulative hatch was lowest at 37.5 and 5.0°C. Root invasion was inhibited at 5.0 and 37.5°C, whilst the highest number of J2 invaded the roots between 20.5 and 32.2°C, indicating that this is the optimum temperature range for root invasion. The life cycle took between 21 days at 20.5°C and 42 days at 5.0°C from the inoculated J2 to the J2 of the second generation, with the associated accumulated heat units (AHU) of 424 and 203 degree-days with a base temperature (Tb) of 5.0°C. The optimum temperature range (To) for development was between 20.5 and 27.8°C and the maximum (Tm) was 37.5°C. As temperature increased, the AHU required to complete the life cycle increased from 203 degree-days at 5.0°C to 1406 at 37.5°C. Leachates from both OSR cultivars stimulated more J2 to hatch than the distilled water controls. No significant cultivar differences were observed for J2 hatching, root invasion and duration of the life cycle at the different temperatures but significantly more cysts of the second generation (g root)−1 were observed in cv. Flash than cv. Castille at 27.8 and 32.2°C, suggesting that the latter cultivar is a poorer host of H. schachtii than cv. Flash. This is the first report of the effect of temperature on H. schachtii development on current winter OSR cultivars in the UK and provides insight into the potential effects of climate change on the nematode-host interaction.
Building other Peoples’ States: The Sociology of State-Building
Authors: Roxborough Ian
Published: April 2012

Abstract

This article discusses the development of social science and policy thinking about “nation-building” and state-building from the 1960s to the present. It examines in detail the recommendations of the recent Army field manual, FM 3–07 “Stability Operations”, demonstrating that the manual offers very little in the way of concrete guidance for policy-makers. This article argues that the shift from “modernization” theory to “globalization” theories did not lead to substantive re-thinking of the processes and difficulties of state-building. Various social science approaches to state-building are discussed and compared with the analysis of FM 3–07. The article argues that what is required for effective policy is detailed local knowledge linked to an appreciation of the larger historical processes of state-building. The notion of development and conflict “traps” and “humps” is suggested as a promising way to analyze state-building.
Enforcement of Divorce Judgments in Jewish Courts in Israel: The Interaction Between Religious and Constitutional Law*
Authors: Kaplan Yehiel S.
Published: April 2012

In the State of Israel, Rabbinical courts are granted sole jurisdiction in the adjudication of marriage and divorce of Jews. In these courts, the husband presents the divorce writ of Jews, the get, to his wife on the occasion of their divorce at the end of the adjudication process. When Jews sue for divorce in Rabbinical courts, the courts occasionally determine that the man should grant his wife a get or that the wife should accept the get granted by her husband. Sometimes one spouse disobeys the ruling. Although the Rabbinical courts occasionally impose sanctions in an attempt to enforce divorce judgments, they are generally reluctant to do so. The implementation of inappropriate measures can lead to the conclusion that a given divorce is in fact a legally ineffectual coerced divorce. Consequently, the Jewish courts occasionally delay the imposition of these sanctions out of concern that inappropriate coercive measures invalidate the get, rendering the couple still legally married. The Supreme Court of Israel has ruled, though, that the Rabbinical courts in Israel should act in light of the constitutional principles in Basic Law: Human Dignity and Freedom. However, the Supreme Court of Israel has not clearly or specifically addressed the balance between the rights and obligations of the husband and wife in the process of enforcing divorce judgments, neither before nor after the enactment of the of the two important constitutional Basic Laws enacted in 1992. A detailed policy analysis of the sanctions against recalcitrant spouses in Rabbinical courts in Israel—in light of the principles of Jewish and constitutional law in the country—has not yet been undertaken. The aim of this essay is therefore to present the appropriate formula pertaining to the imposition of sanctions against recalcitrant spouses given the principles of Jewish and constitutional law. The formula is presented in light of constitutional law in Israel. However, it is also applicable in other countries with similar constitutional legislation, such as Canada, where legislation sometimes allows for the civil enforcement of Jewish divorce.