Abstract: A methanol extract of lyophilized Brickellia cavanillesii was quantitatively analyzed using gas chromatographic (GC) techniques. The chromatographic methods employed were (i) GC-flame ionization detector (GC-FID), (ii) GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and (iii) purge and trap GC-MS (P&T GC-MS). Thirteen compounds were identified with a quality match of 90% and above using GC-MS. The com…
Abstract In cereals, the presence of soluble polysaccharides including (1,3;1,4)-b-glucan has downstream implications for human health, animal feed and biofuel applications. Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench is a versatile crop, but there are limited reports regarding the content of such soluble polysaccharides. Here, the amount of (1,3;1,4)-b-glucan present in sorghum tissues was measured using a Me…
Abstract: This study compared the efficacy of a cinacalcetbased regimen with unrestricted conventional therapy(vitamin D and phosphate binders) for achieving Kidney Disease Outcome Quality Initiative (K/DOQI) targets for dialysis patients. In this multicenter, prospective study, hemodialysis patients with poorly controlled secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) were randomized to receive a cinac…
Abstract: A simulation method for approximating spectral signatures of minced meat samples was developed depending on concentrations and optical properties of the major chemical constituents. Minced beef samples of different compositions scanned on a near-infrared spectroscopy and on a hyperspectral Imaging system were examined. Chemical composition determined heuristically and optical proper…
Abstract: Attrition of the dentition can negatively affect esthetics and function. When reconstructing patients with attrition who require restoration at increased occlusal vertical dimension (OVD), it is necessary to first evaluate the OVD using a removable interim prosthesis to ensure that the patient will tolerate the new position. The transition to fixed interim prostheses has to be carefu…
Abstract Aim: This study aimed to compare the hemodynamic profile and efficacy of carbetocin versus intra-umbilical oxytocin in the management of retained placenta following vaginal delivery. Material and Methods: In this randomized clinical study, women with retained placenta for more than 30min were assigned to receive either an i.v. bolus of 100-μg carbetocin (n = 38) or an intra-umbilica…
Abstract: Perilipin-1 surrounds lipid droplets in both adipocytes and in atheroma plaque foam cells and controls access of lipases to the lipid core. In hemodialysis (HD) patients, dyslipidemia, malnutrition, inflammation and atherosclerosis are common. Thirty-six HD patients and 28 healthy volunteers were enrolled into the study. Ten HD patients suffered from coronary heart disease (CHD). Per…
Abstract: Carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is an important predictor of cardiovascular events in the general population and also in hemodialysis (HD) patients. In the general population, cfPWV is strongly associated with age and blood pressure (BP). The best timing and method of BP measurement in HD patients is uncertain. Ambulatory blood pressure measurements (ABPM) have been used …
Abstract: Acute lung injury (ALI) in sepsis is characterized by an increase in microvascular permeability, resulting in pulmonary edema. Several studies have suggested that angiopoietin-1 and -2 play a contributory role in the pathogenesis of ALI. Polymyxin B-immobilized fiber column hemoperfusion is effective for sepsis-induced ALI. We investigated the angiopoietin levels before and after dire…
Purpose – The purpose of this study is to address the situation that although the theoretical benefits of using drama projects in the Teaching of English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) have been described in a number of studies, researchers have identified a lack of literature on their practical use, particularly in terms of different institutional settings, teaching styles, learning styles and…
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptualization of reading comprehension that extends beyond the traditional cognitive viewpoint on comprehension common in the field. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on literature and theory from various perspectives (cognitive, sociocultural and critical), the authors propose a conceptual heuristic that can inform future scholars…
Purpose – This paper aims to develop a multi-aspectual framework for evaluating locally prepared English language teaching (ELT) materials used for Iranian senior high school students. Many practitioners of the field assert that the inappropriate development of ELT materials would leave an adverse effect on the potential value of the realistic ways which translate the educational beliefs on l…
