bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial Variability of Potato Tuber Yield and Plant Nitrogen Uptake Related to Soil Properties
Authors: Allaire Suzanne E. , Cambouris Athyna N. , Lafond Jonathan A. , Lange Sébastien F. , Pelletier Bernard , Dutilleul Pierre
Published: April 2014

Inferring correlations between yield and soil properties is difficult, because the variables involved vary at different scales. The study goal was to describe the spatial distribution of tuber yield (total yield), plant N accumulation (Nuptake) and soil properties at small and large field scales with a multivariate geostatistical method (Co‐Regionalization Analysis with a Drift), allowing for a correlation analysis of crop and soil properties at the same scale of variability. Two sites with similar growing practices but different pedodiversity were instrumented at 108 sampling points. Total yield was represented mostly by a small‐scale spatial component (<12.4 m) at Site 1, whereas the importance of the small‐scale variability was minor at Site 2. The Nuptakeshowed a strong spatial structure at small scale at both sites. Large‐scale component of Nuptakewas also present at both sites, and correlations with total yield and Nuptakewere stronger at this scale. Correlations with soil properties at large scale only indicate a low temperature early in the season and a lack of water later during the season decreased yield whereas lower soil density and higher electrical conductivity increased plant productivity. For high productivity, some irrigation may be needed, even only once during the season. Property measurements should be taken at large scale for precision agriculture by respecting the scale of variability of each property. Small‐scale variability should be used when treatments are of interest, for example, plots no longer than 11 m should be used to compare fertilizer rates at the sites of this study.
Nitrogen Management and Methane Emissions in Direct‐Seeded Rice Systems
Authors: Pittelkow Cameron M. , Assa Yacov , Burger Martin , Mutters Randall G. , Greer Chris A. , Espino Luis A. , Hill James E. , Horwath William R. , van Kessel Chris , Linquist Bruce A.
Published: April 2014

Rice (Oryza sativaL.) establishment systems based on resource‐conserving production practices are gaining popularity globally. To investigate the potential for improved N management and mitigation of methane (CH4) emissions, field experiments were conducted in California on three crop establishment systems: water‐seeded (WS) conventional, WS stale seedbed, and drill‐seeded (DS) stale seedbed. Fertilizer nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) and rice yield as affected by N rate, source, and application timing were evaluated for 2 yr in each system. Methane emissions were monitored over a full annual rice production cycle (growing season plus fallow period). Results indicated that neither split N applications nor ammonium sulfate increased yields or NRE compared with a single application of urea, regardless of system. However, the economic optimum N rate increased by approximately 30 kg N ha−1in WS stale seedbed compared with the conventional system. Since NRE generally remained similar across N treatments that maximized yields, applying the appropriate N rate as a single dose before the permanent flood would satisfy both agronomic and environmental goals of N management within each system. Both WS systems resulted in similar growing season CH4emissions. However, the DS system reduced CH4emissions by 47% compared with the conventional WS system, possibly due to a decreased period of anaerobic soil conditions. This study highlights the importance of assessing benefits as well as tradeoffs when evaluating opportunities for increasing the sustainability of direct‐seeded establishment systems with respect to N management and CH4emissions.
Distribution and Accumulation of Arsenic in Rice Plants Grown in Arsenic‐Rich Agricultural Soil
Authors: Chou Mon-Lin , Jean Jiin-Shuh , Sun Guo-Xin , Hseu Zeng-Yei , Yang Chwen-Ming , Das Suvendu , Teng Ju-Hung
Published: April 2014

