bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The behaviour of the Third Bosporus Bridge related to wind and railway loads
Authors: de Ville de Goyet Vincent , Duchêne Yves , Virlogeux Michel , Klein Jean-François
Published: March 2016

The Third Bosporus Bridge is a highly rigid suspended bridge with a main span length of 1’408 m and a total length of 2’260 m located at the north of Istanbul near the Black Sea. The cable system is a combination of stiffening cables (stay system) and classical suspension. The wind loads are very significant, but with the addition of two railways tracks, the effect of the large and combined loads and the runability of trains have to be examined in details.

For the turbulent wind, the dynamic behaviour has been studied in wind tunnel labs at Nantes (France) and Milano (Italy) with sectional and aero-elastic models combined with numerical spectral analyses. The first objectives of the tests were to verify the aerodynamic stability of the deck and to evaluate the wind forces on the deck and on the pylons during both service life and construction stages. To ensure a minimum of traffic interruptions, the efficiency of wind shields has been measured in laboratory. To limit the displacements under the railway traffic, pendular bearings have been chosen.
Analysis of the surgical benefits of 5-ALA–induced fluorescence in intracranial meningiomas: experience in 204 meningiomas
Authors: Millesi Matthias , Kiesel Barbara , Mischkulnig Mario , Martínez-Moreno Mauricio , Wöhrer Adelheid , Wolfsberger Stefan , Knosp Engelbert , Widhalm Georg
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

One of the most important causes for recurrence of intracranial meningiomas is residual tumor tissue that remains despite assumed complete resection. Recently, intraoperative visualization of meningioma tissue by 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)–induced protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) fluorescence was reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible surgical benefits of PpIX fluorescence for detection of meningioma tissue.

METHODS

5-ALA was administered preoperatively to 190 patients undergoing resection of 204 intracranial meningiomas. The meningiomas' PpIX fluorescence status, fluorescence quality (strong or vague), and intratumoral fluorescence homogeneity were investigated during surgery. Additionally, specific sites, including the dural tail, tumor-infiltrated bone flap, adjacent cortex, and potential satellite lesions, were analyzed for PpIX fluorescence in selected cases.

RESULTS

PpIX fluorescence was observed in 185 (91%) of 204 meningiomas. In the subgroup of sphenoorbital meningiomas (12 of 204 cases), the dural part showed visible PpIX fluorescence in 9 cases (75%), whereas the bony part did not show any PpIX fluorescence in 10 cases (83%). Of all fluorescing meningiomas, 168 (91%) showed strong PpIX fluorescence. Typically, most meningiomas demonstrated homogeneous fluorescence (75% of cases). No PpIX fluorescence was observed in any of the investigated 89 dural tails. In contrast, satellite lesions could be identified through PpIX fluorescence in 7 cases. Furthermore, tumor-infiltrated bone flaps could be visualized by PpIX fluorescence in all 13 cases. Notably, PpIX fluorescence was also present in the adjacent cortex in 20 (25%) of 80 analyzed cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The authors' data from this largest patient cohort to date indicate that PpIX fluorescence enables intraoperatively visualization of most intracranial meningiomas and allows identification of residual tumor tissue at specific sites. Thus, intraoperative detection of residual meningioma tissue by PpIX fluorescence might in future reduce the risk of recurrence.
Application of parallel stent placement in the treatment of unruptured vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Xin-Feng , Li Bao-Min , Li Sheng , Cao Xiang-Yu , Liang Yong-Ping , Ge Ai-Li , Feng Hui-Min
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Large vertebrobasilar fusiform aneurysms (VFAs) represent a small subset of intracranial aneurysms and are often among the most difficult to treat. Current surgical and endovascular techniques fail to achieve a complete or acceptable result because of complications, including late-onset basilar artery thrombosis and perforator infarction. The parallel-stent placement technique was established in the authors' department, and this study reports the application of this technique in the treatment of unruptured VFAs.

METHODS

Eight patients with 8 unruptured VFAs who underwent parallel stent placement between April 2011 and August 2012 were included. The diameters of the VFAs ranged from 7.9 to 14.0 mm, and the lengths from 27.5 to 54.4 mm. Of the 8 patients with unruptured VFAs, 3 received double or triple parallel stents and 5 patients received a series-connected stent with another 1 or 2 stents deployed parallel to them. Outcomes for these patients were tabulated, based on the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score and angiographic results.

RESULTS

All of the 25 stents were successfully placed without any treatment-related complications. During follow-up, 5 patients had decreased mRS scores, 2 were unchanged, and 1 was increased for subarachnoid hemorrhage. Immediate and follow-up clinical outcome was completely or partially recovered in most patients. Follow-up angiograms revealed 2 aneurysms were reduced in size and 6 were unchanged after stent placement. No in-stent stenosis, occlusion of the posterior inferior cerebellar artery, or perforators jailed by the stent occurred in any of the aneurysms.

CONCLUSIONS

These results provide encouraging support for the parallel-stent placement technique, which can be envisaged as an alternative strategy against unruptured VFAs. However, testing in more patients is needed.
Quality of life in patients with intracranial tumors: does tumor laterality matter?
Authors: Drewes Christina , Sagberg Lisa Millgård , Jakola Asgeir Store , Solheim Ole
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Traditionally, the dominant (usually left) cerebral hemisphere is regarded as the more important one, and everyday clinical decisions are influenced by this view. However, reported results on the impact of lesion laterality are inconsistent in the scarce literature on quality of life (QOL) in patients with brain tumors. The authors aimed to study which cerebral hemisphere is the most important to patients with intracranial tumors with respect to health-related QOL (HRQOL).