Purpose – Mastery of spoken English is a priority for many learners of English in Iran. Opportunities to acquire spoken English through the public school system are very limited, hence many students enroll in “conversation” courses in private institutes. The purpose of this paper is to report a study of how institute teachers address the teaching of spoken English. Design/methodology/appr…
Purpose – The purpose of the study is to look at Chinese English as a foreign language (EFL) learners’ organizational strategy use in English writing at universities in Taiwan. One significant area that has been indicated in contrastive rhetoric studies spins around the notion of culturally constructed organizational patterns. It is claimed that second language (L2) writers may have implic…
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report on one UK secondary school English teacher and use his practice as a vehicle for exploring the classroom realities of dialogic assessment. Dialogic assessment, a term first proposed by Alexander (2004), is a position which seeks to synthesise the potentially powerful positions of both dialogic teaching and assessment for learning remains largel…
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine how the teachers implemented innovative feedback approaches in their writing classroom and the extent to which the innovative feedback approaches impacted upon student attitude and performance in writing. In the writing classroom, teacher feedback serves as an assessment as well as a pedagogical tool to enhance the teaching and learning of wri…
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into the multiple anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) in Taiwan and their conflict resolution. The birth of the Agency Against Corruption (AAC) in 2011 created the unintended consequence of sibling rivalry with the elder Ministry of Justice Investigation Bureau (MJIB). Design/methodology/approach – A historical background of these agenc…
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to make recommendations to address the four limitations of Singapore’s Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB). Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins by attributing Singapore’s reputation as the least corrupt Asian country to the CPIB’s four strengths: its independence from the police; its adequate staffing and funding; its adoptio…
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze several measures which the government of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) has adopted to curb corruption and to make recommendations to curb the spread of corruption. Design/methodology/approach – The study is based on the analysis of government policy documents and reports, and statistical data on anti-corruption measures in China. F…
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyze recent Japanese corruption prevention mechanisms and assess the efforts of the Japanese government in winning public trust. Design/methodology/approach – This paper discusses public sector corruption in Japan at an institutional level through a study of its features and current status. It then analyzes and evaluates the effectiveness of corr…
b s t r a c t A naphthalo-1, 8-bis[(2,4-dinitrophenyl)hydrazone] sensor (K) was synthesized and characterized using UVevis, 1H NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The sensor showed strong colorimetric and spectral response upon the molar addition of acetate or fluoride ion (AcO or F) in acetonitrile. The complexed state (KF or KAcO) of the system showed significant reversibility properties, b…
a b s t r a c t: Infrared sample digestion technology has been rapidly developed in recent years and its application and digestion performance on a variety of ores of base metals was assessed in this study, using a 6-channel infrared digester. Digestion times of 10 min or less were achieved for all base metal ores investigated, including oxides, sulfides, and silicates of Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, M…
a b s t r a c t: This paper describes basic characteristics of the quartz crystal sensor with interdigitated electrodes (IDE quartz crystal sensor) which is for imultaneous monitoring of mass, viscosity, conductivity and dielectric changes of liquids or thin films. As the IDE quartz crystal sensor has three terminals for a pair of IDEs on the one side and a counter electrode on the other side…
a b s t r a c t: In this study, the organic polymer monolith was developed as a weak anion exchanger column in high performance liquid chromatography for DNA separation. Methacrylate-based monolithic column was prepared in microbore silicosteel column (100 0.5 mm i.d.) by in-situ polymerization reaction using glycidyl methacrylate as monomer; ethylene dimethacrylate as crosslinker; 1-propan…
a b s t r a c t A common problem in applying biosensors for the detection of genomic DNA is detecting short sequences in large amounts of long double stranded DNA. A gold electrode modified with a conductive nanocomposite, poly(3,4-ethylene-dioxythiophene), and gold nanoparticles was functionalized with 2,6- Pyridinedicarboxylic acid. Immobilization of a 20-mer DNA probe as the bioreceptor wa…
