bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biomarkers for Type 2 Diabetes and Impaired Fasting Glucose Using a Nontargeted Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Menni Cristina , Fauman Eric , Erte Idil , Perry John R.B. , Kastenmüller Gabi , Shin So-Youn , Petersen Ann-Kristin , Hyde Craig , Psatha Maria , Ward Kirsten J. , Yuan Wei , Milburn Mike , Palmer Colin N.A. , Frayling Timothy M. , Trimmer Jeff , Bell Jordana T. , Gieger Christian , Mohney Rob P. , Brosnan Mary Julia , Suhre Karsten , Soranzo Nicole , Spector Tim D.
Published: July 2013

Using a nontargeted metabolomics approach of 447 fasting plasma metabolites, we searched for novel molecular markers that arise before and after hyperglycemia in a large population-based cohort of 2,204 females (115 type 2 diabetic [T2D] case subjects, 192 individuals with impaired fasting glucose [IFG], and 1,897 control subjects) from TwinsUK. Forty-two metabolites from three major fuel sources (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins) were found to significantly correlate with T2D after adjusting for multiple testing; of these, 22 were previously reported as associated with T2D or insulin resistance. Fourteen metabolites were found to be associated with IFG. Among the metabolites identified, the branched-chain keto-acid metabolite 3-methyl-2-oxovalerate was the strongest predictive biomarker for IFG after glucose (odds ratio [OR] 1.65 [95% CI 1.39–1.95], P = 8.46 × 10−9) and was moderately heritable (h2 = 0.20). The association was replicated in an independent population (n = 720, OR 1.68 [ 1.34–2.11], P = 6.52 × 10−6) and validated in 189 twins with urine metabolomics taken at the same time as plasma (OR 1.87 [1.27–2.75], P = 1 × 10−3). Results confirm an important role for catabolism of branched-chain amino acids in T2D and IFG. In conclusion, this T2D-IFG biomarker study has surveyed the broadest panel of nontargeted metabolites to date, revealing both novel and known associated metabolites and providing potential novel targets for clinical prediction and a deeper understanding of causal mechanisms.
β-Cell–Specific IL-2 Therapy Increases Islet Foxp3+Treg and Suppresses Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice
Authors: Johnson Mark C. , Garland Alaina L. , Nicolson Sarah C. , Li Chengwen , Samulski R. Jude , Wang Bo , Tisch Roland
Published: July 2013

Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is a critical cytokine for the homeostasis and function of forkhead box p3–expressing regulatory T cells (Foxp3+Tregs). Dysregulation of the IL-2–IL-2 receptor axis is associated with aberrant Foxp3+Tregs and T cell–mediated autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes. Treatment with recombinant IL-2 has been reported to enhance Foxp3+Tregs and suppress different models of autoimmunity. However, efficacy of IL-2 therapy is dependent on achieving sufficient levels of IL-2 to boost tissue-resident Foxp3+Tregs while avoiding the potential toxic effects of systemic IL-2. With this in mind, adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector gene delivery was used to localize IL-2 expression to the islets of NOD mice. Injection of a double-stranded AAV vector encoding IL-2 driven by a mouse insulin promoter (dsAAVmIP-IL2) increased Foxp3+Tregs in the islets but not the draining pancreatic lymph nodes. Islet Foxp3+Tregs in dsAAVmIP-IL2–treated NOD mice exhibited enhanced fitness marked by increased expression of Bcl-2, proliferation, and suppressor function. In contrast, ectopic IL-2 had no significant effect on conventional islet-infiltrating effector T cells. Notably, β-cell–specific IL-2 expression suppressed late preclinical type 1 diabetes in NOD mice. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that β-cell–specific IL-2 expands an islet-resident Foxp3+Tregs pool that effectively suppresses ongoing type 1 diabetes long term.
Context is Quick, Knowledge is Slow: Rapid Time-Course of Contextual Modulations in the Horizontal-Vertical Illusion
Authors: Jackson Russell E. , Cook T. C. , Seitz Aaron R.
Published: July 2013

One of the oldest visual illusions consists of observers' tendency to estimate vertical lines as longer than equal horizontal lines. This Horizontal-Vertical Illusion has been studied widely; however, most studies may not generalize to natural contexts because they have not addressed the low-level processes that occur rapidly and in response to context-free lines vs the possibility for high-level processes that arise over time in response to context. These issues were investigated via a novel design: rapid time-sequencing embedded within the context of natural images. Participants saw different levels of context and the Horizontal-Vertical Illusion was measured. In traditional Horizontal-Vertical Illusion displays without natural context, there was a robust invariance of the illusion to stimulus duration. Within context, however, there was strong modulation: the magnitude of the illusion decreased by over 50% or increased over 30%, depending upon placement within context. Knowledge of object properties such as size or line length did not account for this effect. It appears that previous domain-general investigations of the Horizontal-Vertical Illusion did not address the specific higher-order processes that produce the illusion in natural contexts.
Blocked and Alternating Variable Practice and Unintended Spatial Variations in Continuous Aiming Movements
Authors: Sherwood David E. , Fosler Jessica
Published: July 2013