METHODS

Two hundred forty-eight patients with unilateral, unifocal gliomas or meningiomas scheduled for primary surgery were included in this prospective cohort study. Generic HRQOL was measured using the EQ-5D-3L questionnaire preoperatively and after 4–6 weeks. Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses of data were performed.

RESULTS

Tumor volumes were significantly larger in right-sided tumors at diagnosis, and language or speech problems were more common in left-sided lesions. Otherwise, no differences existed in baseline data. The median EQ-5D-3L index was 0.73 (range −0.24 to 1.00) in patients with right-sided tumors and 0.76 (range −0.48 to 1.00) in patients with left-sided tumors (p = 0.709). Due to the difference in tumor volumes at baseline, histopathology and tumor volumes were matched in 198 patients. EQ-5D-3L index scores in this 1:1 matched analysis were 0.74 (range −0.7 to 1.00) for patients with right-sided and 0.76 (range −0.48 to 1.00) for left-sided lesions (p = 0.342). In the analysis of longitudinal data, no association was found between tumor laterality and postoperative EQ-5D-3L index scores (p = 0.957) or clinically significant change in HRQOL following surgery (p = 0.793).

CONCLUSIONS

In an overall patient-reported QOL perspective, tumor laterality does not appear to be of significant importance for generic HRQOL in patients with intracranial tumors. This may imply that right-sided cerebral functions are underestimated by clinicians.
Access to the brain parenchyma using endovascular techniques and a micro-working channel
Authors: Lundberg Johan , Johansson Carina B. , Jonsson Stefan , Holmin Staffan
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE

Several older studies report a low risk for parenchymal access to the CNS by surgical techniques. In more recent studies, including those with post-puncture CT scans, there are indications that the risk of bleeding might approach 8%. New therapies, such as those that use viral vectors, modified mRNA, or cell transplantation, will probably warrant more parenchymal access to the CNS. Other minimally invasive routes might then be tempting to explore. This study was designed in 2 parts to address the possibility of using the endovascular route. The first aim was to test the ability to create a parenchymal micro-working channel to the CNS in macaque monkeys through the vessel wall. Second, the biocompatibility of a device-associated, detached, distal securing plug that was made of nitinol was investigated in swine for 1 year.

METHODS

Trans-vessel wall intervention in the middle cerebral artery and associated cerebral parenchyma was performed in 4 rhesus macaque monkeys using a full clinical angiography suite. A contrast agent and methylene blue were injected to test the working channel and then detached at the distal end to act as a securing plug through the vessel wall. One-year follow-ups were also performed using angiography and histological analysis in 10 swine with 24 implants that were distributed in the external carotid artery tree.

RESULTS

The cerebral interventions were performed without acute bleeding. Both the contrast agent and methylene blue were infused into the brain parenchyma and subarachnoidal space via the endovascular micro-working channel (7 injections in 4 animals). In the 1-year follow-up period, the implant that was left in the external carotid vessel wall in the swine was covered by the endothelium, which was followed by dislodgement just outside the blood vessel with thin capsule formation. No stenosis in the artery was detected on 1-year angiography. The animals showed normal behavior and blood sample results during the follow-up period. This is the first histological demonstration of nitinol biocompatibility when the implant is positioned through an arterial wall and indicates that the trans-vessel wall technique is not comparable with stent placement and its ability to induce intimal hyperplasia and restenosis.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the trans-vessel wall technique is applicable to brain intervention in macaque monkeys, providing a micro-working channel for delivery or sampling. The long-term follow-up study of the detached device in swine showed no clinical or biochemical complications and a normal angiography appearance.
Early description of synchronous double spinal vascular malformations by Łucja Frey in 1928
Authors: Gailloud Philippe
Published: March 2016

The Polish neurologist Łucja Frey (1889–1942) is principally remembered for her description of the auriculotemporal nerve (or Frey's) syndrome. She also reported a complex case of spinal cord vascular malformation in 1928, which included one of the earliest accurate anatomopathological depictions of a spinal arteriovenous malformation as well as the first known observation of double synchronous spinal cord vascular malformation.

An abbreviated translation of Frey's report is followed by a discussion of the place occupied by her contribution in the development of our current understanding of spinovascular disorders.
Registration of AO‐1012‐29‐3‐3A Red Kidney Bean Germplasm Line with Bean Weevil, BCMV, and BCMNV Resistance
Authors: Kusolwa Paul M. , Myers James R. , Porch Timothy G. , Trukhina Yulia , González-Vélez Abiezer , Beaver James S.
Published: March 2016

