cometadata/datacite-titles-descriptions-related-identifiers huggingface dataset:
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1579
title: Protective effects of Centella asiaticas ethyl acetate fraction against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure and learning impairment

description: Investigates the effects and underlying mechanisms of Centella asiaticas ethyl acetate fraction (EACA) in animal model of epilepsy. We investigated an anticonvulsant activity of EACA against pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure, toxicity, drug interaction, possible mechanisms on neurochemical (amino acids neurotransmitter level in the hippocampus) and electrophysiological changes (GABA receptor current) as well as its effects on epileptogenesis and learning impairment in different animal models. Orally given EACA, produced anticonvulsant activity against PTZ test in mice exhibiting the median effective dose (ED[subscript 50]) of 673(299-1575) mg/kg BW, whereas the median neurotoxic dose (TD[subscript 50]) as assessed by rotarod test was 415(147-1169) mg/kg BW. EACA seems to be very safe as the LD[subscript 50] was found to be higher than 5,000 mg/kg BW. In isobolographic analysis for drug interaction, its additivity on some currently available antiepileptic drug namely phenytoin, valproate and gabapentin were observed. In relation to neurotoxicity, combination of gabapentin and EACA demonstrated a broader margin between the effective and the neurotoxic doses, while the other two combinations did not. Further study using microdialysis technique, demonstrated that in rats that EACA 700 mg/kg BW could protect the animals from PTZ-induced seizure, both aspartate and glutamate were gradually decreased while the glycine and GABA tended to increase. On the contrary, an increment of aspartate induced by PTZ was noted in animals receiving the same dose of EACA but demonstrated convulsion. By electrophysiological study, a slight potentiation of the GABA-induced current was observed when EACA at low concentration of 0.1 3 microgram/ml were co-applied with GABA. However, the GABA-induced current was partially blocked at higher concentration of EACA (50 microgram/ml). Taken all together the results obtained suggest the existence of several active constituents with antagonizing pharmacological profiles in EACA. In addition, EACA produced no effect on epileptogenesis and had no effect on lipid peroxidation. Though EACA seemed to have positive effect on learning and memory deficit and survival pyramidal neurons in PTZ-kindled mice, the results obtained was not yet conclusive. The present studies suggested that the anticonvulsant activity of EACA might be, at least, related to a slight decrease of the level of excitatory amino acid neurotransmitter in conjunction with a small increase of inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitter of hippocampus including a slight potentiation of GABA-induced current. In addition, the additivity on some AEDs suggested the potential of EACA to be further developed as adjunctive medication for epileptic patients after identification and separation of the active substances which may be numerous and exhibiting different pharmacological profiles
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1580
title: Effects of genistein on plasma lipid profiles and vascular function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