The main goal of the study was to test a prediction of schema theory: a wider range of variable practice would result in better transfer performance compared to a narrower range of variable practice in less-studied, continuous aiming movements. Constant and variable amplitude continuous aiming movements were investigated in the preferred hand of participants of college age ( N = 32; 8 men, 24 women). Participants made continuous rapid reversal movements with a lever in the horizontal plane. Groups attempted to reach a short (20°) target and a long target (either 45° or 70°) in separate constant-practice conditions, but alternated between the two targets in a variable practice condition. On the transfer test, participants alternated between unpracticed 10° and 80° targets. Four blocks of practice trials were provided in each condition, with 20 movements made in each. Movements were more accurate and consistent during constant practice compared to variable practice, with the 20°-70° group having greater spatial errors compared to the 20°-45° group. Both groups performed equally well on the novel transfer test suggesting that adequate practice variability had been provided during acquisition.
Postural Stability during One-Leg Stance on an Unstable Moving Platform and its Relationship with Each Leg
Authors: Noguchi Takanori , Demura Shin-Ichi , Nakagawa Tomoharu
Published: July 2013

This study examined the laterality of the supporting leg in postural stability during a one-leg stance test on an unstable moving platform and its practice effect. 30 male university students were evaluated using the omnidirection stability index (OSI) during a one-leg stance test on an unstable moving platform (three trials). The leg used when kicking a ball was defined as the manipulation leg (ML) and the supporting leg was defined as the non-manipulation leg (NML). According to the two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA; trials × legs), a statistically significant difference was observed only on the leg factor, and OSI values of the second and third trials were less for the ML than the NML. The correlation between both legs was statistically significant but not high. The ML was superior to NML with regard to stability, and no practice effect with trials was evident in either leg.
Disturbance in Hitting Accuracy by Professional and Collegiate Baseball Players Due to Intentional Change of Target Position
Authors: Higuchi Takatoshi , Nagami Tomoyuki , Morohoshi Jun , Nakata Hiroki , Kanosue Kazuyuki
Published: July 2013

The present study investigated bat control of skilled baseball batters during tee batting, faced with an intentional change in target position. Twelve, skilled, male baseball players ( M age = 24 yr., SD = 4) participated in the study. Participants were instructed to hit a baseball off a tee 0.8 m from the ground (Hitting condition), and also to deliberately swing just above the ball (Air Swing condition). The task for the participants was to perform, in alternate order, 15 swings at a real baseball on a stationary tee and 15 swings at an imaginary ball that was said to be on top of the real baseball. The participants were instructed to hit the ball toward center field just as they would hit in a game. While most participants could hit the real ball in the sweet area of the bat, only one participant did so in the Air Swing condition. Average distances from the center of the sweet area to ball center at the moment of ball-bat contact in the Air Swing condition (85 mm) were significantly greater than the distance in the Hitting condition (38 mm). The larger error in hitting an imaginary ball in the sweet area could be due to perceptual changes following the batter's altered focus, expectation of a lack of contact, and/or lack of feedback from the swing. It was suggested that baseball batters should be aware of the possible error in hitting accurately when they intentionally shifted the target.
The Li–C phase equilibria
Authors: Kozlov Artem , Seyring Martin , Drüe Martin , Rettenmayr Markus , Schmid-Fetzer Rainer
Published: July 2013

Experimental work using X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry was conducted on key samples in the Li–C binary system. Reproducible differential scanning calorimetry data with multiple heating cycles were produced only by samples sealed in arc welded Ta-capsules. Only one compound, α/βLi2C2, is found to be stable. A comprehensive Calphad-type assessment was performed and for the first time a consistent thermodynamic description, covering all thermodynamic and phase equilibrium data, is developed. Phase diagrams calculated from that validated database, including the gas phase, are presented. The phase LiC6, was also studied experimentally. It is metastable with respect to α/βLi2C2 + (C), but may be formed from Li + (C). Phase transitions of LiC6, claimed in the literature, are discussed.
Tungsten heavy alloy as a filler metal for repair welding of dies for high pressure die casting
Authors: Skumavc Andrej , Tušek Janez , Nagode Aleš , Kosec Ladislav
Published: July 2013

This paper presents the preliminary test of tungsten heavy alloy as a filler metal for repair welding of high pressure die casting dies. H13 grade hot work tool steel was used as a base material. Multipass gas tungsten arc welding was used to fill a single-V butt joint with tungsten heavy alloy in the form of a welding rod. The microstructure of the weld was examined using scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy. It was found that tungsten grains are not dissolved completely during welding and areas of fine eutectic were formed during solidification of the weld. The hardness of the weld was measured in three courses across the weld and increased in the heat affected zone while the weld hardness was below 380 HV0.3. Charpy V-notched samples were prepared from the weld. The high content of tungsten grains distributed in the nickel–iron weld matrix resulted in low impact toughness of 5.1 J. Face bend testing of the weld was conducted in order to study weld ductility.
The evolution of Y distribution during the processing route of mechanically alloyed iron studied by means of atom probe tomography
Authors: Ressel G. , Primig S. , Leitner H.
Published: July 2013