The bean weevil (Acanthoscelides obtectus Say) is an aggressive post‐harvest pest of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Bean common mosaic virus (BCMV) and Bean common mosaic necrosis virus (BCMNV) are important seedborne diseases of dry bean in the Americas and Africa. The development of bean lines that combine resistance to BCMV, BCMNV, and bean weevils can help to reduce yield loss during the growing season and avoid seed damage during storage. AO‐1012‐29‐3‐3A, (Reg. No. GP‐299, PI 675563) is a multiple virus and bean weevil‐resistant bean germplasm line adapted to the humid tropics; it was developed and released cooperatively in 2015 by Sokoine University of Agriculture, Oregon State University, the USDA‐ARS, and the University of Puerto Rico. AO‐1012‐29‐3‐3A has a determinate growth habit and a dark red kidney seed type similar to the cultivar Rojo, which is commercially acceptable in Tanzania. AO‐1012‐29‐3‐3A possesses the I and bc‐12 genes that confer resistance to BCMV and BCMNV. AO‐1012‐29‐3‐3A produced a mean seed yield similar to the checks USLK‐1 and ‘Badillo’ in three trials planted in Puerto Rico. Seed of AO‐1012‐29‐3‐3A had greater levels of threonine, proline, analine, valine, lysine, methionine, and crude protein compared with the check cultivar Badillo. AO‐1012‐29‐3‐3A should serve as a useful source of resistance to the bean weevil, BCMV, and some pathogroups of BCMNV.
Umbilical cord and preeclampsia
Authors: Olaya-C M. , Salcedo-Betancourt J. , Galvis S.H. , Ortiz A.M. , Gutierrez S. , Bernal J.E.
Published: March 2016

INTRODUCTION:

Preeclampsia is associated with abnormalities in the umbilical cord in several ways: morphological, biochemical and functional. Alteration in blood vessels of the placenta, decidua and circulatory system of the fetus might be related to factors that cause preeclampsia and may be associated with alterations of the umbilical cord.

OBJECTIVES:

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between each type of umbilical cord abnormality and the different subtypes of hypertensive gestational disorders.

METHODS:

We conducted a prospective study on consecutive autopsies and its placentas, looking for abnormalities in the umbilical cord’s features and their clinical associations.

RESULTS:

Umbilical cord abnormalities including length, diameter, insertion, entanglements, knots and coils were associated with maternal gestational hypertension.

CONCLUSION:

In women with gestational hypertension, umbilical cord abnormalities are associated with fetal and neonatal consequences.
Increased tissue factor and thrombomodulin expression and histopathological changes in placentas of pregnancies with preeclampsia
Authors: Ayala-Ramírez P. , Buitrago T. , Poveda A. , Rodríguez J.L. , Olaya-C M. , García-Robles R.
Published: March 2016

INTRODUCTION:

Preeclampsia has a global frequency of 2–8% and a frequency of 10% in developing countries. In Colombia, preeclampsia causes 42% of maternal mortality. Alterations in placental homeostasis have been proposed to be involved in its pathophysiology. The aim of this study was to compare mRNA and protein levels of tissue factor (F3) and thrombomodulin (THBD) and the histopathological findings of placentas.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We studied 16 placentas from patients with preeclampsia and 19 term placentas with uncomplicated pregnancy. An expert pathologist, who was masked to the group assignment, conducted an evaluation to determine specific histological changes. Assessments of mRNA and protein levels of F3 and THBD were performed using real-time PCR and ELISA, respectively.

RESULTS:

Cases and controls differed in the frequency of decidual arteriopathy ( p = 0.027), acute infarction ( p = 0.001) and hyperplasia of the syncytiotrophoblast ( p = 0.0017). Cases had increased levels of F3 mRNA ( p = 0.0124) and protein ( p <  0.0001) and THBD mRNA ( p <  0.0001) and protein ( p <  0.0001).

CONCLUSION:

In placenta of patients with preeclampsia, we detected abnormal expression of F3 and THBD with increased protein and mRNA levels. The role of these molecules in the pathogenesis of this disease and in alterations of hemostatic and histopathological aspects of placentas need further studying.
Epsilon globin gene expression in developing human fetal tissues
Authors: McConaghy S. , Manuel V. , Nagji S. , Ohls R.K.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE:

The discovery of free fetal DNA in plasma of pregnant women has opened a new avenue for non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. We hypothesized that epsilon ( ɛ)-globin gene expression could serve as a positive control for the presence of fetal nucleic acid.

STUDY DESIGN:

We measured ɛ-globin mRNA in human fetal tissues and compared concentrations with that measured in adult non-pregnant and pregnant samples. Total RNA was isolated from fetal marrow, liver, blood, and placenta (10–24 weeks gestation), from adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and from maternal plasma. RNA was reverse transcribed and quantitative polymerase chain reaction performed for ɛ-globin expression.

RESULTS:

ɛ-globin gene expression was detected in all fetal samples, was detected in plasma of pregnant women, but was negligible in non-pregnant samples. Relative ɛ-globin gene expression was significantly greater in fetal blood compared to fetal liver, and was minimally expressed in placenta. ɛ-globin gene expression decreased at the highest gestational ages in fetal blood, while expression was greatest at 15–19 weeks in fetal marrow.

CONCLUSION:

Fetal ɛ-globin gene expression is significantly greater than adult expression and is increased in maternal plasma compared to non-pregnant samples. ɛ-globin gene expression might serve as a positive control when determining the presence of fetal nucleic acid in total nucleic acid isolated from maternal plasma.
Outcomes of peripherally inserted double lumen central catheter in very low birth weight infants
Authors: Cheong S.M. , Totsu S. , Nakanishi H. , Uchiyama A. , Kusuda S.
Published: March 2016

OBJECTIVE:

In order to evaluate safety and usefulness of peripherally inserted double lumen central catheter (PIDLCC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, outcomes of VLBW infants who had PIDLCC was studied.

