bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Combined Effect of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Diabetes on Cardiovascular Mortality
Authors: Moe Børge , Eilertsen Eivin , Nilsen Tom I.L.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

To examine if leisure-time physical activity could cancel out the adverse effect of diabetes on cardiovascular mortality.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study prospectively examined the combined effect of clinical diabetes and reported leisure-time physical activity on cardiovascular mortality. Data on 53,587 Norwegian men and women participating in the population-based Nord-Trøndelag Health (HUNT) Study (1995–1997) were linked with the Cause of Death Registry at Statistics Norway.

RESULTS

Overall, 1,716 people died of cardiovascular disease during follow-up through 2008. Compared with the reference group of 3,077 physically inactive people without diabetes, 121 inactive people with diabetes had an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 2.81 (95% CI 1.93–4.07). The HR (95% CI) among people who reported ≥3 h of light activity per week was 0.89 (0.48–1.63) if they had diabetes (n = 403) and 0.78 (0.63–0.96) if they did not (n = 17,714). Analyses stratified by total activity level showed a gradually weaker association of diabetes with mortality with increasing activity level (Pinteraction = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that even modest physical activity may cancel out the adverse impact of diabetes on cardiovascular mortality.
Long-Term Changes in Adiposity and Glycemic Control Are Associated With Past Adenovirus Infection
Authors: Lin Wan-Yu , Dubuisson Olga , Rubicz Rohina , Liu Nianjun , Allison David B. , Curran Joanne E. , Comuzzie Anthony G. , Blangero John , Leach Charles T. , Göring Harald , Dhurandhar Nikhil V.
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE

Ad36, a human adenovirus, increases adiposity but improves glycemic control in animal models. Similarly, natural Ad36 infection is cross-sectionally associated with greater adiposity and better glycemic control in humans. This study compared longitudinal observations in indices of adiposity (BMI and body fat percentage) and glycemic control (fasting glucose and insulin) in Ad36-infected versus uninfected adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Baseline sera from Hispanic men and women (n = 1,400) were screened post hoc for the presence of Ad36-specific antibodies. Indices of adiposity and glycemic control at baseline and at ∼10 years past the baseline were compared between seropositive and seronegative subjects, with adjustment for age and sex. In addition to age and sex, indices of glycemic control were adjusted for baseline BMI and were analyzed only for nondiabetic subjects.

RESULTS

Seropositive subjects (14.5%) had greater adiposity at baseline, compared with seronegative subjects. Longitudinally, seropositive subjects showed greater adiposity indices but lower fasting insulin levels. Subgroup analyses revealed that Ad36-seropositivity was associated with better baseline glycemic control and lower fasting insulin levels over time in the normal-weight group (BMI ≤25 kg/m2) and longitudinally, with greater adiposity in the overweight (BMI 25–30 kg/m2) and obese (BMI >30 kg/m2) men. Statistically, the differences between seropositive and seronegative individuals were modest in light of the multiple tests performed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study strengthens the plausibility that in humans, Ad36 increases adiposity and attenuates deterioration of glycemic control. Panoptically, the study raises the possibility that certain infections may modulate obesity or diabetes risk. A comprehensive understanding of these under-recognized factors is needed to effectively combat such metabolic disorders.
Fixed points for cyclic orbital generalized contractions on complete metric spaces
Authors: Karapınar Erdal , Romaguera Salvador , Taş Kenan
Published: November 2012

We prove a fixed point theorem for cyclic orbital generalized contractions on complete metric spaces from which we deduce, among other results, generalized cyclic versions of the celebrated Boyd and Wong fixed point theorem, and Matkowski fixed point theorem. This is done by adapting to the cyclic framework a condition of Meir-Keeler type discussed in [Jachymski J., Equivalent conditions and the Meir-Keeler type theorems, J. Math. Anal. Appl., 1995, 194(1), 293–303]. Our results generalize some theorems of Kirk, Srinavasan and Veeramani, and of Karpagam and Agrawal.
Optomechanical effects in superfluid properties of BEC in an optical lattice
Authors: Verma Priyanka , Bhattacherjee Aranya , Mohan Man
Published: November 2012

We investigate the effects of a movable mirror (cantilever) of an optical cavity on the superfluid properties and the Mott phase boundary of a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) in an optical lattice. The Bloch energy, effective mass, Bogoliubov energy and the superfluid fraction are modified due to the mirror motion. The mirror motion is also found to modify the Mott-superfluid phase boundaries. This study reveals that the mirror emerges as a new handle to coherently control the superfluid properties of the BEC.
Characterization of CaTi0.9Fe0.1O3/La0.98Mg0.02NbO4 composite
Authors: Mielewczyk-Gryn Aleksandra , Lendze Tomasz , Gdula-Kasica Katarzyna , Jasinski Piotr , Krupa Andrzej , Kusz Boguslaw , Gazda Maria
Published: November 2012