Oxide dispersion strengthening of steels has become quite popular during the last few years. Especially because of their thermal stability, Y–O clusters can improve high temperature properties such as strength, hardness and creep strength. Oxide dispersion strengthened steel is a promising candidate for applications mainly in fast breeder reactors. In order to establish a better understanding of the strengthening mechanism, this study focuses on an evolution of the Y distribution in mechanically alloyed iron during the process route, employing atom probe tomography. After mechanical alloying, Y seems to be distributed in extremely fine clusters and partly dissolved in the matrix. Enrichment of alloying elements in the Y–O clusters in the mechanically alloyed state is evidence for diffusion processes taking place during mechanical alloying. During hot isostatic pressing at elevated temperatures, dissolved Y atoms accumulate and build distinct clusters. These clusters stay stable even after annealing at 600°C for 8 hours.
Experimental study of phase equilibria in the “SnO”–SiO2–“FeO” system at silica saturation, and fixed oxygen partial pressures at 1473 K
Authors: Xu Xiaoyong , Henao Hector M. , Hayes Peter C. , Jak Evgueni
Published: July 2013

The partitioning of tin between the slag and metallic phases, and the effect of oxygen partial pressure on the slag liquidus at tridymite saturation in the “SnO”–SiO2–“FeO” system at 1473 K have been measured. The experimental methodology includes high temperature equilibration and quenching, followed by the analysis of the compositions of the oxide phases by means of electron probe X-ray microanalysis, and the analysis of the compositions of the metallic phases using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The activity coefficient of SnO in slag has been calculated to be 1.13 ± 0.06, and Henry's law is shown to be obeyed in the slag at least up to 0.20 mol fraction of SnO.
Determination of amino acids misincorporation in recombinant protein by mass spectrometry
Authors: Alam MZ , Regioneiri L , Santos MAS
Published: July 2013

The synthesis of protein according to genetic code of a gene determines the basis of life and a stable proteome is necessary for cell homeostatis. However, errors occur naturally during translation of protein from its mRNA, which varies from 10-3 to 10-4 per codon. These errors are more frequent in recombinant protein overexpressed in heterologous hosts and affect protein functionality. The increasing amount of nonfunctional protein is often related to mistranslation of a gene under stress. In the present study, Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a host organism to overexpress E. coli lacZ gene fusion with GST to quantify misincorporation of amino acid in GST-? galactosidase recombinant protein. The yeast was treated with various stressors such as ethanol, chromium (CrO3), and aminoglycoside antibiotic - geneticin (G418) to induce protein aggregation. The misincorporation of amino acids was studied in soluble protein fractions by mass-spectrometry to determine how much misincorporation occur. We found that under experimental stress conditions the misincorporation of amino acids ranges from 5.6 ×10-3 to 8 × 10-3, which represents 60-80 fold higher than reported level. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i1.15760 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (1): 11-19
Studies on management system and identification of the causes of genetic erosion of indigenous cattle in Mymensingh district
Authors: Rahman MM , Hoque MA , Saha NG , Faruque MO
Published: July 2013

The study was conducted at four villages of Sadar Upazila of Mymensingh district to study the management system and identify the probable causes of genetic draw off of indigenous cattle. The data were collected through personal interview of 151 randomly selected farmers by using a pre-tested structured interview schedule during the period from January to April, 2012. It was observed that the cattle per household was 2.98 in number. Among the farmers, 48% of them provided soft (soiled floor with bamboo fence), 48% semi-concrete (concrete floor with half of concrete wall and half of bamboo fence), 3% of concrete house (concrete floor and wall) and other 1% had no house for their cattle. About 80%, 17% and 3% farmers reared cattle by semi-intensive, intensive and extensive or free grazing system, respectively. More than 84% of the farmers managed feed from both sources (own and purchase) for their cattle even though 15% fully depended on purchasing feed from local market, but a little (1%) of them from their own sources. Among the cow genotypes, more than half (61.16%) was of the indigenous which was significantly (p<0.01) higher than the crossbreds (38.84%). It was observed that semen of Holstein were used significantly (p<0.05) higher than that of the semen of local or any other crossbred bulls. Most of the farmers (76%) inseminated their cows artificially rather than naturally (19%) and merely of 5% did both. A small number of farmers (11%) followed the existing breeding policy while maximum of them (86%) ignored or overlooked it. The main cause of genetic erosion of indigenous cattle in the study areas, might be due to lack of adherance to breeding policy and practice of insiariminate crosses with exotoc breeds. Nevertheless, lack of farmers awareness, changes in cattle management system along with agricultural practices might have also contributed to this issue as well. It needs to develop sustainable guidelines by the relevant authorities for proper breeding practices to minimize the uncontrolled and misdirected crossing between exotic and local cattle for conserving and protecting the valuable indigenous cattle in the region. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i1.15769 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (1): 23-28
Improving quality of rice straw through treatment with urea and midden soil for large animals
Authors: Akter M , Khan MJ , Akbar MA , Asaduzzaman M
Published: July 2013