SUBJECTIVE:

Thirty-nine VLBW infants who were admitted to our NICU in 2013 were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS:

Mean birth weight and gestational age was 1042.7 gram and 28.5 weeks, respectively. Total duration of indwelling PIDLCC was 1121 days (mean 28.5+18.2 days) with 85 PIDLCCs used. Dressing at the insertion site was done twice weekly with 10% povidone iodine. Four (10.3% with mean of 48 days) infants had catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI), with a 3.57 infection per 1000 catheter-day. The mean for days of PIDLCC in 35 infants without CRBSI was 26.5 days. Organisms isolated were Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus capitis ureolytic. Our study showed significant difference in the duration of indwelling catheter ( p = 0.023) and intraventricular hemorrhage ( p = 0.043) between the CRBSI group and non-CRBSI group. Five (12.8%) infants had abnormal thyroid function test, in which two infants required thyroxine supplementation upon discharge. However, duration of PIDLCC and abnormal thyroid function test was not statistically significant ( p = 0.218). One (2.5%) infant died (death was not related to CRBSI). There was no serious adverse effects secondary to PIDLCC.

CONCLUSION:

It is concluded that the use and maintenance of PIDLCC is safe for VLBW infants, but close monitoring should be observed to detect early signs of infection.
The impact of obesity on cervical cerclage efficacy: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Prodromidou A. , Frountzas M. , Perrea D. , Vlachos G.D. , Pergialiotis V.
Published: March 2016

BACKGROUND:

Cervical cerclage is a commonly applied procedure which is used as a preventive measure against preterm births among women with a short cervix (<25mm) or with previous painless mid-trimester pregnancy losses. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate whether the presence of maternal obesity reduces the efficacy of cervical cerclage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We searched Medline (1966–2015), Scopus (2004–2015), Popline (1974–2015) and ClinicalTrials.gov (2008–2015) along with reference lists of electronically retrieved studies.

RESULTS:

Three studies were included in our review which involved 606 women. Among them 210 were obese (BMI>30 kg/m2) and 47 morbidly obese (BMI >40 kg/m2). The presence of obesity among women who had a cervical cerclage due to ultrasound or history indications did not seem to affect the gestational age at delivery or the neonatal birthweight. Furthermore, according to the findings of a single study it did not seem to reduce the gestational latency period in days (normal weight group 24.3±3.2, overweight group 21.1±5.1, obese group 21.4±4.9 p = 0.171).

CONCLUSION:

According to the findings of our systematic review obesity does not influence the efficacy of cervical cerclage. However, firm results are precluded due to the small number and the methodological heterogeneity of existing studies. Further, studies are needed to corroborate our findings.
Parental preferences regarding administration of an animal-derived versus a synthetic medication to newborn infants
Authors: Sherman Tami I. , Moya Fernando , Simmons Phillip D. , Kurtz Danielle , Shaffer Thomas H.
Published: March 2016

AIM:

We examined the perceptions of parents with regard to animal-derived versus synthetic medications of comparable efficacy. We hypothesized that this issue is a concern in neonatal care and that the perceptions of parents from one geographical location would be similar to those of another.

METHODS:

A survey was distributed to parents of neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit of a southeastern hospital.

RESULTS:

Of 153 parents surveyed, 150 (98%) responded. More mothers than fathers completed the surveys (113 vs. 34). Fifty-six percent of participants indicated a college or higher education; 40% had an income of $51,000/yr or higher. Thirty-four percent of parents had concerns about animal-derived medications, 41% preferred a synthetic medication of equivalent efficacy, and 69% would like to be informed if a medication was animal-derived.

CONCLUSION:

Parents have concerns about exposing neonates to animal-derived medication and wish to be informed if an animal-derived medication is being considered.
Significance of antenatal glucocorticoid exposure for pressure injury prevalence in neonates
Authors: August D. , Kandasamy Y.
Published: March 2016

AIMS:

Studies have highlighted that antenatal steroids could have an effect on neonatal skin maturation. This study examined if there was a relationship between the administration of antenatal glucocorticoids for mothers and the skin injuries in their neonates. Data from skin injury audit were extracted from the neonatal database and analyzed to determine differences in the prevalence of neonates with pressure injuries [cases] whose mothers had received antenatal steroids, compared to those without pressure injuries [control].

RESULTS:

Of 247 neonates audited, 77 [31%], had documented pressure injuries, 170 [69%] had no documented injury. The median birth weight and gestation were 1400 g [IQR 893–2268 g] and 30.3 weeks [IQR 26.3–40.0 weeks] respectively. Of the neonates born less than 34 weeks, 80% were exposed to antenatal steroids and were equally distributed across patient genders. Within the 77 cases, 53 [66%] were exposed to antenatal steroids compared to controls in which 88 [53%] had not. The effect between cases and controls was not statistically significant [ χ2 = 2.81, P = 0.09]. However a difference was noted between genders, as female neonates benefited from the exposure to steroids [OR = 0.317, 95% [CI 0.105–0.956], p value –0.041].