A composite of CaTi0.9Fe0.1O3 and electrolyte material, i.e. magnesium doped La0.98Mg0.02NbO4 was prepared and studied. The phase content and the sample microstructure was examined by an X-ray diffraction method and scanning electron microscopy. EDS measurements were done both for composite samples and the diffusion couple. The electrical properties were studied by four terminal DC method. The high-temperature interaction between the two components of the composite has been observed. It has been suggested that lanthanum diffused into the perovskite phase and substituted for calcium whereas calcium and niobium formed the Ca2Nb2O7 pyrochlore phase. At 1500°C very large crystallites of the pyrochlore were observed. Regardless of strong interaction between the composite components, its total conductivity was weakly dependent on the sintering temperature.
An eighth-order KdV-type equation in (1+1) and (2+1) dimensions: multiple soliton solutions
Authors: Wazwaz Abdul-Majid
Published: November 2012

In this work we study an eighth-order KdV-type equations in (1+1) and (2+1) dimensions. The new equations are derived from the KdV6 hierarchy. We show that these equations give multiple soliton solutions the same as the multiple soliton solutions of the KdV6 hierarchy except for the dispersion relations.
An efficient algorithm for function optimization: modified stem cells algorithm
Authors: Taherdangkoo Mohammad , Paziresh Mahsa , Yazdi Mehran , Bagheri Mohammad
Published: November 2012

In this paper, we propose an optimization algorithm based on the intelligent behavior of stem cell swarms in reproduction and self-organization. Optimization algorithms, such as the Genetic Algorithm (GA), Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm and Artificial Bee Colony (ABC) algorithm, can give solutions to linear and non-linear problems near to the optimum for many applications; however, in some case, they can suffer from becoming trapped in local optima. The Stem Cells Algorithm (SCA) is an optimization algorithm inspired by the natural behavior of stem cells in evolving themselves into new and improved cells. The SCA avoids the local optima problem successfully. In this paper, we have made small changes in the implementation of this algorithm to obtain improved performance over previous versions. Using a series of benchmark functions, we assess the performance of the proposed algorithm and compare it with that of the other aforementioned optimization algorithms. The obtained results prove the superiority of the Modified Stem Cells Algorithm (MSCA).
Refractive index sensor based on slot waveguide cavity
Authors: Cosentino A. , Tan Q. , Roussey M. , Herzig H. P.
Published: November 2012

The experimental study of a gold slot waveguide cavity is presented. The resonance of this cavity working in the telecom wavelength range is highly dependent on the refractive index of the medium located in or around the slots array, because of the high confinement of the electromagnetic field in the structure. We will demonstrate the application of this structure to local refractive index sensors at the nanoscale. The measured sensitivity of this device is S = 730 nm/RIU (refractive index unit). The structure has been optimized by adding another array of slots cascaded with the first one. The consequence is an improvement in the time efficiency of the experiments. A discussion about the effect of the volume of liquids used and the filling percentage of the slots by the liquids is also presented as parameters affecting the measurements and the sensitivity of the sensor.
Synthesis, characterization and nonlinear optical properties of silver/PVA nanocomposites
Authors: Faraji N. , Mahmood Mat Yunus W. , Kharazmi A. , Saion E. , Shahmiri M. , Tamchek N.
Published: November 2012

Silver/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposites are prepared via quick precipitation method, using hydrazine as a reducing agent. Preparing of silver/PVA nanocomposites by this method is done for the first time. The samples are characterized by Uv-Visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Nonlinear optical properties are carried out by Z-scan technique using a blue CW laser beam operated at wavelength 405 nm. It is shown that the synthesized samples have negative nonlinear refractive index and the magnitude is in the order of 10−8. The nonlinear refractive index increases as amount of reducing agent increases.
Wear recording at micro deep drawing tools with comparative digital holography
Authors: Huferath-von Luepke S. , Huke P. , von Kopylow C. , Bergmann R. B.
Published: November 2012

We present a method to record the wear on samples of micro deep drawing tools. The method is based on the basic idea of comparative holography and captures three dimensionally the surface of the tool in the initial state and compares it with used state after processing several parts. The comparison reveals scratches and other effects caused by wear. In an industrial environment the comparative method must compensate for linear and rotational displacement of the present tool with respect to the initial state. As a consequence to the single-step-measurement with sufficiently high illumination intensity the developed set-up can be made insusceptible against stray light and the method is capable of inline quality control during a production process in a micro deep drawing machine.
Lossless polarization attraction simulation with a novel and simple counterpropagation algorithm for optical signals
Authors: Barozzi M. , Vannucci A. , Sperti D.
Published: November 2012

We introduce a simple and fast iterative algorithm, named SCAOS (simple counterpropagation algorithm for optical signals), for simulating the counterpropagation of optical signals within a nonlinear fiber. Being based on the split-step Fourier method, the algorithm is easily implementable in many traditional optical simulators. Applications of the SCAOS algorithm to the vectorial nonlinear counterpropagation of a polarized pump and a probe signal demonstrate the phenomenon of lossless polarization attraction. The evolution of the signal polarization along the fiber, obtained by simulation, reveals that polarization attraction always entails a certain amount of degradation of the signal’s degree of polarization. Two different setups are studied, involving different types of fibers with Kerr nonlinearity, and highlighting the dependence of the attraction phenomenon, as well as of its effectiveness, on the fiber type.
Advanced matrix laser lithography for fabrication of photonic micro-structures
Authors: Škereň Marek , Svoboda Jakub , Fiala Pavel
Published: November 2012