Twelve indigenous growing cattle (live weight 130.00 ± 1.67 kg) were selected and divided into four groups having three animals in each group. Group A, B, C and D supplied 3.0% urea + 2.0% midden soil, 3.0% urea + 3.0% midden soil, 3.0% urea + 4.0% midden soil and 3.0% urea + 5.0% midden soil treated rice straw. In addition to this all the animals were supplied 2 Kg green grass, 450 g concentrate mixture and 40 g salt per 100 kg body weight. Rice straw treated with 3.0% urea+ 2.0% midden soil resulted an improvement in crude protein content of rice straw from 3.30 to 7.08% which was further increased by 7.40, 7.90 and 8.14% treatment with 3.0% urea + 3.0% midden soil, 3.0% urea + 4.0% midden soil and 3.0% urea + 5.0% midden soil respectively. The addition of 5.0% midden soil as a urease source with 3.0% urea (D) treated rice straw not only significantly (P<0.01) increased the coefficient of digestibility of DM, CP, CF, EE and NFE but also significantly (P<0.05) increased the coefficient of digestibility of OM than other treatments. Digestible organic matter (DOM), crude protein (DCP), digestible crude fibre (DCF), digestible nitrogen free extract (DNFE) and total digestible nutrients (TDN) contents were significantly (p<0.01) higher in diet D in comparison to diet A, B and C. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i1.15770 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (1): 29-34
Comparison on biomass production of three fodder germplasms
Authors: Kanak AR , Khan MJ , Debi MR , Khandakar ZH , Pikar MK
Published: July 2013

The experiment was conducted to study the comparison on biomass production of fodder germplasm. Para (Brachiaria mutica Stapf.), German (Echinochloa crusgalli L.) and Dhal (Hymenachne pseudointerrupta C. Muell) grasses were cultivated in a completely randomized design (CRD). The whole area was divided into nine plots. The area of each unit plot was 6 m x 6 m. Number of cuttings were 16,000 /hectare where Plant to Plant distance was 16 cm and row and raw distance was 16 cm. Equal amount of organic and chemical fertilizer were applied in all cutting. The fodders were first harvested after 60 days of planting, second and third after successive 60 days of re-growth. The findings of the study showed that fresh biomass (p<0.01) and dry biomass yield (p<0.05) of three fodder germplasm differed significantly. Crude protein and organic matter yield were significant (p<0.01) only in the second cutting. German grass was showed significantly higher in CP and OM yield (p<0.01) at second cutting than other grasses. However, no significant effect on plant height was observed among three grasses. From the above findings it may be concluded that among the three fodder germplasm, German fodder showed best result in respect of biomass production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i1.15772 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (1): 35-39
Economics of native poultry rearing in the coastal regions of Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin MT , Islam MM , Salam S , Yasmin S
Published: July 2013

This study attempts to estimate the income from native poultry production and analyze the efficiency of resources used covering three coastal districts of Bangladesh namely Noakhali, Patuakhali and Satkhira. A total of 180 poultry rearers were selected from different villages of the districts using purposive sampling technique. Primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed following a combination of descriptive statistics, sensitivity analysis, statistical model and mathematical technique. Gross and net returns per household per day from native poultry rearing were estimated at Tk. 34.04 and Tk. 27.93, respectively. The undiscounted benefit cost ratio was 5.57, implying that this enterprise is highly profitable. Moreover, the contribution from poultry rearing to total income was 8.25 percent. Sensitivity analysis shows that the gross margins and benefit cost ratios were strongly influenced by the factors such as the cost of inputs, price of outputs and poultry inventory. Multiple Regression model revealed that almost all variables were influenced income from native poultry farming except rearing cost. Increasing returns to scale was found which indicates that there was bright prospect to earn more through the use of more inputs in the production process. Finally, a number of problems faced by the poultry farmers were identified and some suggestions were recommended accordingly. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i1.15781 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (1): 49-56
Effect of market age on production of goat meat and skin
Authors: Khatun MA , Amin MR , Alam MR , Khan MSI
Published: July 2013

The effect of marketing of goats at different ages on the yield of carcass and skin as well as economic impact were investigated. Landless and marginal farmers sold their goats 4 to 6 months earlier at 54 and 104%, 3 and 5%, 67 and 127% less weight, dressing percentage and carcass yield, respectively less than small and medium farmers; and on average 36% less in small farmers than medium farmers. Estimated skin size of the goats belonged to landless and marginal farmers was 75% and 133% less than goats sold by small and medium farmers; and 33% less in small farmers than medium farmers. An estimated goat slaughtered per year was 7.14, 5.44 and 4.28 million at the age of 6, 10.5 and 15.5 months, respectively and the yield of meat and skins was 23.28, 31.99 and 31.67 million kg and 10.71, 15.46 and 14.98 million sqft, respectively. It is estimated that if goats are raised up to 15.5 months of age to higher weight of 17.10 kg may provide additional 41.08 million kg meat and 19.4 million sqft skins and their present market values would be Taka 14377 and 873 millions, respectively at the present subsistence level of goat farming and marketing systems in the country. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i1.15785 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (1): 67-70
Comparative study of Indrani Vough manufactured in the laboratory and collected from sweet meat shops of Dinajpur district
Authors: Rasul M , Hassan MN , Khan MAS , Sharmin MM , Islam MA
Published: July 2013