CONCLUSION:

Antenatal glucocorticoids appear to be beneficial in reducing pressure injury prevalence in female neonates.
Scrotoschisis in a neonate with meconium peritonitis and periorchitis
Authors: DeRoo S.E. Schaffer , Lumpkins K.M. , El-Metwally D.E.
Published: March 2016

We present the case of an infant born with scrotoschisis and evidence of meconium periorchitis and peritonitis. A scrotal defect was noted with exposure of the left testis and spermatic cord. Meconium peritonitis and periorchitis were confirmed on operative exploration. Given the history, cystic fibrosis was suspected, but initial screening and diagnostic tests were negative.
Management of Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus through Netting
Authors: Mugit A , Akanda AM
Published: March 2016

Tomato seedlings were raised in the netted seedbeds before transplanting in order to study the effect of netting on the incidence of Tomato yellow leaf curl virus in the field. Two types of nets, namely, fine (40 mesh) and coarse (10 mesh) and insecticidal spray with imidacloprid @ 0.1% were used in the experiment. Disease incidence and severity, yield and yield contributing characters were recorded. Results show that the disease incidence was reduced by 12 to 37% and yield was increased by 5 to 21% due to netting and pesticidal spray. Of the two types of nets, fine net (40 mesh) was more effective than coarse net (10 mesh).
Response of T. Aman Rice (Oryza sativa L.) to S, Mg, Zn, B, Mo and Organic Amendments in Tista Meander Floodplain Soil
Authors: Rahman GKM Mustafizur , Ashrafi R , Hossain MB , Rahman ML
Published: March 2016

A field experiment was conducted at the BINA sub-station of Tajhat, Rangpur in the Tista Meander Floodplain soil during aman season 2003 to study the response of T. aman rice to S, Mg, Zn, B, Mo and organic amendments. The experiment was laid-out in a randomized complete block design with nine treatments is with three replications as T1: complete (S + Mg + Zn + B + Mo), T2: completeS, T3: completeMg, T4: completeZn, T5: completeB, T6: completeMo, T7: cowdung @ 5 t/ha, T8: poultry manure @ 5 t/ha and T9: control. Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium were applied in recommended doses as basal. The highest grain (3927 kg/ha) and straw (4472 kg/ha) yields were recorded with the application of poultry manure, followed by cowdung and complete (S+Mg+Zn+B+Mo) treatment. The lowest yield was recorded in the control plot. The overall results indicate that application of organic amendments with NPK gave satisfactory yield of T. aman rice in the Tista Meander Floodplain Soil.
Double Transplanting of Boro Rice Increased System Productivity of T. Aman-Potato-Boro Cropping Pattern
Authors: Khatun Amina , Khan AH , Saleque MA
Published: March 2016

Under irrigated condition, double transplanting (DT) of Boro rice in a T. Aman-Potato-Boro cropping pattern may be an alternative option either to reduce the yield loss of late planted Boro rice or to keep it at a minimum level. An experiment was conducted during 2003 - 2006 at Gazipur and Kapasia with three cropping patterns. The patterns were: T. Aman- Boro- Fallow (CP1), T. Aman-Potato- Boro (CP2) and T. Aman- Potato- double transplanted (DT) Boro (CP3). Rice varieties were BRRI dhan44 and BRRI dhan29 for Aman and Boro seasons, respectively; while Diamont was the potato variety. Rice equivalent yields (REY) in CP2 and CP3 were 82 and 109% higher than that in CP1 at Gazipur, whereas those were 122 and 179% higher at Kapasia. The increase of REY in CP2 was attributed to higher potato yield and that in CP3 was due to higher yield of potato and Boro rice. Double transplanting of Boro in CP3 facilitated greater yield of potato and realized almost similar yield of Boro that was obtained in CP1. Economic analysis showed that the gross margin was the highest in CP3 (US$ 1797 and 2720 at Gazipur and Kapasia, respectively). CP3 may be recommended for medium high lands of Bangladesh and other Asian rice growing countries.
Influences of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Biochemical Attributes of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) in Relation to Yield Potential
Authors: Islam MA , Mia MA Baset , Faroque MAA
Published: March 2016

An experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh, Bangladesh to evaluate the influence of fertilizer-N on biochemical characteristics, nutrient accumulation and yield of potatoes during the period from November 2002 to March 2003. Two varieties, namely Cardinal and Diamant and five levels of N viz. 0, 100, 125, 150 and 175 kg ha-1 were applied in a factorial randomized complete block design with three replications. The results indicated that the biochemical characteristics, nutrient concentrations, yield components and yield were significantly influenced by the different levels of N. The nitrate reductase activity, chlorophyll content, total free amino acid showed positive linear relationship with different doses of N-fertilizers. The highest tuber weight and nitrogen accumulation were found from the plants which received 150 kg N ha-1. Application of 150 kg N ha-1 resulted in best biochemical characteristics, nutrient uptake, yield and yield components of potato varieties- Cardinal and Diament.
Optimization of Irrigation Level for Selected Sugarcane Varieties in Aez-11 of Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MA , Eusufzai SUK , Tabriz SS , Hossain SMI
Published: March 2016

An experiment was conducted in a farmers field at Loknathpur in Chuadanga district under AEZ-11 (high ganges river floodplain) during 2005-06 and 2006-07 to determine the optimum irrigation level for the best performance of four sugarcane varieties (Isd 16, Isd 32, Isd 34, Isd 35). The experiment was laid out in two factors split-plot design with four irrigation levels in main plots and four varieties in sub-plots. Extra irrigations at 21, 28 and 35 days interval in addition to two live irrigations increased sugarcane yield from 15 to 48%. All the varieties showed higher establishment, tiller, millable cane and cane yield when irrigations were applied at 28 days interval over irrigation at 21 or 35 days interval. Variety Isd 32, Isd 34 and Isd 35 produced significantly higher yield. However, the overall performances of all of the selected varieties were satisfactory. These varieties can be cultivated for potential yield in sandy loam soil under AEZ-11 providing 5 irrigations at 28 days interval in addition to two live irrigations at 0 and 14 days after transplantation when soil bed budchip settlings are used as planting materials.
Use of Cow as Draught Power in Some Selected Areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Rashid MU , Rahman MR , Mammun ZA
Published: March 2016