Direct laser beam writing techniques represent an interesting alternative to focused electron and ion beam writing approaches for the fabrication of photonic micro-structures. Although the resolution of laser beam writers is strongly limited by the Rayleigh diffraction limit, it is not always necessary to create features significantly smaller than the recording wavelength. In such cases, a laser exposure can be used, with all its advantages. In this paper a direct laser writing technique is presented one; which significantly improves the performance of commonly used direct laser writers by introducing an exposure of a large area within a single step. The elementary exposed area can contain a general micro-structure without any special requirements. In contrast to writing techniques based on a single spot focus, the writing beam can have the shape of a general aperiodic structure and exposes an area of about 10−2 square millimetre. This complicated exposure field is created using a demagnified projection of the exposed structure from a two-dimensional computer-driven spatial light modulator. The main advantages of the method compares to the single point exposure are a significantly improved exposure speed, a perfect alignment of features within a single exposed area, and the possibility of tuning the exposing field very precisely using continuous modulation of the signal on the spatial light modulator. The in-house-developed device is presented together with several realized samples.
Model for surface plasmon polariton mediated interaction between two dielectric-filled nanowaveguides
Authors: Nikolov Daniel K. , Velasco Mary Grace M. , Xu Huizhong
Published: November 2012

We propose an analytical model that describes the interaction between two apertures based on the excitation and propagation of surface plasmon polaritons. The model assumes no fitting parameters, and only requires coefficients that describe elementary processes occurring with a single aperture. We then use the model to predict both the far-field transmission and the near field intensity of two dielectric-filled cylindrical nanowaveguides separated by a varying distance. The choice of material and geometry for the nanowaveguides is based on a previous study where it was demonstrated that transmission of more than 40% can be achieved through isolated waveguides of diameter less than one tenth of the incident wavelength. In this current study, we found that both the transmission and the near field intensity of a nanowaveguide pair display an oscillatory behavior, however the oscillations in the near field intensity curve decay more rapidly. We compared the model predictions with results from three dimensional finite element simulations and the two are in excellent agreement. In addition, we analyzed the dependence of transmission on the polarization of the incident light and found that the interaction is negligible when the axis connecting the two waveguides is perpendicular to the polarization of the incident light.
Subwavelength resolution of the annular photonic crystal with negative refraction
Authors: Xia F. , Yun M. , Liu M. , Liang J. , Kong W. , Wan Y.
Published: November 2012

In this paper, negative refraction in the two-dimensional (2D) hexagonal lattices annular photonic crystal (APC) was theoretically studied. The annular photonic crystal was obtained by introduced circular-air-hole in the core of the Si-rod. The properties of the designed APC, such as photonic band structure, equal-frequency contours (EFCs) and the electric field distribution are analyzed by using Plane Wave Expansion (PWE) method and Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD) method. Numerical simulations show that negative refraction and super-lens imaging can be realized in the designed annular photonic crystal for the normalized frequency from 0.2983(2πc/a) to 0.347(2πc/a). And it was also found that the resolution decreases linearly with the increasing of the inner radius.
Investigation of smooth wave fronts using SLM-based phase retrieval and a phase diffuser
Authors: Agour M. , Almoro P. F. , Falldorf C.
Published: November 2012

A phase retrieval technique using a spatial light modulator (SLM) and a phase diffuser for a fast reconstruction of smooth wave fronts is demonstrated experimentally. Diffuse illumination of a smooth test object with the aid of a phase diffuser (maximum phase shift, Δø = 0.85π) results in a significant diversity in the intensity measurements which, in turn, is beneficial for a non-stagnating iterative phase reconstruction. The use of the SLM enables accurate and fast speckle intensity recording and active correction of misalignments in the setup. The effectiveness of the technique is demonstrated in the optical testing of lenses.
Detection of inter-hemispheric functional connectivity in motor cortex with coherence analysis
Authors: Varshney V. P. , Liapounova N. , Golestani A.-M. , Goodyear B. , Dunn J. F.
Published: November 2012

Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is showing promise as an alternate method to fMRI for studying cortical function. Resting state studies in both methods are showing functional linkages. The strength of functional connections is typically quantified by the level of significance of the temporal synchrony between brain regions, termed resting-state functional connectivity. Coherence analysis of resting state allows for phase insensitive and frequency specific analysis. This paper provides a detailed method for undertaking fNIRS in combination with resting-state coherence analysis. We show that maps of inter-hemispheric resting-state functional connectivity between the motor cortices can be reliably generated, and the frequency responses (to 50 Hz) for both oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin. Frequencies of 0-0.1 Hz provide robust data as have been shown previously. Higher frequencies (up to 5 Hz) also exhibit high coherence. Deoxyhemoglobin also shows high coherence above 10Hz. Coherence is similar during both resting and task activated states. fNIRS allows for mapping cortical function and, in combination with coherence analysis, allows one to study variations in frequency response.
The Examined Life
Authors: Allen Ansgar
Published: November 2012