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the quality of Indrani vough prepared in the laboratory and collected from Dinajpur district. Four types of Indrani vough samples were used in this experiment. Laboratory made Indrani vough was assigned as A sample. B, C and D samples were collected from Shananda sweet meat , Pabna sweet meat and Jalozogh sweet meat shop respectively. All the samples were tested for organoleptic, chemical and microbiological parameters. Among organoleptic parameters such as body and texture, color and appearance, and taste score of four types of samples differed insignificantly, but quality of samples differed significantly for flavour score (p<0.01). Chemical and microbiological analyses indicated that significant differences among four types of samples were found for protein, fat, carbohydrate, ash, acidity and Total Viable Count (p<0.01), except dry matter and moisture contents. From the present study it was concluded that Sananda sweet meat shops Indrani vough was superior to others. But laboratory made Indrani vough was the best in relation to microbiological status. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i1.15786 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (1): 71-75
Performance characteristics of African Cat fish (Clarias gariepinus) fed varying inclusion levels of silk worm pupae (Anaphe infracta)
Authors: Olaniyi CO , Babasanmi GO
Published: July 2013

The use of Silkworm (Anaphe infracta) pupae as a protein source was investigated for its ability to replace fishmeal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus, African cat fish. Five dried diets formulated at 40% crude protein were fed to fingerlings of an average initial weight of 14.33g at 0 (control diet), 25, 50, 75 and 100% inclusion levels of silk worm meal. The experiment was conducted for 84 days were measured. Mean weight gain (MWG), specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR). The five inclusion levels of silk worm pupae supported the growth of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings, the growth and feed utilization were favoured by high inclusion level of silk worm meal. Significant differences (p<0.05) were observed among the treatments, although there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the growth parameters between 50% and 75% inclusion levels. The 100% silk worm pupae meal inclusion gave the best final mean weight gain of 10.29g specific growth rate of 0.93%, feed conversion ratio of 2.18 and protein efficiency ratio (PER) of 0.012. The carcass protein and lipid contents increased compared to the levels of both at the beginning of the experiment. Even though, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) among proximate composition of the fish groups fed 25, 50 and 75%. The results showed that diet consists of 100% silk worm meal could be used as a complete replacement for fish meal in the diet formulation for Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v42i1.15787 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2013. 42 (1): 76-80
Editorial Vol.1(1)
Authors: Jan Chowdhury Moin
Published: July 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education, Vol. 01, No. 01, January 2011, Page i DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v1i1.15764
Effects of Matrices for Chondogenesis and Osteogenesis Induced by Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2
Authors: Saito Takashi , Polan Mohammad Ali Akbor , Tang Jia
Published: July 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education, Vol. 01, No. 01, January 2011, Page 1-4 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v1i1.15765
Maxillary Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma - A Case Study
Authors: Hasan Md. Mokerrom , Islam Md. Mahfuzul , Rahman AFM Shadihur , Ahmed Mohiuddin
Published: July 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education, Vol. 01, No. 01, January 2011, Page 15-17 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v1i1.15796
A multi-disciplinary approach for the management of a traumatized tooth with complicated crown-root fracture: A case report
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Mahfuzur , Mahmud Jobayda , Rahman Md. Mostafizur , Raju Muntasir Mamoon , Jan Chowdhury Moin , Howlader Md. Mujibur Rahman , Alam Md. Shamsul
Published: July 2013

Bangladesh Journal of Dental Research & Education, Vol. 01, No. 01, January 2011, Page 18-22 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjdre.v1i1.15797
The Renegotiation-Proofness Principle and Costly Renegotiation
Authors: Brennan James , Watson Joel
Published: July 2013

We study contracting and costly renegotiation in settings of complete, but unverifiable information, using the mechanism-design approach. We show how renegotiation activity is best modeled in the fundamentals of the mechanism-design framework, so that noncontractibility of renegotiation amounts to a constraint on the problem. We formalize and clarify the Renegotiation-Proofness Principle (RPP), which states that any state-contingent payoff vector that is implementable in an environment with renegotiation can also be implemented by a mechanism in which renegotiation does not occur in equilibrium. We observe that the RPP is not valid in some settings. However, we prove a general monotonicity result that confirms the RPP’s message about renegotiation opportunities having negative consequences. Our monotonicity theorem states that, as the costs of renegotiation increase, the set of implementable state-contingent payoffs becomes larger.
Early Lung Cancer Diagnosis by Biosensors
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , Yang Dongliang , Weng Lixing , Wang Lianhui
Published: July 2013

Lung cancer causes an extreme threat to human health, and the mortality rate due to lung cancer has not decreased during the last decade. Prognosis or early diagnosis could help reduce the mortality rate. If microRNA and tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), as well as the corresponding autoantibodies, can be detected prior to clinical diagnosis, such high sensitivity of biosensors makes the early diagnosis and prognosis of cancer realizable. This review provides an overview of tumor-associated biomarker identifying methods and the biosensor technology available today. Laboratorial researches utilizing biosensors for early lung cancer diagnosis will be highlighted.
Genetic and Molecular Differences in Prostate Carcinogenesis between African American and Caucasian American Men
Authors: Farrell James , Petrovics Gyorgy , McLeod David , Srivastava Shiv
Published: July 2013