The study was undertaken to investigate the use of cow as draught power in some selected areas of Bangladesh. Data were collected from 104 purposively sampled respondents from different parts of Tangail, Bogra, Rangamati, Narshindhi, Gopalgang, Gazipur, Chuadanga, Bhola, Faridpur and Barisal district by using interview schedule. It was found that 52 respondents (50 %) used both cow and machinery as source of farm power, while 23 respondents (22.11%) used only animal and 29 respondents (27.88%) used only machinery as the source of farm power. The study showed that top three purposes of using cow were cultivation, milking along with breeding and threshing. The farmers provided 24 suggestions to develop draught cow, among them the most common suggestions were increasing grazing land for draught animal, making animal feed available, launch training programmes for draught animal management and take preventive measures for controlling diseases of cow.
Effects of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Yield and Yield Contributing Characters of Mukhi Kachu (Colocasia esculenta L.)
Authors: Hossain D , Ullah M , Shahjahan M , Haque MA , Ali M
Published: March 2016

The response of mukhi kachu (Colocasia esculenta L.) cultivars (Bilashi and local variety) to inorganic (Urea 140 kg ha-1, TSP = 95 kg ha-1, MP= 145 kg ha-1 and Urea 150 kg ha-1, TSP= 100 kg ha-1, MP= 150 kg ha-1) and organic (Cowdung 5,000 kg ha-1, Mustard oil cake 100 kg ha-1 and Poultry dropping 8000 kg ha-1) fertilizers was determined at the farm of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Bangladesh. Different levels of organic and inorganic fertilizers showed significant effect on number of cormels, dry weight of cormels and yield of the crop. Organic fertilizers produced significantly higher yields of mukhi kachu over the inorganic fertilizers. The variety Bilashi produced the highest yield (25.66 t ha-1) with the application of mustard oil cake.
Factors Enhancing Virulence Response of Agrobacteria in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Mohiuddin AKM , Abdullah Zaliha C , Chowdhury MKU , Harikrishna K , Napis Suhaimi
Published: March 2016

The virulence response of five wild type Agrobacterium tumefaciens (tumorigenic) strains and five wild type A. rhizogenes (oncogenic) strains was studied in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), cv. Spring Swallow. Several physical and chemical factors e.g. Agrobacterium strains, tissue type (stem and petiole tissues), light intensity, dark incubation, concentrations of acetosyringone (a phenolic compound) were tested. The virulent response of Agrobacteria was found to be depend on plant tissue type, Agrobacterium strain, tissue-Agrobacterium interaction and both chemical-physical factors. Specific light intensity, 2500-lux, as well as the acetosyringone concentration, 20-mM, played important role in virulence response. Among the different strains, LBA 4404 and 15834 were highly virulent to cucumber compared to the other strains tested. A. tumefaciens strains A348 and A281 were failed to initiate crown galls in both stem and petiole tissues, however, in the presence of acetosyringone they produced crown galls. Similarly, A. rhizogenes strain A4 initiated hairy roots in the presence of acetosyringone. All developed crown galls and hairy roots showed an autonomous growth on a hormone free medium containing cefatoxime. Thus, enhancement of virulence response was not only dependent on Agrobacterium strains, but also on particular physical and chemical factors also play vital role.
Evaluation of Some Indigenous Plant Extracts for Suppressing Bipolaris sorokiniana in Wheat Seed
Authors: Panna Rokshana , Aminuzzaman FM , Islam MR , Bhuyan MHM Borhannuddin
Published: March 2016

Studies were conducted in the Seed Pathology Laboratory, Department of Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University to evaluate some indigenous plant extracts on the incidence of Bipolaris sorokiniana of wheat and seed germination. Seed treated with plant extracts reduced the incidence of Bipolaris sorokiniana. The lowest incidence was counted (12.33%) in seeds treated with Burmuda grass extracts (1:2W/V). While the highest seed germination (99.60%) was recorded in seeds treated with this grass extract followed by 99.33% germination in seeds treated with Neem leaf extract (1:2W/V), 98.00% with nut sedge grass rhizome extract (1:2 W/V), 87.67% with Allamanda leaf extract (1:2W/V). Comparatively the lowest incidence of Bipolaris sorokiniana (14.00%) was observed in seeds treated with Neem leaf extracts (1:2W/V) followed by 14.50% in seeds treated with Nut sedge grass rhizome extracts (1:2W/V), Black cumin seed extracts (15.20%) and Allamanda leaf extract (24.00%).
Viability Test of Sesbania rostrata Seed with Hot Water Treatment
Authors: Islam MM , Salim M , Meah B , Haque MM , Alam MS
Published: March 2016

The study was conducted at the Laboratory of the Department of Agronomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University (BSMRAU), Gazipur, during March to August, 2008 to examine the effect of hot water treatment at different temperatures with varying immersion periods on the viability of Sesbania rostrata seeds. Effect of dipping seeds in hot water at temperature of 78, 79, 80 and 810C for 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28 min were evaluated for this purpose. The lowest seed viability and seed germination (0.5%) was obtained at 81 0C for 28 min immersion period. The lowest hard seed (3.0%) and minimum (0.63%) pathogenic infection was found at same temperature and immersion period. Germination and tetrazolium tests were used throughout the experiment for estimating seed viability. Extreme hot water treatment deteriorated the viability of Sesbania rostrata seeds.
Safety of non-descent vaginal hysterectomy
Authors: Biswas Sankar Prosad , Mahmuda Kaaniz , Sultana Mamoni
Published: March 2016

