bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cervical lymphadenopathy- a clinicopathological study of 50 cases in a tertiary level Hospital
Authors: Hossain Md Zakir , Rafiquzzaman Md , Hossain Md Delwar , Azad Muhammad Ali , Islam Md Sirajul
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Cervical lymphadenopathy is common in Bangladesh and may present as diagnostic problem to the head neck surgeons. Diseases affecting cervical lymph nodes are of varying severity starting from simple curable infection to difficult incurable malignant disease. Objective: The purpose of this study was to observe the various clinical presentations of cervical lymphadenopathy and correlate histopathological findings with the clinical diagnosis. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted during the period of 1st January 2013 to 31st December 2013 in CMH, Dhaka on 50 patients irrespective of age and sex presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy persisting for >2 weeks. Result: In this series, tissue diagnosis by biopsy found tuberculosis (TB) 38% cases, metastatic carcinoma in 26%, non-specific reactive hyperplasia in 22% and lymphoma in 14% cases. Sixty eight percent cases were below 40 years of age. Male to female ratio in this series was 2.12: 1. Conclusion: Twenty Four (48%) cases were diagnosed clinically as tubercular lymphadenitis, 12(24%) as metastatic carcinoma, 09(18%) non-specific reactive hyperplasia and 05(10%) cases were of lymphoma which were nearly similar to histopathological diagnosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22925 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Comparative study of tympanoplasty with or without cortical mastoidectomy
Authors: Islam Md Tauhidul , Rafiquzzaman Md
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Tympanoplasty with or without cortical mastoidectomy is the subject of debate amongst different otolaryngologists. One theory suggests that tympanoplasty type-I which combined with cortical mastoidectomy in wet or discharging ear is beneficial. Other theory suggests that cortical mastoidectomy adjunct with tympanoplasty type-I, has no significant effects on surgical outcome in any condition of dry or wet ear in tubotympanic variety of CSOM. Aim: The purpose of this study is to compare the surgical outcome of type-I tympanoplasty with or without cortical mastoidectomy. Methods: It is a retrospective, observational, multicentre study conducted in between July 2003 to July 2013 amongst 258 patients of uncomplicated tubotympanic variety of chronic suppurative otits media with age ranging from 18 years to 55 years. 140 patients (54%) were having history of ear discharge (Group-I) and remaining 118 patients (46%), having no complaints of ear discharge (Group-II) within 3 months prior to surgery. 50% of each group were operated with tympanoplasty type-I only and 50% of each group was operated with tympanoplasty type-I with cortical mastoidectomy. Outcome of surgical procedures in different groups were analyzed in terms of graft uptake and hearing improvement. Results: Out of 140 patients with discharging ear, only tympanoplasty procedure (n=70) resulted in successful graft taking in 62 patients (88.6%) and the hearing level within 20dB were achieved in 57 persons (81.4%). Tympanoplasty with cortical mastoidectomy (n=70) resulted in successful graft taking in 61 patients (87%) and the postoperative 69 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 10, No 1 (June) 2014 hearing level within 20dB were found in 56 persons (80 %). Out of 118 patients with dry ear, only tympanoplasty procedure (n=59) resulted in successful graft taking in 54 patients (91.5%) and postoperative hearing level within 20dB were achieved in 48 persons (81.36%). Tympanoplasty with cortical mastoidectomy (n=59) resulted in successful graft taking in 53 patients (89.8 %) and the postoperative hearing level within 20dB were achieved in 47 persons (79.7%). Comparison of results in both procedures in dry and wet ear showed no significant statistical difference. Conclusion: Cortical mastoidectomy is not proved to be mandatory or effectively helpful with type-I tympanoplasty for uncomplicated chronic suppurative otitis media, irrespective of its dry or discharging status. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22928 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Efficacy of topical Calcipotriol versus combination of topical Calcipotriol plus Betamethasone in the treatment of plaque type psoriasis
Authors: Khan Md Shirajul Islam , Uddin Md Nasir , Khan Md Abdul Latif , Ara Rowshan , Khondker Lubna
Published: April 2015