The spread of examination throughout educational institutions is often viewed as an overly constraining influence, one that distorts pedagogic relationships and prevents more genuine educational activities from taking place. This critique of examination ignores the extent to which the structure of the school and the soul of the child are already constituted by examining techniques. A survey of the 19th-century emergence of mass schooling shows that examining techniques have long been embedded in schools. The early development of mass schooling incorporated two distinct and enduring approaches to the formation of souls: disciplinary and pastoral examination. These examining practices would help construct the kind of self-governing subjectivities required by the nation-state. Those who seek to confront practices of examination today face a task that is far more demanding than it first appears. This confrontation would involve nothing less than a rigorous and wide-ranging critique of how examination and schooling in their various forms continue to assemble us as subjects of power.
Molecular Characterization of Actinomyhcin D Producing Streptomyces Strain Isolated from Soil Samples
Authors: Rahman Md Ajijur , Ul Islam Md Anwar
Published: November 2012

The taxonomic position of an actinomycete strain, MARS-17 has been examined in this present study. Based on the morphological, biochemical and cultural characteristics, the strain was identified as a species of genus Streptomyces. It formed light brownish gray aerial mycelia and produced yellow-colored diffusible pigments. The 16S rRNA gene of this strain was sequenced and phylogenetic analysis using the sequence showed that the strain is most closely related to Streptomyces parvulus AB184326 (99.6%) and Streptomyces malachitospinus AB249954 (99.0%). On the basis of the 16S rDNA sequence and phenotypic characteristics, the strain was identified as a new type strain of Streptomyces parvulus. The strain produced a single antimicrobial compound in the Czapek-dox fermentation media which was indentified as actinomycin D from its spectral data. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12574 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 113-117, 2012
Comparative Study of Antidiabetic Activity of Hexane-Extract of Lemon Peel (Limon citrus) and Glimepiride in Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Naim Mohammad , Amjad Farhad Mohammad , Sultana Sania , Islam Sheikh Nazrul , Hossain Muhammad Amjad , Begum Rehana , Rashid Mohammad Abdur , Amran Mohammad Shah
Published: November 2012

Diabetes is classified as a metabolic disorder manifested by elevated level of glucose in the blood. An attempt has been made to compare the antidiabetic activity of hexane extract of lemon peel (Citrus Limon) with that of a marketed product, glimepiride, in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The study was performed by the measurement of blood glucose level using a glucometer. It was found that the hexane extract of lemon peel showed antidiabetic activity comparable to that of glimepiride. It can thus be inferred that the extract of lemon peel possesses significant antidiabetic activity. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12577 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 131-134, 2012
Preliminary Phytochemical and Pharmacological Investigations of Alpinia conchigera Griff. and Plumbago indica L.
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammed , Baura Joy , Islam Torequl , Homa Zilly , Chowdhury M Mohi Uddin , Hossain Md Aslam , Rashid Mohammad A
Published: November 2012

Preliminary phytochemical screenings with the crude extractives of Alpinia conchigera Griff. and Plumbago indica L. demonstrated the presence of alkaloids, steroids, saponins and reducing sugars. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of methanol extracts of A. conchigera and P. indica have been evaluated against 4 Gram positive and 7 Gram negative pathogenic bacteria and 7 fungi using ciprofloxacin and fluconazole as standards, respectively, where the extract showed varying degrees of antimicrobial activity with zone of inhibition ranging from 15.0 to 27.0 mm. A. conchigera demonstrated significant zone of inhibition against Aspergillus niger, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Shigella dysenteriae, Bacillus cereus Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Shigella sonnei, Vibrio cholerae while P. indica revealed strong inhibitory activity against Candida albicans, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Bacillus cereus, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Salmonella paratyphi. The MICs of the both plant extractives were found to be 31.25 ?g/ml against B. cereus, S. paratyphi, V. cholerae, A. niger and B. dermatitidis. In the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the LC50 and LC90 of A. conchigera and P. indica were found to be 6.1 & 12.2 ?g/ml and 5.0 &12.0 ?g/ml, respectively. A significant dose dependent antidiarrhoeal, antimotility and analgesic activities were observed during screening in mice. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12581 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 153-157, 2012
Vancomycin Sensitivity of Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus from Patients in Dhaka City, Bangladesh
Authors: Shahriar Mohammad , Shahid Sanjida , Katha Khusbu Khalil , Nasreen Waheeda , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed
Published: November 2012

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), resistant to all antibiotics including vancomycin, has been reported in Japan, USA, Canada and Brazil. Hence, the main objective of this study was to evaluate the possible presence of vancomycin resistant or intermediate Stap. aureus in Dhaka. A total of 122 clinical isolates were collected from different hospitals, clinics and diagnostic centers of the city for about 12 months starting from August 2010 to July 2011.They were identified using standard bacteriological methods. Sensitivity to recommended antibiotics was determined by disc diffusion method. In the present study 74% of total isolates were found to be betalactamase producers by iodometric methods, whereas with Nitrocefin® sticks 80% of the isolates were found to be beta-lactamase producers. All the multiple drug resistant strains were beta-lactamase producers. Out of 122 isolates, although no strains were found vancomycin resistant, 93.44% were found intermediate and only 6.56% showed sensitivity. This study reveals the growing antimicrobial resistance in Bangladesh and refers not to use the antimicrobial drugs that show insufficient sensitivity against Stap. aureus to prevent resistance and associated treatment failure. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12582 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 159-163, 2012
Market Survey and Analysis of Packaging Information Provided by Different Pharmaceutical Companies of Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Shibtosh , Pal Arindom , Sultana Jesmin
Published: November 2012