description: Diabetes mellitus is associated with increased risks of hypertension, atherosclerosis, and microcirculation disorders. Especially, a number of evidence has suggested that vascular endothelial dysfunction play a major role as underlying cause of a number of diabetic complications. Genistein, the active ingredient of soy product has been suggested for its antioxidant and its endothelial functional improvement. This study determines the treatment effects of genistein on endothelium-dependent and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation of mesenteric arterioles, plasma lipid profiles, blood glucose, and HbA[subscript 1C] level in animal models of diabetes. Male Wistar rats weighing 180-200 g were divided randomly into two major groups of diabetes (DM) and non diabetes (CON). In diabetic group, four subgroups were further randomly divided as follow: 1.) Diabetic groups received 100 microliter of dimethylsulfoxide for 4 and 8 weeks (4-wk DM+DMSO and 8-wk DM+DMSO). 2) Diabetic groups received daily injection of 0.25 mg /kg bw genistein for 4 and 8 weeks (4-wk DM+Gen and 8-wk DM+Gen). On the experimental day, endothelial function of each animal was examined using intravital fluorescent videomicroscopy. FITC-Dx-250 was used as a vascular labeling in mesenteric microcirculation. Image analysis was used to measure arteriolar diameter changes. The results demonstrated that blood glucose level was significantly decreased at both 4 (DM+DMSO = 346.16+-18.39 mg/dl, DM+Gen = 276.50+-20.01 mg/dl; p&lt;0.05) and 8 weeks (DM+DMSO = 465.83+-32.72 mg/dl, DM+Gen = 165.66+-25.46 mg/dl; p&lt;0.05) of genistein administration, whereas HbA[subscript 1C] level was significantly attenuated only at 8 weeks. (DM+DMSO = 10.08+-0.45 %, DM+Gen = 7.71+-0.40 %; p&lt;0.05). However genistein did not have any effects on plasma lipid profiles. In addition, it was found that genistein could prevent diabetes-induced endothelial dysfunction which was characterized by increased response to 10-5 M Ach response in both groups of 4 (DM+DMSO = 6.59+-0.56 %, DM+Gen = 18.48+-1.16 %; p&lt;0.05) and 8 weeks (DM+DMSO = 8.05+-0.41 %, DM+Gen = 14.97+-1.40 %; p&lt;0.05). Conclusion Our findings implied that genistein may protect against damage of both endothelial dependent and independent vasodilation in diabetic rats. Moreover, genistein showed the hypoglycemic effect that might be a direct or indirect action. Therefore, genistein might be used to prevent diabetic cardiovascular complications
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1581
title: Effects of processing condition on the surface segregation of s-BPDA/ODA polyimide and silicone-containing block copolyimide blends

description: This research aims to investigate the effect of processing condition on surface segregation of polyimide blends based on 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (S-BPDA)/4,4'-diaminodiphenylether (ODA) polyimide and silicone-containing block copolyimide (BSF30). The polyimide was synthesized by a conventional two-step method via poly(amic acid) (PAA) precursor in N-methyl-2pyrrolidinone (NMP) solvent. These polyimide blends, having various compositions of the silicone-containing block copolyimide, were processed by the solution casting method then undergone thermal imidization to yield the solid films. The DSC thermograms of the polyimide blends disclose the glass transition temperatures of BSF30 to be 165degrees Celsius and that of the s-BPDA/ODA polyimide to be about 272degrees Celsius. Furthermore, DSC, TGA and DMA results revealed that thermal and mechanical properties of the blended films containing a few part per hundred (0.5-5 phr) of BSF30 were not difference from s-BPDA/ODA polyimide. Their surface characterizations were performed using Atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurement (XPS), Attenuated total reflection Fourier transforms infrared (ATR-FTIR) technique, and contact angle measurements. Those techniques revealed that the surface segregation typed phase separation occurred between the two polymers. The type of substrate used in the film-casting process shows significant effect on the migration of surface segregated species with the relatively non-polar silicone-containing system enriching on the air exposed surface and vice versa. This phenomenon was revealed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy when a relatively high BSF30 concentration was used i.e. 30 phr. Moreover, XPS disclosed that at low BSF30 concentration, siloxane segregated to the air side surface. The contact angle measurement indicated an enrichment to the hydrophobic siloxane segment segment in the blend films surface of the BSF30. The average water contact angle of glass side surface was 77degrees Celsius while that of the air side was about 102 degrees Celsius in every blending ratio. These behaviors confirm the surface segregation phase separation in this blending pair
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1582
title: Silicon nitride synthesis from electrospun silica/carbon composite nanofibers