Introduction: The effectiveness of various topical agents for the treatment of plaque psoriasis is limited and the results are somewhat not satisfactory to some extent. Topical Calcipotriol can be used either monotherapy or combination therapy with betamethasone. This topical agent has corticosteroid-sparing benefit and reduction of side effects, duration of treatment and also relapse rates when used as combination therapy for the treatment of psoriasis. Objectives: The present study was conducted to compare the clinical efficacy between the topical Calcipotriol and combined formulation of topical Calcipotriol plus Betamethasone in the treatment of plaque type psoriasis. Materials and Methods: A clinical trial was carried out from January 2011 to Jan 2014 in outpatient department of Dermatology and Venereology, combined military hospital- Dhaka and Jessore Cantonment and Bangabandhu sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. Patients of plaque type psoriasis were the study population. Consequitive type of non-probability sampling method was followed in this study. Patients were divided into two groups.Group A was treated with topical Calcipotriol (0.005%) ointment and group B with combination of topical Calcipotriol plus Betamethasone ointment. Results: The mean percentage of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) reduction after 4th week of treatment was 39.4 and 35.4 in group A and group B (p value >0.05) and after 8th week of 74 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 10, No 1 (June) 2014 therapy was 59.6 in-group A and 60.7 in-group B respectively. The mean baseline PASI score was 6.7±4.5 and after 8th week it was 2.0 ±1.4 for group A and mean baseline PASI score was 5.5 ±4.2 and after 8th week it was 2.5±1.4 for group B. There was statistically significant reduction in PASI score from base line after 8th week of treatment in both treatment groups (p < 0.001). After 8th week of treatment moderate response was 22(73.3%) in group A and 18(60%) in group B. Very good response was 4 (13.3%) in group A and 8 (26.7%) in group B and minimal response of treatment occurs equally 4 (13.3%) in group A and group B. Conclusion: In the light of the findings of this study, topical Calcipotriol(0.005%) alone or combination with Betamethasone is individually effective for the treatment of plaque psoriasis but combination therapy is more effective than monotherapy. Therefore it may be recommended that monotherapy can be replaced by combination therapy in treating plaque psoriasis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22929 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Taste disturbance after tonsillectomy: a rare but significant complication- a case report
Authors: Kabir Misbah Al , Afsana Sultana Dil
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Tonsillectomy is the most commonly performed procedure and generally regarded as a safe surgery. Taste disturbance is a very rare complication after tonsillectomy, with very few reports in the literature. The most possible cause of this rare complication is direct or indirect damage to the glossopharyngeal nerve or its lingual branch (LBGN). Aim: To report a very rare complication of the most commonly performed procedure i.e. tonsillectomy. Case Report: The case is a 32 years old lady who complained of taste disturbance following tonsillectomy that was performed for chronic tonsillitis. As treatment patient was given Trifluoparazine Hydrochloride a Phenothiazine derivatives and Vit B6 + Vit B12. Patient recovered after 4 months postoperatively. Conclusion: Tonsillectomy should be performed with minimal trauma to the tonsillar bed to avoid injury to the Glossopharyngeal nerve or its lingual branch (LBGN) and all patients should be informed of the risk of post-operative taste disturbance after tonsillectomy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22935 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Qualitative analysis of drinking water through the most probable number (MPN) method
Authors: Ahmed Tasnia , Baidya Sagar , Acharjee Mrityunjoy , Rahman Tasmina
Published: April 2015

Water borne disease outbreaks associated with the drinking of unsafe water, containing pathogenic bacteria of fecal origin, is common in densely populated countries like Bangladesh. Present study was attempted to detect indicator bacteria from drinking water samples for the presumptive occurrence of fecal contaminations that are responsible for health associated problems. Therefore, a laboratory scale qualitative analysis through most probable number (MPN) method was employed. The indicator bacterium Escherichia coli were detected in 24 water samples out of 75 samples as revealed consequently by the presumptive, confirmed and completed tests of MPN method. Other Gram negative bacteria found in the samples included Alcaligenes faecalis, Pseudomonas spp., Klebsiella spp. and Proteus spp. Almost all of the identified bacteria showed resistance against commonly used antibiotics which is of significant health concern. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v3i1.22745 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.3(1) 2013: 9-16
Microbiological profile of potato samples collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) and notification of anti-bacterial traits
Authors: Malek Mushfia , Acharjee Mrityunjoy , Rahman Tasmina
Published: April 2015

Present study assessed the microbiological quality of different categories of consumable potatoes collected from Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), the largest multi-crop research institute of the country conducting research on a large number of crops. Five samples each from 15 categories of potato samples (Lara, Quincy, Cardinal, Esprit, Meridian, Lady Rossetta, Astrix, Soikat, Red potato, White potato, Russet potato, Yellow flesh potato, Sweet potato, Purple potato and Petiets potato) were subjected to microbiological analysis through conventional culture followed by the biochemical identification tests of the pathogens. A huge array of bacterial and fungal contamination was noticed within a range of (~108 cfu/g) in almost all samples studied. Among the bacterial pathogens, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus spp. were found to be predominant. Study of antibiogram revealed that most of the isolates were resistant against the commonly used one or multiple antibiotics. Finally, all the samples were also examined for presence of any anti-microbial activity against different pathogenic bacterial species. Astrix potato samples exhibited antimicrobial activity against Shigella spp and the Russet potato samples exhibited the anti-bacterial activity against Staphylococcus spp. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v3i1.22747 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.3(1) 2013: 21-25
Isolation and quantification of bacterial isolates from citrus fruits and determination of their anti-bacterial activity against selected pathogens
Authors: Akter Rowshan , Tanu Nusrat Islam , Uddin Md Aftab
Published: April 2015