The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether or not the pharmaceutical companies of Bangladesh are providing all the necessary information and instructions in the packaging materials of pharmaceutical products which are available in Bangladesh. With this aim, the sample of secondary packaging material (cartons, labels, inserts or direction slips) of a total 150 products (from 50 generics) marketed by 15 pharmaceutical companies have been selected and were collected from different medical stores of Dhaka city. The packaging materials of the collected samples were then evaluated based on various regulatory and clinical parameters. It was found that some of the packaging materials of these selected pharmaceutical products lack several  important information in terms of clinical and regulatory parameters which limits the quality of these packaging materials. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12585 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 165-169, 2012
Synthesis and Characterization of Mixed Ligand Complexes of Co(II) and Fe(III) Ions with Malic Acid and Heterocyclic Amines
Authors: Hossain Md Belayet , Yousuf MA , Islam M Rafiqul , Salam Md Abdus , Rahman Mohammad Arifur , Akbor Md Ahedul
Published: November 2012

This paper describes the preparation and characterization of mixed ligand complexes of Co(II) and Fe(III) ions with malic acid and heterocyclic amines. The general formula of the complexes are as follows: [M(MA)L2] and K[M(MA)2L2] (where, M = Co(II) (1-4), Fe(II) (5-8); MA = C4H4O5 (1-4), 2C4H4O5 (5-8); L = C6H5N (1), C6H7N (2), C9H7N (3, 4), 2C6H5N (5), 2C6H7N (6), 2C9H7N (7-8). The complexes were prepared in the solid form and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity and magnetic measurements, infrared and electronic spectroscopic studies. The infrared spectra of the complexes confirmed the coordination of metal ion with ligands. The Co(II) complexes are assumed to have tetrahedral and the Fe(III) complexes have octahedral structure based on the electronic spectra and magnetic measurements. Their antibacterial and antifungal activity has also been evaluated by the disc diffusion methods against fourteen pathogenic bacteria (five gram positive and nine gram negative) and fourteen fungi. Complexes [Co(II)(MA)(4-pico)2] showed the highest antibacterial activity against all bacteria tested (when, MA= C4H4O5 and 4-pico = C6H7N). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12589 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 177-181, 2012
Review on NSAIDs: Frequently Used Drugs with Underlying Risks
Authors: Karim Reatul , Banoo Rebecca
Published: November 2012

Analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most widely used therapeutic agents today. An estimated 35 million or more people take traditional analgesic drugs regularly. But the presence of microscopic gastrointestinal bleeding is almost universal in patients treated with NSAIDs. Available reports and surveys reveal that thousands of people die every year due to GI perforation; many more suffer from peptic ulceration. The origin of these GI complications (nausea, heartburn, indigestion and abdominal pain, ulcers, perforation, bleeding etc.) is grafted with how NSAIDs works to reduce pain and inflammation. As a number of NSAIDs are available over-the-counter (OTC), many patients inappropriately assume that these are harmless and pose no risks because they are available without prescription. The objective of this review is to shed light on the risks associated with NSAIDs and to minimize the potential harmful effects to the patients. The review covers the development history of NSAIDs, their mechanism of action, allied adverse effects, present market scenario and steps to improve patient safety. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bpj.v15i2.12591 Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 15(2): 187-191, 2012
Initial-Fit Approach Versus Verified Prescription: Comparing Self-Perceived Hearing Aid Benefit
Authors: Abrams Harvey B. , Chisolm Theresa H. , McManus Megan , McArdle Rachel
Published: November 2012

Background:Despite evidence suggesting inaccuracy in the default fittings provided by hearing aid manufacturers, the use of probe-microphone measures for the verification of fitting accuracy is routinely used by fewer than half of practicing audiologists.Purpose:The present
study examined whether self-perception of hearing aid benefit, as measured through the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB; Cox and Alexander, 1995), differed as a function of hearing aid fitting method, specifically, manufacturer's initial-fit approach versus a verified prescription.
The prescriptive fit began at NAL-NL1 targets, with adjustments based on participant request. Each of the two fittings included probe-microphone measurement.Research Design:A counterbalanced, cross-over, repeated-measures, single-blinded design was utilized to address the research objectives.Study
Sample:Twenty-two experienced hearing aid users from the general Bay Pines VA Healthcare System audiology clinic population were randomized into one of two intervention groups.Intervention:At the first visit, half of the participants were fit with new hearing aids via the manufacturer's
initial fit while the second half were fit to a verified prescription using probe-microphone measurement. After a wear period of 4‐6 wk, the participants' hearing aids were refit via the alternate method and worn for an additional 4‐6 wk. Participants were blinded to the method
of fitting by utilizing probe-microphone measures with both approaches.Data Collection and Analysis:The APHAB was administered at baseline and at the end of each intervention trial. At the end of the second trial period, the participants were asked to identify which hearing aid fitting
was “preferred.” The APHAB data were subjected to a general linear model repeated-measures analysis of variance.Results:For the three APHAB communication subscales (i.e., Ease of Communication, Reverberation, and Background Noise) mean scores obtained with the verified prescription
were higher than those obtained with the initial-fit approach, indicating greater benefit with the former. The main effect of hearing aid fitting method was statistically significant [F (1, 21) = 4.69, p = 0.042] and accounted for 18% of the variance in the data (partial eta
squared = 0.183). Although the mean benefit score for the APHAB Aversiveness subscale was also better (i.e., lower) for the verified prescription than the initial-fit approach, the difference was not statistically significant. Of the 22 participants, 7 preferred their hearing aids programmed
to initial-fit settings and 15 preferred their hearing aids programmed to the verified prescription.Conclusions:The data support the conclusion that hearing aids fit to experienced hearing aid wearers using a verified prescription are more likely to yield better self-perceived benefit
as measured by the APHAB than if fit using the manufacturer's initial-fit approach.
Hearing Loss Associated with Xylene Exposure in a Laboratory Worker
Authors: Fuente Adrian , McPherson Bradley , Hood Linda J.
Published: November 2012