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death for men in the United States. Prostate cancer incidence and associated mortality are highest in African American men in comparison to other races. The observed differences in incidence and disease aggressiveness at presentation support a potential role for different pathways of prostate carcinogenesis between African American and Caucasian men. This review focuses on some of the recent molecular biology discoveries, which have been investigated in prostate carcinogenesis and their likely contribution to the known discrepancies across race and ethnicity. Key discussion points include the androgen receptor gene structure and function, genome-wide association studies and epigenetics. The new observations of the ethnic differences of the ERG oncogene, the most common prostate cancer gene, are providing new insights into ERG based stratification of prostate cancers in the context of ethnically diverse patient populations. This rapidly advancing knowledge has the likely potential to benefit clinical practice. Current and future work will improve the ability to sub-type prostate cancers by molecular alterations and lead to targeted therapy against this common malignancy.
Effects of Fe3O4 Magnetic Nanoparticles on A549 Cells
Authors: Watanabe Masatoshi , Yoneda Misao , Morohashi Ayaka , Hori Yasuki , Okamoto Daiki , Sato Akiko , Kurioka Daisuke , Nittami Tadashi , Hirokawa Yoshifumi , Shiraishi Taizo , Kawai Kazuaki , Kasai Hiroshi , Totsuka Yukari
Published: July 2013

Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MgNPs-Fe3O4) are widely used in medical applications, including magnetic resonance imaging, drug delivery, and in hyperthermia. However, the same properties that aid their utility in the clinic may potentially induce toxicity. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of MgNPs-Fe3O4 in A549 human lung epithelial cells. MgNPs-Fe3O4 caused cell membrane damage, as assessed by the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), only at a high concentration (100 μg/mL); a lower concentration (10 μg/mL) increased the production of reactive oxygen species, increased oxidative damage to DNA, and decreased the level of reduced glutathione. MgNPs-Fe3O4 caused a dose-dependent increase in the CD44+ fraction of A549 cells. MgNPs-Fe3O4 induced the expression of heme oxygenase-1 at a concentration of 1 μg/mL, and in a dose-dependent manner. Despite these effects, MgNPs-Fe3O4 had minimal effect on cell viability and elicited only a small increase in the number of cells undergoing apoptosis. Together, these data suggest that MgNPs-Fe3O4 exert little or no cytotoxicity until a high exposure level (100 μg/mL) is reached. This dissociation between elevated indices of cell damage and a small effect on cell viability warrants further study.
Beyond Awareness and Self-Governance: Approaching Kavango Timber Users’ Real-Life Choices
Authors: Pröpper Michael , Vollan Bjørn
Published: July 2013

Targeted illegal harvesting of hardwood in the woodland of Namibia’s Kavango region threatens forest stands. In a transforming setting, where wood is increasingly traded through value chains on a globalized market, local harvesters have complex incentives but also a crucially important position. Sustainability largely depends on their choices. Such choices are being influenced by awareness campaigns and decentralized forest management, which are being lauded and supported. Having produced an ethnographic awareness film (AF) on the problem of logging and the opportunities for community forests (CF) to reduce extractions while raising community income, we approach the influence of the instruments of film and community forests on forest-users’ real life choices with an economic public goods game. We compare villages that have experienced influences to a differing degree. We find more extraction in AF and no effect for CF at village level. Instead, the extractive impact of certain experimental and free riding personality types, whose strategies remain stable across the experiment, is equally distributed among villages. We discuss methodological implications and the fact that in a situation of ecological and socio-economic challenges certain players use game and real life opportunities to decouple individual choice from problem awareness and the social control-setting.
Effect of Boron-Doped Diamond Interlayer on Cutting Performance of Diamond Coated Micro Drills for Graphite Machining
Authors: Lei Xuelin , Wang Liang , Shen Bin , Sun Fanghong , Zhang Zhiming
Published: July 2013

Thin boron doped diamond (BDD) film is deposited from trimethyl borate/acetone/hydrogen mixture on Co-cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co) micro drills by using the hot filament chemical vapor deposition (HFCVD) technique. The boron peak on Raman spectrum confirms the boron incorporation in diamond film. This film is used as an interlayer for subsequent CVD of micro-crystalline diamond (MCD) film. The Rockwell indentation test shows that boron doping could effectively improve the adhesive strength on substrate of as deposited thin diamond films. Dry drilling of graphite is chosen to check the multilayer (BDD + MCD) film performance. For the sake of comparison, machining tests are also carried out under identical conditions using BDD and MCD coated micro drills with no interlayer. The wear mechanism of the tools has been identified and correlated with the criterion used to evaluate the tool life. The results show that the multilayer (BDD + MCD) coated micro drill exhibits the longest tool life. Therefore, thin BDD interlayer is proved to be a new viable alternative and a suitable option for adherent diamond coatings on micro cutting tools.
The Transcriptomics to Proteomics of Hair Cell Regeneration: Looking for a Hair Cell in a Haystack
Authors: Smith Michael , Rajadinakaran Gopinath
Published: July 2013