The present study was undertaken with the aim of investigating the isolation and quantification of microorganisms from the citrus fruit samples collected from different areas of Dhaka city. Out of ten samples studied, the range of total viable bacterial proliferation was approximately 102 to 107 cfu/g. Among the specific bacterial pathogens, prevalence of Klebsiella spp. was found in five samples, Listeria spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Pseudomonas spp. in four samples and Vibrio spp. in three samples only. The presumptive identification of these isolates was done by the conventional cultural, microscopic and biochemical tests. Fungal growth was also observed in four samples within the range of 1.2×103 to 3.6×103 cfu/g. Interestingly, Prunus mume/domestica (plum) showed the anti-bacterial activity against all the laboratory bacterial isolates tested. Among other samples, Tanarindus bacilus (tamarind) was found to exhibit activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas spp., Salmonella spp., Vibrio spp., and Listeria spp. On the other hand, Monifera indica (mango) showed anti-bacterial efficacy against E. coli, Staphylococcus spp. and Listeria spp. and Citrus limon (lemon) only against Pseudomonas spp. and Listeria spp. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v3i1.22750 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.3(1) 2013: 30-33
Investigation of microbiological spoilage and demonstration of the anti-bacterial activity of the major imported fruits within Dhaka Metropolis
Authors: Feroz Farahnaaz , Senjuti Jessica Das , Tahera Jannatun , Das Kamal Kanta , Noor Rashed
Published: April 2015

With a previous observation of the in vitro anti-bacterial traits posed by both local and imported fruit alcoholic extracts, present study further endeavored principally to chalk out such properties of the imported fruit blends without alcoholic extraction. Experiments regarding microbiological load demonstrated the prevalence of huge number of total viable bacteria (~107 cfu/g) as was also observed in the earlier research while the fungal load was nominal. Among the pathogenic bacteria, Pseudomonas spp. was found to be more prevalent, closely followed by staphylococcal proliferation. The study of anti-bacterial activity revealed that guava, apple and malta samples possessed strong anti-bacterial traits while the dragon fruit samples exhibited least activity and the orange samples were found with moderate anti-bacterial activity. On the basis of our earlier results, the findings of the current study thus put forward a comparison among the alcoholic extracts and the crude fruit blends. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v4i1.22752 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 1-4
Estimation of microbiological propagation and antimicrobial traits of the frequently accessible flowers
Authors: Sharmin Marufa , Das Kamal Kanta , Acharjee Mrityunjoy
Published: April 2015

Present study portrayed a complete microbiological profile of commonly available flowers including Rosa kordesii, Gladiolus hybrid, Acmella oleracea, Nyctanthes arbortristis and Pseudomussaenda flava which were randomly collected from Dhaka city, Bangladesh. The microbial contamination was quantified up to 108 cfu/g. Exploration of specific pathogenic bacteria was estimated within the range of 103 to 108 cfu/g of which Pseudomonas spp. was found in G. hybrid, A. oleracea and P. flava (~106 cfu/g), whereas Escherichia coli and Staphylococcal contamination was evident in almost all samples up to 108 cfu/g. The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the flower extracts were notable against most of the test bacteria. The ethanolic extracts of R. kordesii showed anti-bacterial activity against most of the bacteria except E. coli and Salmonella spp. G. hybrid extracts showed activity against Klebsiella spp. and Bacillus spp., A. oleracea against E. coli, Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp., Staphylococcus spp. and Salmonella spp., P. flava against Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp., and N. arbortristis against Bacillus spp. The methanol extracts of G. hybrid possessed activity against E. coli, Listeria spp. and Pseudomonas spp., N. arbortristis extracts against E. coli, Vibrio spp., Bacillus spp., Klebsiella spp. and Staphylococcus spp., P. flava extracts against E. coli. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v4i1.22756 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 19-23
Study on shelf life of non-preservative containing mango drinks produced in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Md Mehadee , Kabir Md Shahidul
Published: April 2015

This study was carried out to determine shelf life of aseptically filled non-preservative containing mango drinks. Microbiological sterility was considered as the parameter for determining the shelf life of those samples as they were aseptically filled non-preservative containing sterile mango drinks. Samples were randomly collected from 30 different batches for shelf life assay. All samples (100%) were found to remain sterile up to 4 months. 70% of total samples showed no growth of microorganisms up to 5 months. 33.3% of total samples showed microbial growth after 6 months. Only 6.7% of total samples demonstrated no growth of microorganisms up to 7 months following manufacture. This study demonstrates that minimum shelf life of aseptically filled non-preservative containing mango drinks was 4 months and they may be considered safe if they are consumed within this period of time. If these drinks are taken after 4 months will bear the risk of foodborne infection and outbreak of diseases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v4i1.22757 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 24-27
A syntagmatic analysis of antonym co-occurrences in Chinese: contrastive constructions and co-occurrence sequences
Authors: Hsu Chan-Chia
Published: April 2015