The aim of our study is exploring the safety and feasibility of nondescent vaginal hysterectomy in benign diseases of uterus and also maximizing the proportion of hysterectomy performed vaginally. This was a prospective descriptive study done in obstetrics and gynaecology department of Khulna medical college hospital and two private clinic in Khulna and Satkhira. Over a period of 3 years from January 2012 to December 2014, a total of 56 cases underwent hysterectomy done vaginally for benign diseases. The most common age group affected was 41-50 years (64.28%) and second common group was below 40 years. Majority (73.21%) of the patients was multiparas and 6 weeks size affected uterus was 41.07%. Most common indication for NDVH was dysfiinctional uterine bleeding (39.29%) and fibroid uterus was 35.71%. Among 56 patients 25 cases needed dcbulking technique (44.64%) of which bisection was 32.14%. Maximum (53.57%) operation was completed within 61 to 90 minutes. Maximum blood loss of 201 ml or more was in 3 cases but only 5 patients needed blood transfusion. Among 56 patients. 5 (8.92%) patients suffered from various forms of complications but urinary fistula was nil. So it can be concluded that non descent vaginal hysterectomy has many advantages which include short hospital stay and fast convalescence.Bang Med J (Khulna) 2015; 48 : 16-19
Implication of risk factors for coronary heart disease
Authors: Basher Md Shahidul , Haque ABM Maqsudul , Kabir Shikha , Khan Mohammad Mohammad Kamruzzaman , Hassan Mohammad Rashedul , Akhter Suriya
Published: March 2016

A Case Control study was carried out to identify the risk factors of Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. As many as 96 patients were selected purposively as cases who were admitted with CHD at Coronary Care Unit, whereas an equal number of age, sex and religion matched controls were selected from patients admitted into Medicine Units during the study period. Data were collected by using pretested interview schedule after obtaining informed verbal consent. The mean age of the cases and controls, were 58.88 years with a Standard Deviation of 10.52 years. A highest number of cases and controls (87-90.62%) were males, while the rest 9 (9.38%) were females. Among cases 27 (28.13%) were illiterate, while of controls, 36 (37.50%) were illiterate. The association of smoking with the development of Coronary Heart Disease was statistically significant (P<O.05) with an odds ratio of 2.07. Family history of CHD had a very high statistical significance (p<0.001) with odds ratio 3.53. High statistical significance (p<0.01) was also observed between Diabetes Mellitus and Coronary Heart Disease with an odds ratio of 3.34. Coronary Heart Disease can be prevented through primordial prevention by hindering the development of baneful behaviours like habit of smoking, chewing betel leaf, use of tobacco and jarda, having fatty diet like meat.Bang Med J (Khulna) 2015; 48 : 28-31
The Household Health Spending and Impoverishment: Findings from the Households Survey in Shiraz, Iran
Authors: Khammarnia M , Keshtkaran A , Kavosi Z , Hayati R
Published: March 2016

The present study aimed to investigate the households' impoverishment due to the healthcare costs in Shiraz in 2012. In this household's survey, 800 households were studied in Shiraz. The study sample was selected using stratified and cluster sampling in the urban and rural areas, respectively. The information was collected using the household section of the World Health Survey questionnaire. In order to determine impoverishment due to health spending, at first, the households' food-based poverty line (subsistence expenditure) was measured. Then, households' health expenditure was subtracted from their total expenditure and if the obtained value was lower than the households' food-based poverty line, the households was considered to be impoverished due to health expenditures. The collected data were entered into the SPSS (version 16) statistical software and analyzed using descriptive statistic, Chi-square test, and logistic regression in backward method. The study results showed that 7.1% of the households (CI: 0.071±0.018) were impoverished because of healthcare expenditures. Besides, the households in the first quintile were more likely to be faced with poverty compared to those in the other quintiles (p<0.05). Being covered by health insurance did not affect the protection from poverty due to health costs. Moreover, the participants living in rural areas were faced with poverty more than those living in urban areas (p<0.05). It seems that health expenditure can be an economic shock for household in Shiraz and through spending on health a household may fall into poverty. As insurance had no effect on impoverishment, it implies that change in health insurance plans and ways of health financing is necessary.Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2014; 40 (2): 58-62
Dreaming through the Confessions: On the Intertextuality of the Augustinian Excerpts in Samuel Beckett's ‘Dream’ Notebook
Authors: Rosignoli Stefano
Published: March 2016

This essay examines Samuel Beckett's first documented approach to the philosophy of Augustine of Hippo, which took place between the end of 1930 and the beginning of 1931, during Beckett's brief return to Trinity College Dublin. There is no doubt that the troubled stage of Beckett's life in which he read E. B. Pusey's epochal translation of the Confessions influenced the selection of the 133 excerpts that Beckett annotated in the ‘Dream’ Notebook and interpolated in his own works. The essay, however, focuses most importantly on the philosophical level of Beckett's encounter with Augustine, considering how Beckett's use of the Confessions as both a primary and a secondary source offered him the opportunity to absorb crucial elements of traditions that include Scepticism, Manichaeism, Neo-Platonism and Christian thought. My overview of the motifs in the excerpts from the ‘Dream’ Notebook consequently challenges our understanding of Beckett's ‘notesnatching’, as well as of his own awareness of the consequences of interpolation, and it reinstates the centrality of the work in textual analysis, pointing at the opportunities offered by intertextual enquiries. Furthermore, I briefly clarify the crucial differences between the 1838 and 1907 editions of Pusey's translation, showing for the first time the lack of evidence that Beckett read a Latin edition of the Confessions at this stage of his life.
‘What I want is the straws, flotsam, etc.’: Beckett and the Nominalist Ethic of Humility
Authors: Phillips Holly
Published: March 2016