description: The synthesis of silicon nitride, one of the most promising structural materials for high-temperature and high mechanical-stress applications, from electrospun silica/carbon composite, whereas source of carbon including either pyrolyzed polymer or carbon black is investigated. Morphology of the starting materials is in form of gel and fibers, which are prepared by combining sol-gel and electrospinning method. Silica/carbon composite is converted into silicion nitride via the carbothermal reduction and nitridation. For preparation of silicon nitride form pyrolyzed silica/polymer composite, 3-Amino propyl trimethoxysilane and low-molecular weight PVP are found to be the suitable precursors for silicon and carbon, respectively. It is also found that aging time and morphology of the starting materials (e.g. gel and fibers) are important factors affecting the subsequent nitridation. The silica/polymer composite in form of fibers is not appropriate for converting to silicon nitride because of inadequate free carbon content. For the use of silica/carbon black composite, silicon nitride/silicon carbide composite can be prepared in form of fibers. The obtained products also remain the same morphology as the as-spun silica/carbon black composite fibers and have the average size in the range of 0.4-0.65 micro m. Carbon-to-silica ratio and aging time of the starting material are the major factor affecting mechanism of the carbothermal reduction and nitridation
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1583
title: Two-finger caging of concave polygon

description: An object is captured by a set of fingers when there exists no trajectory to bring the object arbitrarily far from the fingers. Object concavity is a special geometric property that allows objects to be captured with only few fingers. In particular, certain concave objects can be captured by appropriately placing two fingers close to some pair of opposite concave sections. This work addresses the problem of computing all configurations of the two fingers that capable of capturing the object. Those configurations will be represented in such a way that answering whether a finger configuration can capture the object requires O(lgn) running time in most cases (where n is the number of vertices of the object.) In computing all configurations capable of capturing the object, we proposed a O(n[superscript2]lgn) algorithm
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1584
title: Photooxidation of ethylene over gold deposited titanium dioxide

description: Each type of titanium dioxide has different photocatalytic activity on photooxidation of ethylene. Titanium dioxide synthesized via sol-gel method type I (prepared in nitric acid and water) yielded the most conversion of ethylene and less for that synthesized via sol-gel method type II (prepared in ethanol and water), solvothermal method and JRC-TIO1, respectively. When gold was deposited. For titanium dioxide synthesized via sol-gel method type I and type II including solvothermal method, conversion of ethylene decreases with increasing of pH values due to decreasing of amount of Ti[superscript 3+] affected from gold nanoparticles confirmed by Electron Spin Resonance results (ESR) and decreasing of active gold nanoparticles confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscope results (TEM). However, JRC-TIO1 titanium dioxide yielded more conversion of ethylene when it was deposited with gold nanoparticles. The highest conversion could be obtained at pH value of 9 at which the average particle size of gold nanoparticles were less than 5 nm and gave high activity for the reaction at the surface of titanium dioxide.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1585
title: Association between polymorphisms of HLA-DRB1 gene and TNF-alpha gene with susceptibility and/or disease progression of chronic hepatitis B infection in Thai population

description: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is caused of liver disease and liver cancer. However, the factor which determined the different outcome in an individual patient remains unclear. The evidence in twin studies supporting genetic factors was associated with HBV infection. In addition, considerable evidence suggests that host genetic factor play an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical outcome of the disease in several ethic groups. The aim of this study was to identify the polymorphisms of HLA-DRB1 gene and TNF-[alpha] gene and to determine the association with susceptibility and/or disease progression of chronic hepatitis B infection in Thai population. Population-based case-control study included 150 chronic HBV patients (100 patients without HCC and 50 patients with HCC) and 100 patients who transient from HBV infection to serve as control with similar ethic and geographic background. HLA-DRB1 gene and TNF-[alpha] gene polymorphisms were identified by PCR-sequence specific primer (SSP) and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), respectively. The result of this study demonstrated that HLA-DRB1*1301-2 phenotype in the transient HBV patients was significantly higher than chronic HBV patients (OR=0.04, 95%CI=0.00-0.26, p.=0.0004) and-863A allele of TNF-[alpha] gene was increased in chronic HBV patients compared with transient HBV patients (OR= 1.63, 95%CI=1-2.65, p=0.0495). Interestingly, HLA-DRB1*1301-2 show a strong association with the clearance of HBV which similar to another study in several ethic groups. Moreover, we also found an association between TNF-[alpha] and the progression of chronic HBV infection. The present study showed that the frequencies of the-863A allele and-238A allele was significantly increased in chronic HBV patients with HCC compared with chronic HBV patients without HCC (OR=2.17, 95%CI=1.03-4.59, p=0.0414 and OR=3.69, 95%CI=0.94-15.42, p=0.046, respectively). The effect of the-863A allele and-238A allele were similar to autosomal dominant mode of inheritance. Haplotype analysis revealed that the homozygosity of the significantly most common haplotype (CGG/CGG) was a protective marker for HCC (OR=0.37, 95%CI=0.17-0.79, P=0.009) supporting the positive association of-863A and-238A genotype. No significant association in HLA-DR12 and TNF-[alpha] gene polymorphisms at position 308(G/A) were found between chronic HBV patients and recovered patients. In conclusion, our study showed that HLA-DRB1*1301-2 is a host factor that might be a protective allele in chronic hepatitis B infection. Furthermore, the 863A allele and-238A allele of TNF-[alpha] gene were identified as a genetic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma development in patient with chronic HBV infection in Thai population.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1586
title: Information-oriented employer's construction claim management