Antonyms co-occur far more frequently than we might expect to by chance alone. However, few studies have adopted a corpus-based approach to examine antonym co-occurrences in Chinese, and disyllabic antonyms in Chinese have long been ignored in the literature. Therefore, this study turns to the Chinese Gigaword Corpus and includes both monosyllabic and disyllabic pairs for analysis, aiming to identify contrastive constructions in which antonyms in Chinese often co-occur and to examine antonym co-occurrence sequences in Chinese. First, it is found that most functional classes of antonymy in Chinese are associated with specific constructions. Second, a positive antonym in Chinese (e.g., dui ‘right’) usually precedes its negative (e.g., cuo ‘wrong’) counterpart when they co-occur, and the notion of positivity needs to be defined in a broad sense. Third, the behaviour of an antonym pair in Chinese can be influenced by its morphosyllabic structure and some language-external factors such as cognitive functions and socio-cultural values. Our understanding of antonymy in Chinese has been updated, and some striking similarities between Chinese and English in the use of antonyms have also been revealed. It is hoped that the findings of this study will invite more attention to the syntagmatic dimension of antonymy in Chinese.
A Pitfall in Using the Characterization of Granger Non-Causality in Vector Autoregressive Models
Authors: Triacca Umberto
Published: April 2015

It is well known that in a vector autoregressive (VAR) model Granger non-causality is characterized by a set of restrictions on the VAR coefficients. This characterization has been derived under the assumption of non-singularity of the covariance matrix of the innovations. This note shows that if this assumption is violated, then the characterization of Granger non-causality in a VAR model fails to hold. In these situations Granger non-causality test results must be interpreted with caution.
Explorations into Becoming New, Radical, and Quite Possibly Dangerously Progressive within an Aotearoa New Zealand Context
Authors: Dunham Nicola , Owen Hazel , Heta-Lensen Yo
Published: April 2015

This paper draws on an initiative where we experienced being new, radical, and, from some viewpoints, dangerously progressive at Unitec—a Polytechnic/Institute of Technology in Aotearoa, New Zealand. The initiative was driven by a need to improve student experiences of interdisciplinary learning and teaching, and to develop a common semester for students transitioning to a bachelor degree programme, as well as a new suite of interdisciplinary qualifications at postgraduate level. This discussion paper is situated within a self-study paradigm befitting educational contexts, by drawing on the reflective narratives of three participants who held a range of different roles—and, hence, perspectives within the change process. Interpretations and implications are discussed using the lens of the Inclusive Framework, to illustrate personal, professional, and political elements. Our overall aim is to add to current understandings of change within the higher education sector. However, this is a study of our own experiences and we are not making claims that we are in the possession of “truth”, but, rather, we seek to identify aspects that may have relevance in other contexts. We conclude that navigating the next phase of transformative change in our context will involve seeking resolutions to key emerging questions. This includes exploring notions of multiple innovators, creating agile development environments in education and exploring the concept of time as multifaceted.
Tree-Level Harvest Optimization for Structure-Based Forest Management Based on the Species Mingling Index
Authors: Bettinger Pete , Tang Mengping
Published: April 2015

This novel research investigated the use of a heuristic process to inform tree-level harvest decisions guided by the need to maximize the interspersion of tree species across a forest. In the heuristic process, a species mingling value for each tree was computed using both (1) neighbors that were simply of a different species than the reference tree and (2) neighbors that were uniquely different species from both the reference tree and other neighbors of the reference tree. The tree-level species mingling value was averaged for the stand, which was then subject to a maximization process. Constraints included residual tree density levels and minimum tree volume harvest levels. In two case studies, results suggest that the species mingling index at the stand level can be significantly increased over randomly allocated harvest decisions using the heuristic process described. In the case studies, we illustrate how this type of process can inform management decisions by suggesting the distance between residual trees of similar species given the initial stand structure and the objectives and constraints. The work represents a unique tree-level optimization approach that one day may be of value as new technologies are developed to map the location of individual trees in a timely and efficient manner.
The Changes of Angiogenesis and Immune Cell Infiltration in the Intra- and Peri-Tumoral Melanoma Microenvironment
Authors: Zidlik Vladimir , Brychtova Svetlana , Uvirova Magdalena , Ziak Dusan , Dvorackova Jana
Published: April 2015

Malignant melanoma (MM) urgently needs identification of new markers with better predictive value than currently-used clinical and histological parameters. Cancer cells stimulate the formation of a specialized tumor microenvironment, which reciprocally affects uncontrolled proliferation and migration. However, this microenvironment is heterogeneous with different sub-compartments defined by their access to oxygen and nutrients. This study evaluated microvascular density (MVD), CD3+ lymphocytes (TILs) and FOXP3+ T-regulatory lymphocytes (Tregs) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue sections using light microscopy. We analyzed 82 malignant melanomas, divided according to the AJCC TNM classification into four groups—pT1 (35), pT2 (17), pT3 (18) and pT4 (12)—and 25 benign pigmented nevi. All parameters were measured in both the central areas of tumors (C) and at their periphery (P). A marked increase in all parameters was found in melanomas compared to nevi (p = 0.0001). There was a positive correlation between MVD, TILs, FOXP3+ Tregs and the vertical growth phase. The results show that MVD, TILs and FOXP3+ Tregs substantially influence cutaneous melanoma microenvironment. We found significant topographic differences of the parameters between central areas of tumors and their boundaries.
Posttraumatic Inflammation as a Key to Neuroregeneration after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Moghaddam Arash , Child Christopher , Bruckner Thomas , Gerner Hans , Daniel Volker , Biglari Bahram
Published: April 2015

Pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines might have a large impact on the secondary phase and on the neurological outcome of patients with acute spinal cord injury (SCI). We measured the serum levels of different cytokines (Interferon-γ, Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Interleukin-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) over a 12-week period in 40 acute traumatic SCI patients: at admission on average one hour after initial trauma; at four, nine, 12, and 24 h; Three, and seven days after admission; and two, four, eight, and twelve weeks after admission. This was done using a Luminex Performance Human High Sensitivity Cytokine Panel. SCI was classified using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) at time of admission and after 12 weeks. TNFα, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10 concentrations were significantly higher in patients without neurological remission and in patients with an initial AIS A (p < 0.05). This study shows significant differences in cytokine concentrations shown in traumatic SCI patients with different neurological impairments and within a 12-week period. IL-8 and IL-10 are potential peripheral markers for neurological remission and rehabilitation after traumatic SCI. Furthermore our cytokine expression pattern of the acute, subacute, and intermediate phase of SCI establishes a possible basis for future studies to develop standardized monitoring, prognostic, and tracking techniques.
Ecology of Fungus Gnats (Bradysia spp.) in Greenhouse Production Systems Associated with Disease-Interactions and Alternative Management Strategies
Authors: Cloyd Raymond
Published: April 2015

Fungus gnats (Bradysia spp.) are major insect pests of greenhouse-grown horticultural crops mainly due to the direct feeding damage caused by the larvae, and the ability of larvae to transmit certain soil-borne plant pathogens. Currently, insecticides and biological control agents are being used successively to deal with fungus gnat populations in greenhouse production systems. However, these strategies may only be effective as long as greenhouse producers also implement alternative management strategies such as cultural, physical, and sanitation. This includes elimination of algae, and plant and growing medium debris; placing physical barriers onto the growing medium surface; and using materials that repel fungus gnat adults. This article describes the disease-interactions associated with fungus gnats and foliar and soil-borne diseases, and the alternative management strategies that should be considered by greenhouse producers in order to alleviate problems with fungus gnats in greenhouse production systems.
Running Torque of Slow Speed Two-Point and Four-Point Contact Bearings
Authors: Joshi Amit , Kachhia Bhavesh , Kikkari Harsha , Sridhar Mandyam , Nelias Daniel
Published: April 2015

A decoupled slow speed friction torque model has been developed to predict the running torque of a double-arched angular contact bearing when operating as a four-point, as well as a two-point contact bearing. The load distribution model from Amasorrain et al. (2003) and the kinematics model developed by Leblanc and Nelias (2007) have been combined after ignoring centrifugal and gyroscopic effects, a valid assumption for slow speed operation. Results from the model are compared with previous literature data, as well as with tests done on a specially-developed friction torque rig. The comparison with the literature results was done for two specific cases: (i) when only one out of the two contact lines in the four-point contact bearing is active (effectively creating a two-point contact bearing); and (ii) where both contact lines in the four-point contact bearing are active. Further, the comparison was done with a custom-built friction torque rig with FAG QJ309 bearings, again for two cases: (i) bearings mounted with a specific clearance (two-point contact); and (ii) bearings mounted with larger size balls to obtain interference (four-point contact). All tests were performed at low speeds. The sliding friction, which is an important input to the friction torque model, is carefully measured on ball-on-plate test using the same interface roughness, speed and contact pressure conditions as seen in the QJ309 friction test. The model comparison with experimental results is covered. The comparison is found to be encouraging, with the RMS difference being less than 7% between the model and experimental data for a four point contact.
Grease Aging Effects on Film Formation under Fully-Flooded and Starved Lubrication
Authors: Cousseau Tiago , Graça Beatriz , Campos Armando , Seabra Jorge
Published: April 2015

Several film thickness measurements were performed with three fresh and aged lubricating greases, their base and bled oils under a wide range of operating conditions using a ball-on-disc test rig with optical interferometry. The analysis of the film thickness measurements is in agreement with the observations of several authors and adds some important aspects regarding separate film properties in EHL contacts. At full film lubrication and moderate to high speeds, the bled oil showed a similar behavior of its lubricating greases. At fully-flooded condition, low speeds and thin films, it was observed that the thickener lumps play a major role on film formation, overcoming the bled oil effects. A relationship between thickener type and film formation was evidenced. The same trends were observed under starved lubrication, where the thickener type that contributes the most to locally increase the film thickness follows the order of PP > Ca > Li. The aging process of the greases was shown to change their rheological response in different manners—softening or hardening—depending on the grease formulation. Grease aging increased the film thickness under fully-flooded and starved lubrication, regardless of the level of degradation.
Potential Role of Honey in Learning and Memory
Authors: Othman Zahiruddin , Zakaria Rahimah , Hussain Nik , Hassan Asma' , Shafin Nazlahshaniza , Al-Rahbi Badriya , Ahmad Asma
Published: April 2015