The level of arsenic (As) in rice plants can be affected by the groundwater used for irrigation, type and concentration of As in the soil, and soil properties of paddy fields. In this study, the interrelationships among As levels in various parts of rice plants (Oryza sativa L.) and soils, as well as the As concentrations in soil pore water and groundwater in paddy fields that were irrigated with As‐contained groundwater have been investigated at selected locations in an area where there was an endemic Blackfoot disease (BFD) before 1990, in the Chianan Plain of southwestern Taiwan. Results show that the total As concentrations in the groundwater used for irrigation of the sampled paddy fields at Hsuechia, Yichu, and Budai in the Chianan Plain are in the range of 32.9 to 175.7 µg L−1. Arsenite is present in paddy soils under flooded conditions, as a result of As accumulation from irrigated groundwater, and this As has been taken up into the roots and translocated to the shoots and leaves of the rice plants. The translocation of As from roots to shoots is minor for all the sampled rice plants, keeping the As in the root system and allowing rice plants to survive in high As soil. The lower translocaton factor (<0.05) for the translocation from roots to shoots indicates a lower proportion of As transfer from roots to the parts of the plant aboveground, suggesting that root tissues have a strong capability to hold As.
Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems in the Texas High Plains: Productivity and Water Use
Authors: Zilverberg Cody J. , Philip Brown C. , Green Paul , Galyean Michael L. , Allen Vivien G.
Published: April 2014

Sustainable irrigated agriculture in the Texas High Plains is threatened by declining aquifer levels. Two systems integrating field crops, forages, and stocker steers (Bos taurus) were evaluated (2004–2011) for productivity and irrigation use in a randomized block design with three blocks. The non‐irrigated system (LOW) included native grasses and a rotation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) with annual warm‐season grasses. Beginning in 2009, this system was buffered by adding a paddock of irrigated WW‐B. Dahl old world bluestem [Bothriochloa bladhii (Retz) S.T. Blake] for grazing and seed production. The second system (MOD) was irrigated, including two paddocks of Tifton 85 bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] for grazing and hay and one paddock of old world bluestem for grazing and seed production. Irrigation use by LOW (0–49 mm yr−1) and MOD systems (135–286 mm yr−1) varied by year. The MOD system produced more forage than LOW (5966 vs. 2848 kg ha−1) from 2009 to 2011, but was less efficient in irrigation water use (MOD: 114–349 and LOW: 339–907 kg forage produced cm−1 irrigation). Steer gain ha−1 was greater in MOD than LOW in all years. Yield and quality of cotton lint produced by LOW were good for the region. Both systems offered options for continuing agricultural production while improving management of soil and water resources, but optimal design for a given location will depend on water availability, conservation goals, and preferences of landowners and managers.
Analysis of Circulating System Frictional Pressure Loss in Microhole Drilling with Coiled Tubing
Authors: Xuejun Hou , Huikai Zheng , Jian Zhao , Xiaochun Chen
Published: April 2014

In microhole drilling (MHD) with coiled tubing (CT), the calculation models of drilling fluid circulating frictional
pressure loss (DFCFPL) are studied for different flow regimes of drilling fluid in CT on reel, downhole CT and annulus.
Example analysis of DFCFPL for 89mm diameter microhole is conducted, and the relationships among the total
DFCFPL, local DFCFPL in CT on reel, downhole CT and annulus are obtained. The smaller the CT diameter is, the
higher the local DFCFPL in CT on reel and downhole CT are. The larger the annulus is, the lower the local DFCFPL in
annulus is. So the local DFCFPL in CT is dominant in the circulating system. As for the different diameter CT, the total
DFCFPL decreases linearly with the well depth increasing. In order to use the hydraulic energy rationally, 73.025mm diameter
CT can be used to drill microhole with well depth less than 1000m, 60.325mm diameter CT should be used to drill
microhole well depth of which is more than 1500m. This study can provide references for the CT selection and circulating
hydraulic energy rational utilization design in MHD.
Mobile Phones, Non-Ionizing Radiofrequency Fields and Brain Cancer: Is There an Adaptive Response?
Authors: Vijayalaxmi  , Prihoda Thomas J.
Published: April 2014

There is widespread concern among the general public regarding the ever increasing use of mobile phones. The concern is mainly because the antenna which transmits non-ionizing radiofrequency fields is held close to the head during use and thus might cause brain cancer. By far, the largest epidemiological study was conducted by the INTERPHONE study group and the results were published in 2011. The author's conclusions were (i) no increased risk of meningioma and glioma in mobile phone users and (ii) there were suggestions of an increased risk for glioma at the highest exposure levels but, bias and error prevented a causal interpretation. We have carefully examined all of the odd ratios presented in the INTERPHONE study publication: our results showed 24.3% decreased and 0.7% increased risk for meningioma and 22.1% decreased and 6.6% increased risk for glioma. Hence, we hypothesize that the overwhelming evidence for the decreased risk for both diseases may be due to the induction of ‘adaptive response’ which is well-documented in scientific literature
What PISA Intends to and Can Possibly Achieve: A Critical Programme Theory Analysis
Authors: Hanberger Anders
Published: April 2014