a b s t r a c t: In the present work, we have synthesized a new water soluble colorless chemical compound 7-O-tertbutyldiphenylsilyl- 4-methylcoumarin (TBDPSC) that releases fluorescent molecules imparting blue fluorescence to the solution, upon interaction with fluoride ions in water. The blue fluorescence can be visualized using simple hand held ultraviolet (UV) lamps. TBDPSC has excellent s…
a b s t r a c t: Nutritionally important minerals are more readily absorbed by living systems when complexed with organic acids, resulting in higher consumer demand and premium prices for these products. These chelated metals are produced by reaction of metal oxides and acids in aqueous solution. However, unreacted dry blends are sometimes misrepresented as metal chelates, when in reality the…
a b s t r a c t: The electrochemical behavior of kaempferol was investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) at plane and multiwalled carbon nanotubes modified carbon paste electrode (MWCNTs/CPE). Kaempferol produces an anodic peak at MWCNTs modified CPE with a quasi-reversible nature in phosphate buffer of pH 7.73. The oxidized species of kaempferol was found to …
a b s t r a c t: An analytical methodology based on cloud point extraction (CPE) coupled to Ultra-Fast Liquid Chromatography and electrospray tandem mass espectrometry (UFLC-MS/MS) was developed for analysis of Abacavir (ABC), Efavirenz (EFV), Lamivudine (3 TC) and Nelfinavir (NFV) in human plasma. It is the first time that CPE was used for extraction of antiretrovirals (ARV) from plasma. The …
a b s t r a c t: The calibration and quantitative measurement is the ‘‘Achilles heel’’ of the LIBS technique. This paper deals with a method developed for the direct measurement of K and Mg in plant samples. Instrumental parameters were optimized and the best condition found was a 50 lm spot size, 10 Hz laser repetition rate, 75 accumulated laser pulses with 25 mJ/pulse and 0.25 ls of …
a b s t r a c t The present communication deals with the synthesis of luminescent Mn-doped ZnS quantum dots (QDs) anchored to surface imprinted polymer for the optical sensing of 3-phenoxy benzoic acid (3-PBA) in urine samples. The combination of sensing and surface functionalization not only improves the selectivity of the method, but also increases the optosensing ability of the material for…
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the anti-corruption performance of the Philippine government, particularly under the leadership of President Benigno Aquino III. Design/methodology/approach – The paper evaluates the anti-corruption measures as represented by pertinent laws as well as anti-corruption agencies (ACAs) under the Aquino administration. Findings – The Aquino g…
Purpose – One would not commonly associate democracy with Singapore, instead scholars have often described Singapore as an illiberal democracy and an authoritarian state. At the same time,all Singaporean school students recite the national pledge of allegiance in school every morning,in which they pledge “to build a democratic society based on justice and equality”.What do students know a…
a b s t r a c t Chlorobium limicola belongs to the green sulphur bacteria that has a potential for technological applications such as biogas clean up oxidising hydrogen sulphide to elemental sulphur through photosynthetic process. In the present work, analytical methods are described for the determination of different sulphur species in C. limicola cultures – sulphide by GC-FPD, sulphate by …
Purpose – Civic education in Hong Kong is quite confusing nowadays. To understand the policy, it should be placed into the reality of its historical context. In addition, to read through the documentary presentation of policy, the policy’s proposal and its initiation should be understood with an understanding of contextual progress and historical change following the handover of sovereignty…
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the major development of global citizenship education (GCE) as part of Hong Kong’s secondary school curriculum guidelines, which reveals how it has developed from, first, asking students to understand their responsibilities as citizens to now challenging injustice and inequality in the world. Hong Kong’s curriculum guidelines started to te…
a b s t r a c t: A reagentless electrochemical biosensor for hydrogen peroxide was fabricated. The sensor carries a monolayer of nanocomplex composed of horseradish peroxidase and Au-nanoparticle, and responds to hydrogen peroxide through the highly efficient direct electron transfer at a mild electrode potential without any soluble mediator. Formation of the nanocomplex was studied with visi…