The composition and physicochemical properties of honey are variable depending on its floral source and often named according to the geographical location. The potential medicinal benefits of Tualang honey, a multifloral jungle honey found in Malaysia, have recently been attracting attention because of its reported beneficial effects in various diseases. This paper reviews the effects of honey, particularly Tualang honey, on learning and memory. Information regarding the effects of Tualang honey on learning and memory in human as well as animal models is gleaned to hypothesize its underlying mechanisms. These studies show that Tualang honey improves morphology of memory-related brain areas, reduces brain oxidative stress, increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and acetylcholine (ACh) concentrations, and reduces acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the brain homogenates. Its anti-inflammatory roles in reducing inflammatory trigger and microglial activation have yet to be investigated. It is hypothesized that the improvement in learning and memory following Tualang honey supplementation is due to the significant improvement in brain morphology and enhancement of brain cholinergic system secondary to reduction in brain oxidative damage and/or upregulation of BDNF concentration. Further studies are imperative to elucidate the molecular mechanism of actions.
Systemic Metabolomic Changes in Blood Samples of Lung Cancer Patients Identified by Gas Chromatography Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Miyamoto Suzanne , Taylor Sandra , Barupal Dinesh , Taguchi Ayumu , Wohlgemuth Gert , Wikoff William , Yoneda Ken , Gandara David , Hanash Samir , Kim Kyoungmi , Fiehn Oliver
Published: April 2015

Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Metabolic alterations in tumor cells coupled with systemic indicators of the host response to tumor development have the potential to yield blood profiles with clinical utility for diagnosis and monitoring of treatment. We report results from two separate studies using gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOF MS) to profile metabolites in human blood samples that significantly differ from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinoma and other lung cancer cases. Metabolomic analysis of blood samples from the two studies yielded a total of 437 metabolites, of which 148 were identified as known compounds and 289 identified as unknown compounds. Differential analysis identified 15 known metabolites in one study and 18 in a second study that were statistically different (p-values <0.05). Levels of maltose, palmitic acid, glycerol, ethanolamine, glutamic acid, and lactic acid were increased in cancer samples while amino acids tryptophan, lysine and histidine decreased. Many of the metabolites were found to be significantly different in both studies, suggesting that metabolomics appears to be robust enough to find systemic changes from lung cancer, thus showing the potential of this type of analysis for lung cancer detection.
A High-Fat Diet Containing Lard Accelerates Prostate Cancer Progression and Reduces Survival Rate in Mice: Possible Contribution of Adipose Tissue-Derived Cytokines
Authors: Cho Han , Kwon Gyoo , Park Heesook , Song Hyerim , Lee Ki , Kim Jung-In , Park Jung
Published: April 2015

To examine the effects of high-fat diet (HFD) containing lard on prostate cancer development and progression and its underlying mechanisms, transgenic adenocarcinoma mouse prostate (TRAMP) and TRAMP-C2 allograft models, as well as in vitro culture models, were employed. In TRAMP mice, HFD feeding increased the incidence of poorly differentiated carcinoma and decreased that of prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia in the dorsolateral lobes of the prostate, which was accompanied by increased expression of proteins associated with proliferation and angiogenesis. HFD feeding also led to increased metastasis and decreased survival rate in TRAMP mice. In the allograft model, HFD increased solid tumor growth, the expression of proteins related to proliferation/angiogenesis, the number of lipid vacuoles in tumor tissues, and levels of several cytokines in serum and adipose tissue. In vitro results revealed that adipose tissue-conditioned media from HFD-fed mice stimulated the proliferation and migration of prostate cancer cells and angiogenesis compared to those from control-diet-fed mice. These results indicate that the increase of adipose tissue-derived soluble factors by HFD feeding plays a role in the growth and metastasis of prostate cancer via endocrine and paracrine mechanisms. These results provide evidence that a HFD containing lard increases prostate cancer development and progression, thereby reducing the survival rate.
Serum Phosphorus Levels in Premature Infants Receiving a Donor Human Milk Derived Fortifier
Authors: Chetta Katherine , Hair Amy , Hawthorne Keli , Abrams Steven
Published: April 2015

An elevated serum phosphorus (P) has been anecdotally described in premature infants receiving human milk fortified with donor human milk-derived fortifier (HMDF). No studies have prospectively investigated serum P in premature infants receiving this fortification strategy. In this single center prospective observational cohort study, extremely premature infants ≤1250 grams (g) birth weight (BW) were fed an exclusive human milk-based diet receiving HMDF and serum P levels were obtained. We evaluated 93 infants with a mean gestational age of 27.5 ± 2.0 weeks (Mean ± SD) and BW of 904 ± 178 g. Seventeen infants (18.3%) had at least one high serum P level with a mean serum P of 9.2 ± 1.1 mg/dL occurring at 19 ± 11 days of life. For all infants, the highest serum P was inversely correlated to the day of life of the infant (p < 0.001, R2 = 0.175) and positively correlated with energy density of HMDF (p = 0.035). Serum P was not significantly related to gender, BW, gestational age, or days to full feeds. We conclude that the incidence of hyperphosphatemia was mild and transient in this population. The risk decreased with infant age and was unrelated to gender, BW, or ethnicity.
Dried Pomegranate Potentiates Anti-Osteoporotic and Anti-Obesity Activities of Red Clover Dry Extracts in Ovariectomized Rats
Authors: Kang Su , Choi Beom , Kim Seung , Yi Hae , Park Hye , Kim Dong , Choi Seong , Han Chang , Park Soo , Song Chang , Ku Sae , Lee Young
Published: April 2015