This article advances the enlightened discussion of the nature, logic, and possible effects of the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The purpose is to analyse the assumptions regarding how PISA is to achieve its intended effects, that is, to reconstruct PISA's programme theory (PT) and to probe the validity of its underlying assumptions. The article demonstrates that PISA's PT has low internal validity. However, some PISA assumptions are consistent, for example, the assumption that legitimisation activities justify PISA as a transnational benchmarking system measuring education system performance. PISA exemplifies systemic evaluation governance: all actors in the field are expected to use PISA results to react to and reflect on their own practice, compare themselves with others, and then act accordingly to improve education systems and school practice, though no activities or resources are allocated to change school practice. There is no empirical research into how systemic evaluation governance works in practice that can be used to probe PISA's external validity. PISA's PT is in line with discourse policy, governance theory, and school effectiveness research, but whether and under what conditions and how PISA helps change education systems and school practice are empirical questions waiting to be answered.
The Redistribution of Responsibilities in Five European Educational Systems: From Global Trends to National Arrangements
Authors: Batista Susana
Published: April 2014

This article provides a comparative analysis on the evolution of the distribution of responsibilities — the authority of deciding over a particular domain — at the national, regional, and local levels in the European Union educational systems. After explaining common trends in the institutional arrangements through the role of evaluation, the elaboration of a typology on the patterns of relations and actors' responsibilities enables research on particular evolutions and specificities in five educational systems (Portuguese, Italian, French Community of Belgium, Danish, and English) due to their particular history and institutional features. This analysis aims to contribute to the discussion on the similarities and differences on the evolution of educational systems and their policies.
University Choice, Research Quality and Graduates' Employability: Evidence from Italian National Survey Data
Authors: Ciriaci Daria , Muscio Alessandro
Published: April 2014

Universities have come under increasing pressure to become key drivers of economic development in the age of the knowledge economy. In the case of Italy, there has been concern in recent years about quality and funding of academic institutions, but hardly any reference has been made about the impact of university quality on students' access to the labour market, and therefore on the secondary potential benefits deriving from the definition of appropriate incentives for research performance. This article contributes to fill this gap with a detailed econometric analysis of the determinants of Italian graduates' employability one-year and three-years after graduation, with special reference to university quality measured in terms of research performance. The empirical evidence is based on an Italian National Statistical Institute (ISTAT) survey including information on 47,342 Italian graduates in all scientific disciplines, and on the results of the first national evaluation of academic research activity. It confirms that attending universities with good research performance raises the probability of finding work after graduation. This sheds light on the pivotal role of academic institutions in economic systems, showing that their contribution to employment growth could be substantial, both at the national and regional level.
When Public Acts like Private: The Failure of Estonia's School Choice Mechanism
Authors: Põder Kaire , Lauri Triin
Published: April 2014

This article aims to show the segregating effect of the market-like matching of students and schools at the basic school level. The natural experiment case is Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The current school choice mechanism applied in this case is based on entrance tests. There are increasingly over-subscribed intra-catchment area public schools, where high reputations are reinforced by publicly reported league tables. The current mechanism has resulted in parental strategies of prep-schooling and the manipulation of addresses. Logistic regression results based on survey data assure that, under competitive entrance, families' educational strategies and background characteristics determine the success of admission to schools with good reputations. Understanding this heterogeneous strategic behaviour is important for the effective design of school choice mechanisms.
Frequency of Morning Ketosis After Overnight Insulin Suspension Using an Automated Nocturnal Predictive Low Glucose Suspend System
Authors: Beck Roy W. , Raghinaru Dan , Wadwa R. Paul , Chase H. Peter , Maahs David M. , Buckingham Bruce A. ,   for the In Home Closed Loop Study Group
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of overnight insulin pump suspension in an automated predictive low glucose suspend system on morning blood glucose and ketone levels in an attempt to determine whether routine measurement of ketone levels is useful when a closed-loop system that suspends insulin delivery overnight is being used.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Data from an in-home randomized trial of 45 individuals with type 1 diabetes (age range 15–45 years) were analyzed, evaluating an automated predictive low glucose pump suspension system in which blood glucose, blood ketone, and urine ketone levels were measured on 1,954 mornings.