Background:Xylene is an organic solvent, widely used in histology laboratories and other occupational settings. Research in animals has demonstrated that xylene induces outer hair cell damage. Evidence regarding the effects of xylene in humans is only available from studies investigating
workers exposed to mixtures of solvents containing xylene. These data indicate that mixtures of solvents containing xylene may induce hearing loss and central auditory dysfunction.Purpose:To comprehensively evaluate the peripheral and central auditory system of a histology laboratory
worker exposed to xylene, who had presented with bilateral mild sensorineural hearing loss at an initial assessment.Research Design:A case report of a male histology laboratory worker who has been exposed to xylene for over 20 yr.Results:A diagnosis of bilateral mild sensorineural
hearing loss of cochlear origin was made on the basis of otological, neuroimaging, and audiological examinations. Results indicating the absence of transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions, and auditory brainstem responses as expected for a mild cochlear hearing loss, were obtained.Conclusions:The
observed bilateral mild sensorineural hearing loss was considered to have been induced by xylene exposure, due to the absence of any other etiological factors related to the onset of hearing loss. The results found in this patient are in agreement with animal data indicating xylene-induced
ototoxicity. Xylene-exposed individuals should be audiologically monitored on a regular basis.
L’anglais de spécialité en chimie organique : entre indétermination terminologique et multidimensionnalité
Authors: Peraldi Sandrine
Published: November 2012

Cet article porte sur une langue de spécialité relativement peu étudiée en anglais : celle de la chimie organique. Le discours de spécialité chimique est analysé à travers la mise en évidence de deux phénomènes linguistiques également méconnus : l’indétermination terminologique et la multidimensionnalité dans les sciences exactes. En effet, malgré la présence d’une nomenclature en chimie, une exploration textuelle outillée d’un double corpus, associée à une analyse componentielle revisitée des énoncés définitoires de certains termes clés a permis d’établir clairement que ces derniers étaient non seulement imprécis, mais qu’ils ne se prêtaient pas à une approche conceptuelle et logique des unités linguistiques. L’auteur montre également que cette indétermination est partiellement compensée par une très forte créativité lexicale, une structuration conceptuelle extrêmement dense et une construction sémantique des termes par incrémentation. Néanmoins, ce fonctionnement par stratification est également à l’origine de la multidimensionnalité latente du domaine et donc des nombreuses difficultés de classification et de représentation notionnelles de la discipline.
Traduction spécialisée : l’ergonomie cognitive au service de la formation
Authors: Lavault-Olléon Élisabeth , Carré Alice
Published: November 2012

La pratique de la traduction professionnelle a considérablement évolué et l’on ne peut plus aujourd’hui enseigner la traduction spécialisée sans inclure une formation solide aux outils informatiques d’aide à la traduction et à la terminologie, ou sans prendre en compte les conditions de travail radicalement nouvelles des traducteurs. Les étudiants en traduction sont désormais formés non seulement au travail de transfert linguistique que requiert la traduction, mais aussi aux savoir-faire pragmatiques, technologiques et relationnels exigés par la prestation de service en traduction. Dans le cadre des recherches sur le processus de traduction et plus précisément de l’ergonomie cognitive, l’observation du fonctionnement in vivo de traducteurs aguerris et débutants permet de repérer les difficultés et les points de progression nécessaires. La métacognition est ici proposée comme un moyen de formation approprié pour prendre en compte l’évolution des environnements professionnels.
ESP in Spain: Goals, achievements and prospects
Authors: Aguado de Cea Guadalupe , Curado Fuentes Alejandro
Published: November 2012