Red clover (RC) shows potential activity against menopausal symptoms and pomegranates have antioxidative and beneficial effects on postmenopausal symptoms; thus, we investigated whether the anti-climacteric activity of RC could be enhanced by the addition of dried pomegranate concentrate powder (PCP) extracts in ovariectomized (OVX) rats. Regarding the anti-osteoporotic effects, bone mineral density increased significantly in OVX induced rats treated with 60 and 120 mg/kg of an RC:PCP 2:1 mixture, respectively, compared with OVX control rats. Additionally, femoral, tibia, and L4 bone resorption was decreased in OVX induced control rats treated with the RC:PCP 2:1 mixture (60 and 120 mg/kg), respectively, compared with OVX control rats. Regarding anti-obesity effects, the OVX induced rats treated with 60 and 120 mg/kg of the RC:PCP 2:1 mixture showed a decrease in total fat pad thickness, the mean diameters of adipocytes and the body weights gain compared with OVX induced control rats. The estradiol and bone-specific alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly increased in OVX induced rats treated with the RC:PCP 2:1 mixture (120 mg/kg) compared with OVX induced control rats, also, the uterine atrophy was significantly inhibited in 60 and 120 mg/kg of the RC:PCP 2:1 mixture treatment compared with OVX control rats. In conclusion, our results indicate that PCP enhanced the anti-climacteric effects of RC in OVX rats. The RC:PCP 2:1 mixture used in this study may be a promising new potent and protective agent for relieving climacteric symptoms.
A Simple First-Principles Homogenization Theory for Chiral Metamaterials
Authors: Rizza Carlo , Ciattoni Alessandro
Published: April 2015

We discuss a simple first-principles homogenization theory for describing, in the long-wavelength limit, the effective bianisotropic response of a periodic metamaterial composite without intrinsic chiral and magnetic inclusions. In the case where the dielectric contrast is low, we obtain a full analytical description which can be considered the extension of Landau-Lifshitz-Looyenga effective-medium formulation in the context of periodic metamaterials.
Binding Studies on Isolated Porcine Small Intestinal Mucosa and in vitro Toxicity Studies Reveal Lack of Effect of C. perfringens Beta-Toxin on the Porcine Intestinal Epithelium
Authors: Roos Simone , Wyder Marianne , Candi Ahmet , Regenscheit Nadine , Nathues Christina , Van Immerseel Filip , Posthaus Horst
Published: April 2015

Beta-toxin (CPB) is the essential virulence factor of C. perfringens type C causing necrotizing enteritis (NE) in different hosts. Using a pig infection model, we showed that CPB targets small intestinal endothelial cells. Its effect on the porcine intestinal epithelium, however, could not be adequately investigated by this approach. Using porcine neonatal jejunal explants and cryosections, we performed in situ binding studies with CPB. We confirmed binding of CPB to endothelial but could not detect binding to epithelial cells. In contrast, the intact epithelial layer inhibited CPB penetration into deeper intestinal layers. CPB failed to induce cytopathic effects in cultured polarized porcine intestinal epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) and primary jejunal epithelial cells. C. perfringens type C culture supernatants were toxic for cell cultures. This, however, was not inhibited by CPB neutralization. Our results show that, in the porcine small intestine, CPB primarily targets endothelial cells and does not bind to epithelial cells. An intact intestinal epithelial layer prevents CPB diffusion into underlying tissue and CPB alone does not cause direct damage to intestinal epithelial cells. Additional factors might be involved in the early epithelial damage which is needed for CPB diffusion towards its endothelial targets in the small intestine.
Comment construire une stratégie de relations gouvernementales ?
Authors: Facal Joseph
Published: April 2015

Cet article explique pourquoi il est vital pour une entreprise de se doter d’une stratégie visant à influencer les décisions gouvernementales dans le sens de ses intérêts. Il propose ensuite un modèle en cinq étapes pour construire et déployer cette stratégie. Chacune des étapes repose sur une série de questions à se poser, de réponses à trouver et de devoirs à faire. Nous présentons aussi les bonnes pratiques recensées dans la recherche existante.
Brexpiprazole: Another Multipurpose Antipsychotic Drug?
Authors: Howland Robert H.
Published: April 2015

Brexpiprazole (also known as OPC-34712 or Lu-AF41156) is a novel molecular compound chemically and structurally similar to aripiprazole. This drug is currently under review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a monotherapy for schizophrenia and an adjunct to antidepressant medication for major depressive disorder. Additional clinical trials include studies of brexpiprazole in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder, and for agitation associated with dementia of the Alzheimer's type. Brexpiprazole is an example that illustrates how pharmacological drug diversity may be translated to multipurpose uses. [
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 53
(4), 23–25.]
Revisión y mejora de la caracterización del grado de impermeabilidad requerido por el CTE DB-HS1 para fachadas de edificación
Authors: Pérez-Bella J. M. , Domínguez-Hernández J. , Rodríguez-Soria B. , Del Coz-Díaz J. J. , Cano-Suñén E.
Published: April 2015