Mature mammals exhibit very limited capacity for regeneration of auditory hair cells, while all non-mammalian vertebrates examined can regenerate them. In an effort to find therapeutic targets for deafness and balance disorders, scientists have examined gene expression patterns in auditory tissues under different developmental and experimental conditions. Microarray technology has allowed the large-scale study of gene expression profiles (transcriptomics) at whole-genome levels, but since mRNA expression does not necessarily correlate with protein expression, other methods, such as microRNA analysis and proteomics, are needed to better understand the process of hair cell regeneration. These technologies and some of the results of them are discussed in this review. Although there is a considerable amount of variability found between studies owing to different species, tissues and treatments, there is some concordance between cellular pathways important for hair cell regeneration. Since gene expression and proteomics data is now commonly submitted to centralized online databases, meta-analyses of these data may provide a better picture of pathways that are common to the process of hair cell regeneration and lead to potential therapeutics. Indeed, some of the proteins found to be regulated in the inner ear of animal models (e.g., IGF-1) have now gone through human clinical trials.
Efficient Synthesis of 2-Amino-6-Arylbenzothiazoles via Pd(0) Suzuki Cross Coupling Reactions: Potent Urease Enzyme Inhibition and Nitric Oxide Scavenging Activities of the Products
Authors: Gull Yasmeen , Rasool Nasir , Noreen Mnaza , Nasim Faiz-ul-Hassan , Yaqoob Asma , Kousar Shazia , Rashid Umer , Bukhari Iftikhar , Zubair Muhammad , Islam Md.
Published: July 2013

In general, benzothiazole derivatives have attracted great interest due to thier pharmaceutical and biological importance. New 2-amino-6-arylbenzothiazoles were synthesized in moderate to excellent yields via Suzuki cross coupling reactions using various aryl boronic acids and aryl boronic acid pinacol esters and the antiurease and nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activity of the products were also examined. The most active compound concerning urease enzyme inhibition was 6-phenylbenzo[d]thiazole-2-amine 3e, with an IC50 value of 26.35 µg/mL. Compound 3c, 6-(4-methoxyphenyl) benzo[d]thiazole-2-amine, exhibited the highest nitric oxide percentage scavenging at 100µg/mL.
Evaluation of Land Surface Models in Reproducing Satellite Derived Leaf Area Index over the High-Latitude Northern Hemisphere. Part II: Earth System Models
Authors: Anav Alessandro , Murray-Tortarolo Guillermo , Friedlingstein Pierre , Sitch Stephen , Piao Shilong , Zhu Zaichun
Published: July 2013

Leaf Area Index (LAI) is a key parameter in the Earth System Models (ESMs) since it strongly affects land-surface boundary conditions and the exchange of matter and energy with the atmosphere. Observations and data products derived from satellite remote sensing are important for the validation and evaluation of ESMs from regional to global scales. Several decades’ worth of satellite data products are now available at global scale which represents a unique opportunity to contrast observations against model results. The objective of this study is to assess whether ESMs correctly reproduce the spatial variability of LAI when compared with satellite data and to compare the length of the growing season in the different models with the satellite data. To achieve this goal we analyse outputs from 11 coupled carbon-climate models that are based on the set of new global model simulations planned in support of the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report. We focus on the average LAI and the length of the growing season on Northern Hemisphere over the period 1986–2005. Additionally we compare the results with previous analyses (Part I) of uncoupled land surface models (LSMs) to assess the relative contribution of vegetation and climatic drivers on the correct representation of LAI. Our results show that models tend to overestimate the average values of LAI and have a longer growing season due to the later dormancy. The similarities with the uncoupled models suggest that representing the correct vegetation fraction with the associated parameterizations; is more important in controlling the distribution and value of LAI than the climatic variables.
Slope Stability Assessment of the Sarcheshmeh Landslide, Northeast Iran, Investigated Using InSAR and GPS Observations
Authors: Akbarimehr Mehrdad , Motagh Mahdi , Haghshenas-Haghighi Mahmud
Published: July 2013

The detection and monitoring of mass movement of susceptible slopes plays a key role in mitigating hazards and potential damage associated with creeping slopes and landslides. In this paper, we use observations from both Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) and Global Positioning System (GPS) to assess the slope stability of the Sarcheshmeh ancient landslide in the North Khorasan province of northeast Iran. InSAR observations were obtained by the time-series analysis of Envisat SAR images covering 2004–2006, whereas repeated GPS observations were conducted by campaign measurements during 2010–2012. Surface displacement maps of the Sarcheshmeh landslide obtained from InSAR and GPS are both indicative of slope stability. Hydrogeological analysis suggests that the multi-year drought and lower than average precipitation levels over the last decade might have contributed to the current dormancy of the Sarcheshmeh landslide.
Undergraduate Studentsâ?? Adoption of Website-service Quality by Applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in Jordan
Authors: Jaradat Mohammed-Issa Riad , Banikhaled Marie
Published: July 2013