Cet article a pour objectif de décrire l'évolution de l’anglais de spécialité (ASP) au sein des études en langues spécialisées et de la recherche au niveau de l’enseignement supérieur en Espagne au cours des vingt dernières années. L'année 1992 est choisie comme point de départ parce qu’AELFE, l'Association des langues à objectifs spécifiques, a été fondée à Madrid à cette date. Lorsque des membres d'autres pays ont rejoint cette association, AELFE a servi de point de repère institutionnel universitaire pour le développement de l'ASP dans le cadre de la linguistique appliquée. L’ASP reflète les évolutions sociales, les changements éducatifs et les tendances linguistiques, ainsi que les innovations technologiques au sein des contextes universitaires et professionnels. L'évolution des scénarios du praticien des langues spécialisées et des situations de communication a transformé l’ASP en une pratique vivante et stimulante, quoique parfois sujette à controverses comme, par exemple, à propos de l’augmentation générale de la charge de travail de l'enseignant d’ASP. Différentes directions de travail et de recherche ont été adoptées dans les universités espagnoles depuis la création d’AELFE jusqu'à l'accord de Bologne. L'examen de ces variables est effectué à la lumière de quelques résultats quantitatifs et qualitatifs.
Água, organização do território e desertificação na Tunísia: observações a partir de um trabalho de campo
Authors: Souza Bartolomeu Israel de , Medeiros Rosa Maria Vieira
Published: November 2012

A desertificação é um tipo de degradação ambiental passível de ocorrer nas regiões de clima seco do mundo, principalmente em virtude da forma como se dá a exploração das terras aí localizadas. Grande parte da Tunísia encontra-se susceptível a esse impacto ambiental, levando em consideração que extensões consideráveis do seu território apresentam predomínio de uma pluviosidade muito baixa. Ainda assim, nem sempre a desertificação se fará presente nessas terras, cuja presença será determinada pelo tipo e intensidade do uso dos solos. O Trabalho de Campo desenvolvido na região centro-sul desse país, onde ocorrem os climas semiárido e árido, permitiu observar resultados diferentes em relação a essa questão ambiental. Em uma parte dessa região, técnicas de manejo dos solos e das águas utilizadas na organização do território praticadas a milhares de anos continuam a ser alternativas viáveis para dar sustentabilidade à agricultura e, juntamente com o uso de técnicas modernas, tem evitado o esgotamento dos solos e dos recursos hídricos. Esses exemplos mostram que a convivência com as secas, aliada a produção econômica de forma sustentável, é possível de ocorrer nesses ambientes, podendo algumas dessas técnicas serem reproduzidas no Brasil, particularmente na zona semiárida nordestina. Da mesma forma, o controle do movimento de dunas continentais foi outro aspecto positivo observado, também possível de ser reproduzido em algumas áreas do território brasileiro onde ocorre esse fenômeno. Por outro lado, percebeu-se que a crescente necessidade de solos férteis e água para serem utilizados na agricultura comercial da Tunísia, vem expandindo essa atividade em direção a algumas partes dessa região ainda pouco exploradas para esse fim e que apresentam esses recursos naturais, trazendo como consequência o recuo do uso tradicional dessas terras, baseado originalmente na pecuária extensiva, atividade que passa a se desenvolver mais intensamente em lugares onde os recursos hídricos e a vegetação são menos abundantes, provocando uma exploração mais acelerada dos mesmos, desenvolvendo a superpastagem e tornando a desertificação uma marca cada vez mais presente em algumas paisagens dessa parte do país.
La Grande Région, région transfrontalière européenne
Authors: Pereira Carneiro Filho Camilo
Published: November 2012

Projeto de pesquisa
Dynamique des savoirs et des échanges d’un produit de collecte en territoire transfrontalier
Authors: Pauline Laval
Published: November 2012

Le palmier wassaï (Euterpe oleracea Mart.), aussi appelé açaí au Brésil et pinot en Guyane, est natif du bassin amazonien, en Amérique du Sud. Dans cette région, il est d’une importance alimentaire majeure. En effet, on peut tirer de ses fruits un nectar très riche qui constitue une part importante de la consommation de certains peuples d’Amazonie, notamment pendant la période de fructification du palmier. Ce nectar est désormais à la mode en milieu urbain au Brésil, et s’exporte sous une large gamme de produits dérivés à l’international, grâce à ses vertus énergétiques et anti-oxydantes reconnues. Si la majeure partie de la production et de la transformation de wassaï se déroule à Belém, dans l’Etat du Pará au Brésil, de nombreuses autres filières existent à plus petite échelle, car le fruit comme le nectar, très périssables, supportent mal le transport. Cet article explicite la filière de production du nectar de wassaï du bas Oyapock, région frontalière entre la Guyane française et le Brésil. Nous étudions, du point de vue de l’ethnoécologie, les impacts de la frontière sur la dynamique des savoirs et des échanges du wassaï. Plus de 100 entretiens semi-directifs ont été menés chez les différents groupes ethniques du bas Oyapock, ainsi que des travaux d’observation participante de localisation des zones de croissance du wassaï, et un lexique spécialisé trilingue a été réalisé. Les résultats révèlent une très grande diversité de savoirs, de savoir-faire et d’usages de ce palmier, parmi les 9 groupes ethniques recensés dans la région. Ces usages sont le plus souvent spécifiques à chaque groupe, et en perte de vitesse, sauf la consommation de nectar, qui est commune à tous les groupes ethniques, en augmentation générale. Les savoirs et techniques consacrés à la domestication et à la préparation du nectar sont explicités. Dans le but de comprendre la répartition du palmier sur ce territoire, la cartographie des zones de croissance du palmier dans la région est établie en tenant compte des trois principaux écosystèmes distingués par les autochtones, ainsi que les zones de collecte et les circuits suivis par les fruits et le nectar tout au long du processus de production et de consommation. La discussion finale aborde notamment le problème du statut foncier des terres sur chaque rive du fleuve Oyapock, en Guyane française comme en Amapá, dont la situation bloquée freine l’amélioration des conditions de collecte et des volumes collectés. Enfin, nous questionnons l’impact de la construction du pont sur l’organisation des acteurs de la filière.
A Novel Design of Motion Detector Using Mouse Sensor
Authors: Zhang Boning , Wang Xiangdong , Qian Yueliang , Lin Shouxun
Published: November 2012