El Código Técnico de la Edificación aprobado en 2006, asigna por primera vez en España diferentes requisitos básicos para los cerramientos verticales de edificación, destinados a limitar el riesgo de presencia inadecuada de humedad en el interior de los edificios. La solicitación por humedad, estimada mediante diversos parámetros climáticos, permite ajustar la exigencia de estos requisitos para cada emplazamiento y fachada. Sin embargo, estos parámetros presentan actualmente posibilidades de mejora que pueden dar lugar a una asignación más adecuada del grado de impermeabilidad y con ello, de los requisitos de diseño necesarios. Este artículo revisa estos parámetros climáticos, presenta otros utilizados internacionalmente para el mismo propósito y caracteriza en el territorio español los factores que determinan la solicitación por humedad, haciendo posible mejorar la prestacionalidad de los requisitos básicos impuestos para las fachadas de los edificios.
A Usability Evaluation of Facebook's Privacy Features Based on the Perspectives of Experts and Users
Authors: Mantau Márcio J. , Kimura Marcos H. , Gasparini Isabela , Berkenbrock Carla D. M. , Kemczinski Avanilde
Published: April 2015

The issue of privacy in social networks is a hot topic today, because of the growing amount of information shared among users, who are connected to social media every moment and by different devices and displays. This chapter presents a usability evaluation of the privacy features of Facebook's social network. The authors carry out an evaluation composed by three approaches, executed in three stages: first by the analysis and inspection of system's features related to privacy, available for both systems (Web-based systems and mobile-based systems, e.g. app). The second step is a heuristic evaluation led by three experts, and finally, the third step is a questionnaire with 605 users to compare the results between specialists and real users. This chapter aims to present the problems associated with these privacy settings, and it also wants to contribute for improving the user interaction with this social network.
Examining the Opportunities of Social Networking Adoption in the Health Care Systems
Authors: Peldon
Published: April 2015

Social Network Sites (SNSs) are known for providing the opportunity to quickly spread information faster than any other mode because of its ease of accessibility and ability to reach wider populations. The purpose of this chapter is to examine the opportunities of adopting Social Networking (SN) in the healthcare systems. Based on the current literature review, using a social network will enhance communication, collaboration, connection, coordination, and knowledge sharing. The healthcare profession of Bhutan undertook the survey for this study. Three new factors were generated from this study, namely 4Cs; it was found that the use of social networking enhances communication, coordination, collaboration, and connection with patients and among healthcare professionals. The second factor, Green and Sustainability, social networking enables the reduction of the carbon footprint, and the third factor is Exchange Knowledge via use of social networking.
Students as Customers
Authors: Shi Lei , Cristea Alexandra I. , Stewart Craig
Published: April 2015

The World Wide Web is changing, from the early Web 1.0 to the Social Web 2.0 and beyond to Web 3.0 interfaces, but more importantly, the users of the Web are also changing, and their numbers are increasing rapidly in line with this evolution. In e-Learning, it is essential to be able to keep up with these trends and provide personalized social interaction. Here, our main customers are our students, but these customers do not come unprepared: they already have a great deal of Web experience, especially in the areas of Social Networking Sites (SNS) and online interaction. Thus, it is essential to improve approaches used in the past, where learners were only involved in the receiving part of the delivery process. This chapter therefore proposes and explores applying participatory design methodologies in the early stages of the social adaptive educational hypermedia system design process, showing also its benefits for further design, implementation, and usage.
Tribological Behavior of Ni-Based Self-Lubricating Composites at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Li Jianliang , Xiong Dangsheng , Qin Yongkun , Tyagi Rajnesh
Published: April 2015

This chapter illustrates the effect of the addition of solid lubricants on the high temperature friction and wear behavior of Ni-based composites. Ni-based composites containing solid lubricant particles both in nano and micrometer range have been fabricated through powder metallurgy route. In order to explore the possible synergetic action of a combination of low and high temperature solid lubricant, nano or micro powders of two or more solid lubricants were added in the composites. This chapter introduces the fabrication of the Ni-based self-lubricating composites containing graphite and/or MoS2, Ag and/or rare earth, Ag and/or hBN as solid lubricants and their friction and wear behavior at room and elevated temperatures. The chapter also includes information on some lubricating composite coatings such as electro-deposited nickel-base coating containing graphite, MoS2, or BN and graphene and their tribological characteristics.
Surface Modifications and Tribological Effect in Orthopedics Implants
Authors: Choudhury Dipankar , Roy Taposh , Krupka Ivan
Published: April 2015

In this chapter, the authors illustrate advantages and disadvantages of several surface modification techniques on orthopedics implants. The number of hip and knee replacement procedures per year is one of the highest in medical surgery, and there are many approaches engaged to improve the acceptability of these prosthesis to be suitable for young patients. Surface modification is one of them that has been utilized owing to its potential impacts. A critical review on the major tribological and biological outcomes of these modifications is exclusively described. A few interesting results of recent investigations have been explained for future trends in biotribological effect in orthopedic implants.