RESULTS

One or more pump suspensions occurred during 744 of the 977 intervention nights (76%). The morning blood ketone level was ≥0.6 mmol/L after 11 of the 744 nights (1.5%) during which a pump suspension occurred and 2 of the 233 nights (0.9%) during which there was no suspension compared with 11 of 977 control nights (1.1%). The morning blood ketone level was ≥0.6 mmol/L after only 2 of 159 nights (1.3%) with a pump suspension exceeding 2 h. Morning fasting blood glucose level was not a good predictor of the presence of blood ketones.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine measurement of blood or urine ketones during use of an automated pump suspension system using continuous glucose monitoring, whether threshold based or predictive, is not necessary. Recommendations for checking ketone levels should be no different when a patient is using a system with automated insulin suspension than it is for conventional diabetes self-management.
Ventriloquist Theatre and the Omniscient Narrator: Gatz and El pasado es un animal grotesco
Authors: Fuchs Barbara
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACT:

By replacing dialogue with narration, ventriloquist theatre raises central questions about its ethical and political costs, while challenging our understanding of the limits between drama and narrative. In very different ways, Elevator Repair Service’s Gatz (first performed 2006) and Mariano Pensotti’s El pasado es un animal grotesco [The Past Is a Grotesque Animal] (2010) redraw the boundaries between literary modes, putting characters onstage but replacing their dialogue with narrated text. Staging narration allows us to reconsider literary mechanisms to which we have largely become inured. Rendering the invisible narrator as a presence on the stage lays bare both the arbitrariness of narrative authority and its costs.
Helicopter-borne radar imaging of snow cover on and around glaciers in Alaska
Authors: Gusmeroli Alessio , Wolken Gabriel J. , Arendt Anthony A.
Published: April 2014

During spring 2013, we performed 500 MHz, helicopter-borne impulsive ground-penetrating radar surveys of several glaciers and glacier forelands in south-central Alaska, USA. These surveys were designed to obtain spatially distributed measurements of snow accumulation spanning a broad range of continental and maritime climatic zones. Visual assessment of radar images shows that data quality varied with the terrains and was optimal for snow that covered smooth glacier ice and firn, smooth debris-covered areas and moraines, freshwater lake and river ice, tundra, and taiga. Conversely, returns from the base of the snowpack were unrecognizable over rough debris-covered glacier termini, icefalls and some high-altitude accumulation basins. Optimal flying speed was 15-20ms–1 (30–40kt). At these speeds, which are two to three times faster than previously reported for such surveys, we could still identify snow-depth data with confidence, at a point spacing of ~1.5-2.0m. Data quality on glaciers decreased with increased air speed, though useful echoes from the base of the snowpack were still obtained at 40-45 ms–1 (87 kt; data point spacing of 6-8 m). Similar high-speed surveys over non-glacial terrains were unsuccessful, as basal reflections were no longer recognizable.
Automated mapping of local layer slope and tracing of internal layers in radio echograms
Authors: Panton Christian
Published: April 2014

An automated method is presented for tracing layers in radio echograms. The method is designed to work with most radio-echo sounding echograms and has been successfully tested with a 180–210 MHz multichannel coherent depth sounder. To accurately trace layers, first approximate layer positions are calculated by integrating the local layer slope which is inferred by the intensity response to a slanted filter, then the positions are refined using an iterative optimization. The layers are traced using an active contour model or snake, which can be constrained to conserve both echogram features and smooth layers. With this technique it is possible to trace internal layers over distances of several hundred kilometers. The method was tested between two Greenland deep ice cores where the age–depth relation is known.
Snow particle characteristics in the saltation layer
Authors: Gromke Christof , Horender Stefan , Walter Benjamin , Lehning Michael
Published: April 2014