description: The objective of this thesis was to develop a claim management system for the employers of construction projects in order to enhance their efficiency in managing construction claims. The proposed system focuses on management of the information necessary for managing construction claims in projects. The study was carried out by performing a claim data requirement analysis, surveying characteristics of claims and existing claim management systems by questionnaires and interviews, finding the level of importance of each claim data, analyzing the existing claim documentation systems, designing the proposed claim management system, performing case study analysis, and verifying the thesis results. It was found that there are 105 pieces of data necessary for managing employer's claims, which can be divided by their levels of importance and levels of availability into four groups. The proposed claim management system and the features, problems and recommendations for improving the existing employer's claim management systems were also reported. The proposed employer's claim management system was developed by adopting contractual procedures of Federation Internationale des Ingenieurs-Conseils (FIDIC), dispute resolution procedures of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and information system analysis and design techniques in managing the whole process of employer's claim management. The results from the case study show that the proposed model provides construction employers with complete and correct information for managing their construction claims.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1587
title: Selection of probiotic bacteria for use in permented milk product

description: Isolation of probiotic lactic acid bacteria for use in fermented milk product was carried on infant faeces, pig intestine and chickens intestine. Three hundred and seventy-nine isolates were isolated from 11 of infant faeces, 13 of pig intestine, and 15 of chicken intestine. Based on their phenotypic characteristics, 216 isolates were belonged to Lactobacillus, 122 isolates were Enterococcus and the other 41 isolates were unidentified. Twenty-nine isolates were acid- and bile-resistant at pH 2.5 and 0.3% bile salt, respectively. The potentially probiotic isolates IF2-8, P2-10 and CK8-11 were selected from infant, pig and chicken, respectively. IF2-8 was the best acid-resistant isolate at survival rate 96.4% and could inhibit E. faecium, Y. enterocolitica and B. cereus. Based on their phenotypic characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence similarity, IF2-8, P2-10, and CK8-11 were closely related to L.gasseri, L. johnsonii, and L. salivarius with 99.91, 99.53and 99.91%, respectively. Furthermore the other strains P12-3, IF7-5, and IF8-1 were closely related to L. amylovorus, E. raffinosus, and E. faecalis with 99.53, 99.75 and 99.83%, respectively. Later, the three potential probiotic strains were used for fermented milk trial which divided into 3 sets, the first was inoculated with IF2-8, P2-10, and CK8-11 culture, while the second was inoculated with the mixed culture of each probiotic culture and S. thermophilus, and the last was the control that was inoculated with yoghurt starter bacteria, S. thermophilus and L. delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus. These products were incubated at 42 C for 24 h and stored at 5 C for 3 weeks. Upon the completion of incubation, IF2-8 had greatest survival (73.0-88.4%) in both fermented milk used only probiotic and fermented milk used probiotic and S. thermophilus. Furthermore, fermented milk used IF2-8 mixed with S. thermophilus resulted increasing in viability of IF2-8 (2 log cycles) compared to fermented milk that used only IF2-8. For acid production, the control fermented milk, only IF2-8 product and IF2-8 mixed with S. thermophilus product were 1.54, 0.62 and 1.15%, respectively. Their viscosity were 488,256 and 601 cPs, respectively. Fermented milk used only IF2-8 was found that acid production and viscosity much lower than the control, whereas fermented milk mixed with S. thermophilus produced acid not different from the control. Therefore, this results indicated that IF2-8 should be applied along with S. thermophilus in fermented milk but it could not be used as starter culture alone in fermented milk.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1588
title: Characteristic features in English acknowledgements written by Thai graduates : indicators for Thai English