This paper presents a novel design using a mouse sensor to construct a system for motion detection in normal vision environment. A mouse sensor is packed under an optical mouse for detecting the motion of mouse on desktop and sending out the data and parameters to a controller or a computer directly. This paper introduces this kind of sensor to vision motion detection field by designing and building a circuit system. The feasibility of the design is demonstrated and degree of reliability is measured by experiments performed on the designed system. Additionally the authors point out the advantages of this design in comparison with other traditional methods or devices in brief.
A Reference Ontology Based Approach for Service Oriented Semantic Interoperability
Authors: Wang Shuying , Brown Kevin P. , Lu Jinghui , Capretz Miriam
Published: November 2012

To establish effective information exchange among applications in a distributed environment, participants not only share their functions and service interfaces, but often exchange data models. This paper proposes the use of ontologies to represent data models thus allowing applications to locate and integrate these models. A reference ontology based approach for service oriented ontology management is introduced. Specifically, a domain-specific reference ontology for use in the evaluation of a practical case is developed. To validate and evaluate the approach, a prototype system is developed to provide ontology deploying, browsing and mapping operations based on a service-oriented system. Experiments provide promising results that are consistent with the original ideas of managing ontologies and optimizing ontology mappings to facilitate data interoperability in a distributed environment.
Discrete Portable Measuring Device for Monitoring Noninvasive Intraocular Pressure with a Nano-Structured Sensing Contact Lens Prototype
Authors: Moya Ana , Guimerà Anton , Sánchez Irene , Laukin Vladimir , Martín Raúl , Ussa Fernando , Laukhina Elena , Rovira Concepció , Veciana Jaume , Pastor José Carlos , Villa Rosa , Aguiló Jordi
Published: November 2012

A new portable measuring device for monitoring intraocular pressure with a non invasive system using a prototype of contact lens has been developed. The contact lens is based on a new organic flexible highly piezo-resisitive film sensor that is glued to the central hole of a lens. The measuring system is wire connected to the contact lens and incorporates user interface methods and a Bluetooth link for bi-directional wireless data transfer. The key design aspects of such architecture are discussed in this paper. The system is designed with an architecture that can be integrated in the future in order to be placed in the contact lens. The discrete system is used to validate the electronic measurement operation and the contact lens sensor (CLS). The measurement instrument can calibrate the differences of the nominal value of the sensor and measure resistances variations that are related to pressure variations. The measuring system and the contact lens sensor were tested with an eye phantom and with enucleated pig eyes by applying pressure changes between 7 to 32 mmHg recording the electrical changes with the portable device.
Affordable System for Rapid Detection and Mitigation of Emerging Diseases
Authors: Waidyanatha Nuwan , Dubrawski Artur , M. Ganesan , Gow Gordon
Published: November 2012

South and South-East Asian countries are currently in the midst of a new epidemic of Dengue Fever. This paper presents disease surveillance systems in Sri Lanka and India, monitoring a handful of communicable diseases termed as notifiable. These systems typically require 15-30 days to communicate field data to the central Epidemiology Units, to be then manually processed (Prashant & Waidyanatha, 2010). Currently used analyses rely on aggregating counts of notifiable disease cases by district, disease, and week. The Real-Time Biosurveillance Program (RTBP), a multi-partner initiative, aims at addressing those challenges by developing affordable paradigm-changing Information Communication Technology (ICT), implementing and field-testing them in India and Sri Lanka. Key components of the proposed solution include real-time digitization of clinical information at hospitals and clinics with the mHealthSurvey mobile phone software (Kannan et al., 2010), detecting anomalies in large multivariate biosurveillance data using the T-Cube Web Interface spatio-temporal statistical analysis tool (Ray et al., 2008), and disseminating critical information pertaining to the adverse events to healthcare workers using the Sahana Alerting Module (Sampath et al., 2010). This paper provides an overview of the applications and discusses utility of the technologies for real-time detection and mitigation of emerging threats to public health.
Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in the Frome Catchment, Purbeck District, United Kingdom
Authors: Newton Adrian C. , Hodder Kathy H. , Fernandez Antonio Uzal , Kenward Robert
Published: November 2012

A map for valuing ecosystem services in the 480 km2 Frome catchment, to investigate scenarios of change in land use, was internet crowd-sourced. Scouts mapped deer habitats in 15% of the 30 km2 Arne Parish, while 143 residents volunteered data on deer sightings in the 5-year community survey.