Websites design and quality becomes a critical success factor especially for Electronic University (E-University) and/or Mobile University (M-University) as a part of E-Government and/or M-Government; because websites are the main interface between the universities and its students and stakeholders. This study presents factors that affect undergraduate studentsâ?? adoption of website-service quality by applying the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in Jordan. The proposed model was empirically tested using data collected from a survey containing 24 questions. Out of the 450 questionnaires that were randomly distributed, 422 were returned (93.8%). The structural equation modeling technique (SEM), by using the WarpPLS 3.0 software, was used to evaluate the causal model. Results show that student adoption and use of university website services can be predicted from the studentsâ?? behavioral intentions, which are affected significantly by performance expectancy and effort expectancy. The results show that social influence, website quality, and facilitating conditions have no direct significant effect on behavioral intention to use university website services even they have a medium grand mean for the scores of responses statements. Finally, as an ultimate aspiration, it was found that there is a direct effect between behavioral intention and actual behavioral to use university website services. Furthermore, the authors hope that understanding the underlying assumptions and theoretical constructs through the use of the UTAUT will assist developers in building, developing and maintaining a university website.
Data repeatability and acquisition techniques for time‐domain spectral induced polarization
Authors: Gazoty A. , Fiandaca G. , Pedersen J. , Auken E. , Christiansen A.V.
Published: July 2013

The Time Domain Induced Polarization (TDIP) technique is widely used in applied geophysics, particularly for environmental issues, for instance for delineating landfills or detecting leachate percolation. Because the reliability of IP data remains an issue at the field scale, this paper deals with the factors controlling data quality and compares different arrays and acquisition parameters for optimal collection of data in the field.

The first part focuses on repeatability experiments carried out in the former Hørløkke landfill (Denmark), in order to infer the degree of which a signal can be reproduced over time. Results show a good repeatability, with on average less than 10% of difference in raw data. Also, from the results it is inferred that the paramount parameter controlling repeatability is the IP signal level; a value of 2 mV is a sufficient threshold to ensure repeatability within 10% of data difference, although system dependant.

The second part focuses on survey design and underlines the importance of keeping the geometrical factor low. This points to the choice of a relevant measurement protocol, which depends on the threshold of the geometrical factor, again depending on expected chargeability and resistivity, threshold voltage and injected current. Furthermore, acquisition parameters such as the duration of the pulse injection and data sampling have a significant effect on both the signal‐to‐noise ratio and resolution. A comprehensive comparison between three protocols, the gradient array, the linear grid and the dipole‐dipole array, is shown and the choice of an acquisition sequence is discussed.
GPR investigations at an Inca‐Spanish site in Argentina
Authors: Bonomo Néstor , Osella Ana , Ratto Norma
Published: July 2013

We present the results of a GPR prospecting carried out at the archaeological site of Batungasta, in the NW region of Argentina. This site was established by the Incas in the 14th century and was later occupied during the Spaniard conquest. Environmental information obtained at this arid zone led us to postulate that parts of the site buildings had been seriously damaged and buried by seasonal flood events as well as aeolian sedimentation. Therefore, we considered applying the GPR method to investigate the existence of buried remains, their architectural characteristics and to provide further evidence about the flows that possibly affected them. This method seemed suitable to attain these goals since it usually provides a good detection capacity for architectural structures and layers in dry environments, as well as good quality maps of the soil. Seven sectors of the site were surveyed using a GPR constant‐offset methodology and 500 MHz antennas. The analysis of the data allowed recognizing electromagnetic patterns that could be associated to the existence of walls. In six of the seven sectors, enclosures formed by rock‐earth and earth walls were detected and mapped, confirming Incaic‐Spanish and Spanish structures, respectively. A sedimentary layer produced by a large flood that covered the structures was detected and mapped, providing evidence of this kind of event and its influence on the site. The maps of this layer were also useful to indirectly visualize the 3D shapes of the discovered walls, which were unclear in many sections of the data and to detect additional anthropogenic structures with very bad preservation conditions. These structures had not been previously identified from analysis of the data sections due to the confusing aspect of the reflections produced at their irregular boundaries.
Les nouvelles technologies éducatives dans l'exploitation du scénario pédagogique
Authors: Andréolle Donna
Published: July 2013

L’enseignement des langues subit actuellement une mutation due à l’explosion des nouvelles technologies de formation, d’information et de communication qui bouleversent nos « attitudes » pédagogiques dans la salle de classe. Cet article présente le scénario de tâches complémentaires et son utilisation dans le cadre d’un séminaire langues et cultures sur le discours politique aux États-Unis, ainsi que le rôle de divers outils multimédias dans la réalisation des différentes phases de travail proposées aux apprenants.
Le rôle de l’imagination dans la naissance du sentiment moral chez Rousseau
Authors: de Rohan Chabot Laetitia
Published: July 2013

Telle qu’elle se décline dans la théorie de la pitié du livre IV de
l’Émile, la philosophie morale de Rousseau
réconcilie deux traditions : les morales dites de l’amour-propre et
celles du sentiment moral. La présence de l’imagination, dans la
morale dite égoïste, mêle le sentiment moral à l’intérêt et donc à
l’amour-propre. A contrario, ne pas recourir à l’imagination dans les
morales du sentiment moral doit permettre d’éviter cette perversion.
L’originalité de la philosophie morale de Rousseau est de concilier le
recours à l’imagination, qui seule permet la mise en place de rapports
affectifs entre soi-même et autrui, et l’existence d’un sentiment
moral véritable non teinté d’égoïsme.