Shadowgraphy was employed to study snow saltation in boundary-layer wind tunnel experiments with fresh, naturally deposited snow. The shadowgraphy method allowed for a temporally and spatially high-resolution investigation of snow particle characteristics within a measurement area of up to 50 mm × 50 mm. Snow particle size and number characteristics, and their variation with height in the saltation layer, were analysed. The following observations and findings were made for the saltation layer: (1) the particle number decreases exponentially with height, (2) the mean particle diameter is fairly constant, with a very slight tendency to decrease with height, (3) the maximum particle diameter decreases linearly with height, and (4) the snow particle size distribution can be adequately described by gamma probability density functions. The shape and scale parameters of the gamma distribution were found to vary systematically, though only slightly, with height over ground and between experiments with different snowpack characteristics.
Geophysical analysis of transverse ridges and internal structure at Lone Peak Rock Glacier, Big Sky, Montana, USA
Authors: Florentine Caitlyn , Skidmore Mark , Speece Marvin , Link Curtis , Shaw Colin A.
Published: April 2014

Rock glaciers are periglacial alpine landforms that are found in many locations worldwide. Whereas well-developed models of deformation are established for traditional alpine glaciers, rock glacier deformation is poorly understood. Geophysical data from Lone Peak Rock Glacier (LPRG), southwest Montana, USA, are paired with lidar bare-earth 1 m digital elevation model (DEM) analysis to explore potential genetic relationships between internal composition, structure and regularly spaced arcuate transverse ridges expressed at the rock glacier surface. The internal composition of LPRG is heterogeneous, with frozen debris and clean ice overlain by an unconsolidated talus mantle. Upslope-dipping, clearly distinguished reflectors in the ground-penetrating radar (GPR) longitudinal survey at LPRG correspond to transverse ridges. The spacing and slope of individual features at the surface and in the subsurface were measured and compared and are found to be similar. The structures observed at LPRG and other rock glaciers are similar to structures detected in glaciotectonically altered sediment, ice-cored moraines and other rock glacier settings. This finding suggests that transverse ridges on rock glaciers may be used as geomorphic indicators of internal deformation. This study contributes to the body of research on the application of GPR to rock glaciers, and is the first to directly pair and analyze individual surface topographic features with internal structures.
A tutorial on adjoint methods and their use for data assimilation in glaciology
Authors: Granzow Glen D.
Published: April 2014

This paper provides an introduction to adjoint methods, which are used to find the gradient of an objective function, as required by optimization algorithms. Examples are included, culminating in a data-assimilation problem from glaciology.
Let Us Make Primary Health Care More Age-friendly
Authors: Karim A
Published: April 2014

No abstract available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18648 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3): 7
Household Food Security and Nutritional Status of Rural Elderly
Authors: Alam MA , Rahman Md Anisur , Flora Meerjady Sabrina , Karim Md. Rizwanul , Sharif Md. Parvez Iqbal , Alam Md. Ashraful
Published: April 2014

Household food security is an emerging public health issue and the rural elderly people are one of the most vulnerable groups for the household food security. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Barobaria union of Gofargaon upazila of Mymensingh district to assess the nutritional status of rural elderly (?60 years) in relation to the household food security. A total of 118 purposively selected elderly were interviewed and measured for height and weight following a standard protocol. The mean (SD) age of the respondents was 68.6 (7.3) years and gender participation was equally represented. Majority (68.6%) of the respondents was illiterate and 92% were Muslims. Mean family size and monthly family income was estimated to be 5.5 and Taka 6106, respectively and 70% of the rural elderly were found to be dependent on their family members as they were not involved in income generation and most of the respondents were the members of joint family. Only about 29% of the total elderly were at the highest quarter of food security. Illiteracy, members of single family and larger family were found to be significantly associated with lower level of household food security (p < 0.05). Although age, sex, personal income and occupational category had no significant association, the total family income was significantly associated with household food security. Among the respondents 56% were underweight including 13% with severe chronic energy deficiency. Only 5.9% were overweight. Illiterates were three times more likely to be underweight than literates (OR 2.95 with 95% CI 1.32, 6.59). Smoking, lower family income, poor housing, single family, irregularity in treatment were significantly associated with underweight. A significant difference was found between mean body mass index of different household food security level (F =3.22, p < 0.05). There was gradual increase of mean body mass index with the improved status of food security level. Policy makers, therefore, need to consider programs that empower people to solve the problem of food insecurity and to improve the nutritional status of rural elderly people. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18649 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):8-11
Health-related Quality of Life Among Adult Migrant Garment Workers in Dhaka City
Authors: Islam MZ , Ahmed S , Sarker RN , Farjana S , Akter A , Saha S
Published: April 2014

The objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the health-related quality of life among adult migrant garment workers (age 18-59 years) in Dhaka city. The study was conducted with 400 workers for quantitative research, and two health care service providers for qualitative research. Data were collected during February to March 2009. Data were collected by face-to-face interviews using a constructed pre-tested questionnaire adapted from WHOQOL-BREF. Data were analyzed by applying descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation, range and median) and inferential statistics (unpaired ttest and oneway ANOVA) to examine the relationship between health-related quality of life and socio-demographic characteristics, living and working conditions, and accessibility to health care services. Statistical significance was set as p<0.05. The results revealed that 94.00% of workers reported low level of health-related quality of life. The rest were moderate and high, 3.25% and 2.75% respectively. For socio-demographic characteristics, workers' marital status, having family members, income, history of sickness and getting treatment when sick were discovered to have association with health-related quality of life. For living and working conditions, workers' living place, work permit, length of current job and satisfaction on work conditions were significantly associated with health-related quality of life. For accessibility to health care services, perception on difficulty to go to the health facility, crowdedness of the health facility and having health insurance card were found to be associated with health-related quality of life. Further longitudinal researches and policies are recommended to improve access to health care services and higher health-related quality of life for migrant garment workers in Dhaka city. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18651 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):14-17
A Study on Outcome of VVF Repair at Kumudini Women's Medical College Hospital
Authors: Begum B , Khandakar S , Rahman F
Published: April 2014

This cross sectional study was carried out on 101 cases of vesico-vaginal fistula who were admitted and operated in Kumudini Women's Medical College Hospital. The aim of the study was to find out the outcome of vesicovaginal fistula repair. A detailed interview was taken from the patients and attendants by using a questionnaire. Necessary information were collected from the patient's record sheets . Small, medium and large sized fistulae were 59.41%, 26.73% and 11.88% respectively. The result of the study showed that success of fistula repair was 73.27%, though seven cases developed stress incontinence. Totally 27 patients were unsuccessfully repaired. Of which 19 (70.37%) were dropped out, 5(18.52%) were referred and 3(11.11%) had operative failure. Post-operative recovery was mostly (87.13%) uneventful. Urethral leakage (6.93%), blocked catheter ( 2.97%) and UTI (2.97%) were the leading complications. To improve the outcome, more training and skill of surgeons, improvised per-operative and post-operative care is necessary. Approaches should be designed to make the incidence of drop out to zero. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18652 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):18-20
Correlation Between Amniotic Fluid Index and Estimated Fetal Weight in Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Authors: Parveen Rafia , Ahmed Akhteruddin , Mohiuddin AS , Rahman Shaikh Shofiur , Paul Tapesh Kumar
Published: April 2014

This study was conducted to find out the correlation between amniotic fluid index (AFI) & estimated fetal weight (EFW) in third trimester of pregnancy. This cross sectional study was carried out on 105 women with normal singleton pregnancies at third trimester. The pregnant women were subdivided into three groups. The AFI & EFW were evaluated according to gestational age groups & fetal sex. Significant positive correlations were found between estimated fetal weight and amniotic fluid index in female fetuses of all three groups. In male fetuses, there was a significant positive correlation between AFI & EFW in group III (38 to 40 weeks), but insignificant correlation in other two groups. No study was conducted previously in Bangladesh to see the relationship between AFI & EFW. This study shows that amniotic fluid volume can be evaluated more precisely during third trimester of pregnancy by taking estimated fetal weight into consideration in third trimester of pregnancy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18669 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):21-23
Factors Underlying Defaulting on Antihypertensive Treatment
Authors: Alam Nur , Azhar MA , Chowdhury Abdul Wadud , Sabah KMN , Amin Md. Rasul
Published: April 2014