description: The Thai educated circle has used English for a broader range of purposes. According to the notion nativization, the English language use in Thailand should plausibly contain features that can be categorized as belonging to Thai society. The study, therefore, aims to prove the existence of Thai English. It used quantitative-based approaches, namely frequency, percentage, Pearsons chi-square values, and Mutual Information scores, and qualitative-based approaches, namely interpretation based on previous literature and inductive logic. The data for analysis are from two purpose-specific corpora of Thai and American acknowledgements, each containing 150 pieces of data. The findings are that Thai graduates ackhowledgements have three qualities in common: fixation on formality, specification and modification. Moreover, when considered from the point of view of their meaning and communicative and textual functions in the acknowledgements discourse, it is also discovered that the graduates tend to use thanking patterns to a great degree, to specify their role and that of their thankees, to describe their thankees ranking, to address them through specification, to intensity and formalize their feeling, and to intensify their thankees deeds. These results can be summarize into two major sociocultural traits belonging to Thai graduates in writing English ackhowledgements, namely ranking recognition and social distance. Accordingly, the hypothesis that Thai and American English acknowledgement are different, supporting the actual existence of Thai English, is thus confirmed.
DOI: 10.14457/cu.the.2005.1590
title: Antidepressant activity of extracts of Passiflora foetida in mice and the involvement of D[subscript 1] and 5-HT[subscript 1A] receptors

description: The present study was aimed to investigate the potential antidepressant activity of Passiflora foetida (PF) extracts on the animal model of depression and the possible involvement of dopaminergic (DA) and serotoninergic (5-HT) mechanisms in their antidepressant activity. The acute intraperitoneal (IP) administration of 50 mg/kg PF extracts in mice revealed no CNS stimulant effects as measured by locomotor activity. Antidepressant activity was tested by using a mouse model of depression, the open space swimming test. Subacute IP administration of 50 mg/kg of PF extracts, subfraction PF003-1 and PF003-2, resulted in a significant reduction of the decrease in mobility time of mice. This antidepressant-like effect was comparable to that observed in a classical antidepressant drug, imipramine. Other subfractions of PF did not show apparent antidepressant activity. The involvement of serotoninergic and dopaminergic mechanisms in the antidepressant activityof PF extracts was investigated by using a dopamine D[subscript 1] antagonist, SCH 23390 (0.05 mg/kg, IP) and a serotonin 5-HT[subscript 1A) antagonist, WAY 100635 (0.3 mg/kg, IP). The antidepressant effect of PF extracts, PF003-1 and PF003-2, was markedly abolished by prior IP administration of these antagonists, individually or in combination. Therefore, the results suggested that the antidepressant activity of PF extracts may mediate through dopaminergic and serotoninergic mechanisms in the brain. In conclusion, the present study suggested that PF extracts (subfractions PF003-1 and PF003-2) possessed potential antidepressant effects which could be of therapeutic interest for using in the treatment of patients with depressive disorders.