a b s t r a c t: Chromatin contains valuable epigenetic information comprising of bothDNAand post translational histone modifications. Traditionally, detection of epigenetic modifications on DNA and histone proteins requires different and elaborate preparation steps. In this study we report on a facile and unique approach for the simultaneous detection and quantification of epigenetic modifica…
a b s t r a c t: This paper describes two simple and novel analytical methods by using spectrophotometric technique for the determination of caroverine a spasmolytic drug in pharmaceutical formulations. The first (A) is a direct method in which analysis of the pure drug was carried out at its kmax 304 nm in ethanol solvent. The method was linear from 0.5 to 18 lg/ml with correlation coefficien…
a b s t r a c t The therapeutic benefit of phosphorothioate oligod eoxynucleotides (PS-ODN) containing immune stimulatory sequences has been demonstrated in animal models of cancer and infection. Several tools are available for the determination of these oligonucleotides in biological samples and pharmaceutical preparations, including UV spectroscopy, dye binding, isotopic tracing, capillary g…
a b s t r a c t: The objective of the present work is to develop the stripping voltammetric method for determination of nephrotoxic drug cefitizoxime in pharmaceutical formulation and its application to wastewater analysis. Solubilized system of different surfactants viz. cationic, anionic and non-ionic influences the electrochemical response of cefitizoxime. Solubilized system of CTAB contain…
Abstract: In the first decades of the twentieth century Palma emerged as a city worth visiting with a promising network of hotels and organised tours. Palma became an urban playground for British bohemians, artists, expatriates, and socialites. Their notion of leisure and pleasure (on a faraway island) provided the leitmotiv for the years to come. The purpose of this paper is to inspect the ex…
a b s t r a c t: We have successfully observed the change in indium–gallium–zinc–oxide (IGZO) gas sensor sensitivity by controlling the light emitting diode (LED) power under the same gas concentrations. The light intensity dependence of sensor properties is discussed. Different LED intensities obviously affected the gas sensor sensitivity, which decays with increasing LED intensity. Hig…
a b s t r a c t The electrochemical generation of arsenic volatile species (arsine) using an Au/Hg amalgam cathode in a 0.5 M H2SO4 solution, is described. Results were compared with those obtained with other cathodes commonly used for generation of arsine. The effects of the electrolytic conditions and interferent ions have been studied. Results show that the Au/Hg cathode has better toleranc…
a b s t r a c t: Flutamide (2-methyl-N-[4-nitro-3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-propanamide) is a non-steroidal drug that has a specific anti-androgenic activity so that it is used in the treatment of prostate cancer. A simple method for extraction and detection of flutamide from pharmaceutical forms are reported using Soxhlet apparatus combined electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ES…
Fulfilling the nutritional requirements of marine fish larvae, including barramundi (Lates calcarifer),remains a bottleneck for optimal commercial hatchery production. This study investigated the effect ofmixed algal diets for the enrichment of rotifers on the survival, growth, development and stress resistanceof barramundi larvae. Four groups of 2–13 days-post-hatch (dph) barramundi larvae w…
The objective of this study was to clone the full-length cDNA of Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) in Botiareevesae and to determine the effects of pathogenic bacterial challenge after acute sublethal ammoniaexposure on HSP90 expression. The HSP90 cDNA of B. reevesae contained 2358 bp, including a 1947 bpopen reading frame, a 36 bp 5-untranslated region (UTR), a 375 bp 3-UTR. Sequence compariso…
a b s t r a c t: A cobalt(II) porphyrin was successfully incorporated into polymer membranes for the optical sensing of imidazole and its derivatives. This research has led to a better understanding of the behavior of Co(II) porphyrin in solution and in polymeric membranes. In aprotic dichloromethane (DCM), the Co(II) tetraphenylporphyrin (CoTPP) and Co(II) octaethylporphyrin (CoOEP) show a se…
This study aims at immunochemical characterization of plasma vitellogenin (VTG), development of anheterlogous VTG ELISA and to relate seasonal variation in plasma VTG and estradiol-17 (E2) levels withovarian growth (gonadosomatic index, GSI) in Olyra longicaudata (McClelland, 1842), a rare hill-streamcatfish endemic to North East India. On native PAGE, plasma from E2-injected male, vitellogeni…
Recent technological advances in marine shrimp and finfish aquaculture alleviate many of the envi-ronmental risks associated with traditional aquaculture, but challenges remain in cost-effective wastemanagement. Liquid effluent from freshwater aquaculture systems has been shown to be effective inagricultural crop production (i.e., aquaponics), but few studies have explored the potential for reu…