In the ‘German Letter’ of 1937 Beckett hints that a ‘nominalist irony’ may be a necessary stage in his ultimate aim ‘to get at the things (or the Nothingness) behind language’. As Beckett's letter attests, the perennial debate between Nominalism and Realism reached its height in the Scholastic period. Matthew Feldman has shown convincingly that Beckett's own ‘Philosophy Notes’ from the early 1930s onwards revolve specifically around the doctrine of Nominalism. With its internal threats of atheism, pessimism, and nihilism, Nominalism certainly seems like a good fit for Beckett. However, aligning Beckett too closely with Nominalism obscures both the ‘irony’ that his letter shackles to the term, and the fact that Beckett always observed the oxymoronic duties of a ‘systematic sceptic’. Beckett could no more accept the ‘authentic’ particular, than he could the ‘transcendent’ universal. However, far from observing the silence of this mute impasse between the particular and universal, Beckett felt keenly the obligation to express.

This essay explores how Beckett transformed his meticulous study of the controversy of universals into an aesthetic strategy: the Nominalist ethic. Examining text and manuscript, this essay argues that Beckett's growing sense of humility, shaped by his reading on Christian mystic Thomas à Kempis' humilitas, encouraged him to embrace Nominalist particulars (the straws, flotsam, births, deaths etc.) as entities of the lowest ontological kind. In the bare particulars of the Nominalist ethic he found a minimally acceptable literary method of going on, without going on. This essay will address the three main ways that the Nominalist ethic manifests in Beckett's writing: in his pronounced linguistic scepticism, in his attack on anthropomorphism, and, finally, in the casual inertness that is a as a condition of his writing.
Editorial for the IJGI Special Issue on “Geo-Information Fostering Innovative Solutions for Smart Cities”
Authors: Schiewe Jochen
Published: March 2016

In 2008, for the first time in history, more people in the world lived in cities than in rural areas.[...]
Is there A Role for Alpha-Linolenic Acid in the Fetal Programming of Health?
Authors: Leikin-Frenkel Alicia
Published: March 2016

The role of ω3 alpha linolenic acid (ALA) in the maternal diet during pregnancy and lactation, and its effect on the prevention of disease and programming of health in offspring, is largely unknown. Compared to ALA, ω3 docosahexaenoic (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) acids have been more widely researched due to their direct implication in fetal neural development. In this literature search we found that ALA, the essential ω3 fatty acid and metabolic precursor of DHA and EPA has been, paradoxically, almost unexplored. In light of new and evolving findings, this review proposes that ALA may have an intrinsic role, beyond the role as metabolic parent of DHA and EPA, during fetal development as a regulator of gene programming for the prevention of metabolic disease and promotion of health in offspring.
The Acute Effects of Heavy Deadlifts on Vertical Jump Performance in Men
Authors: Arias Jerry , Coburn Jared , Brown Lee , Galpin Andrew
Published: March 2016

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of deadlifts as a postactivation potentiation stimulus on vertical jump performance. Fifteen men (age, 23.9 ± 4.2 years; height, 176.3 ± 8.6 cm; mass, 76.1 ± 16.3 kg) participated in the study. Participants visited the lab for three sessions, each separated by at least 48 h. One repetition maximum (1RM) in the deadlift was measured during the first visit. For Visit 2, participants performed one of two experimental sessions: a deadlift session or a control session. Participants performed a single maximal vertical jump (VJ; counter movement jump without an arm swing), then either performed five repetitions of the deadlift using 85% 1RM (deadlift session) or were told to stand still for ten seconds (control). Following either condition, participants performed single VJ at 15 s, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 min post condition. Peak VJ height and peak ground reaction forces (pGRF) were measured using a force plate. For Visit 3, whatever condition was not administered at Visit 2 was performed. The results showed that VJ height was significantly lower 15 s following deadlifting (36.9 ± 5.1 cm) compared to the control condition (40.1 ± 4.6 cm). In addition, VJ height 15 s after the deadlift was lower than VJ height measured at minutes 2–16 following the deadlift. Performance of five repetitions of deadlifting did not affect pGRF. These results suggest that performing five repetitions of the deadlift exercise at 85% 1RM does not induce a postactivation potentiation (PAP) effect, and may in fact cause an acute reduction in VJ performance.
Systems of Interaction between the First Sedentary Villages in the Near East Exposed Using Agent-Based Modelling of Obsidian Exchange
Authors: Ortega David , Ibáñez Juan , Campos Daniel , Khalidi Lamya , Méndez Vicenç , Teira Luís
Published: March 2016

In the Near East, nomadic hunter-gatherer societies became sedentary farmers for the first time during the transition into the Neolithic. Sedentary life presented a risk of isolation for Neolithic groups. As fluid intergroup interactions are crucial for the sharing of information, resources and genes, Neolithic villages developed a network of contacts. In this paper we study obsidian exchange between Neolithic villages in order to characterize this network of interaction. Using agent-based modelling and elements taken from complex network theory, we model obsidian exchange and compare results with archaeological data. We demonstrate that complex networks of interaction were established at the outset of the Neolithic and hypothesize that the existence of these complex networks was a necessary condition for the success and spread of a new way of living.