The magnitude of hypertensive patient not continuing treatment is not well documented. But it is assumed that it could be worse and thereby would contribute significantly to mortality and morbidity. A study can produce awareness among all level of medical practitioners regarding the factors underlying defaulting on anti hypertensive treatment. To find out the factors underlying being defaulter of antihypertensive treatment and making future recommendation for remedy - were the main objectives of the present study It was a cross sectional study which was carried out in medical indoor & out patient department of Sir Salimullah Medical College & Mitford Hospital, (SSMC & MH) Dhaka on 100 patients selected by purposive sampling who were defaulters of anti hypertensive treatment. The main causes of becoming defaulters were lack of knowledge and misconception (40%) and financial constrain (32%). The complications of defaulters of antihypertensive treatment were enormous. Most of the patients (80%) suffered from major target organ damage like Stroke/TIA (35%), LVH/LVF/IHD (15%), Retinopathy (12%), Nephropathy (5%) and more than one organ damage (13%). Awareness both of physicians and public about hypertension and proper counseling with education and information about hypertension, rational use of medication and regular follow up will be helpful to avoid morbid complication. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18670 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):24-27
Ageing: A Growing Challenge
Authors: Flora Meerjady Sabrina
Published: April 2014

Elderly population needs economic support including food, clothing, medical care, and housing as well as cultural support. In view of the size of the population, scarcity of resources, poverty, insufficient health facilities and absence of strong social security, ageing is going to be a major problem for Bangladesh. Preparing for an elderly population old age and ill-health are inseparable entities to general people. To ensure medical care services separate ward or unit in a hospital should be established for elderly people. Age-friendly Principles for PHC Centres serve as a tool to increase provider awareness and empower older users of PHC centers. There is need for change in the attitude of not only community and the government but also the people. The elderly should be considered not as a burden to society rather their valuable experience should be utilized fruitfully and it should be the responsibility of the society and the government to impart an improved and effective quality of life to them in return for their lifelong dedicated service towards their children and the nation. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18676 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):48-51
Role of Maternal Iron Status in the Pathogenesis Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sarker Manika Rani , Jebunnesa Fatema , Khatun Taslima , Helal Romena , Ali Liaquat , Rahim Abu Trab MA
Published: April 2014

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the commonest complications of pregnancy; but its pathophysiology is still not fully understood. Recently attention has been focused on the relation between iron metabolism and glucose intolerance in the genesis of GDM. The present study was conducted to investigate the association of body iron store with various covariates of metabolic syndrome. A total 100 subjects were included in this study: 43 were healthy nondiabetic and nonanemic pregnant women (Control group) and 57 were pregnant women having Diabetes Mellitus (GDM group). Glucose level was measured by using glucose-oxidase method, fasting serum C-peptide by chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay, Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) by using a modified high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S) and insulin secretory capacity (HOMA%B) were calculated by Homeostasis Model Assessment. Serum transferrin receptor (STfR) was measured by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay and serum ferritin level was assessed by Microparticle Enzyme Immunoassay. Serum iron concentration was measured by IRN method. The age of the study groups were found to be matched (p=0.522). Gestational weeks and parity of the study groups were significantly higher in GDM than Controls (p=0.004 and p=0.015 respectively). HbA1c level (%, M±SD) was significantly higher in GDM group (6.09±1.1) as compared to Control Among the marker of body iron status hemoglobin level showed no difference between GDM (11±1.25) and Control groups (10.6±0.8), but serum iron concentration [median (range)] was significantly lower in GDM group [6(2-19)] as compared to Control [12(2-36)].Serum Iron was strongly correlated with HOMA%B in univariate Spearman correlation analysis (r =0.347, P=0.008).On multivariate linear regression analysis also found Serum Iron associated (p=0.011) with HOMA% B in GDM group. GDM in Bangladeshi subjects does not seem to be associated with iron deficiency or elevated body iron store. GDM subjects may show lower serum iron, but this is probably related to chronic inflammatory state of diabetes rather than iron deficiency. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18678 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):55-60
Effect of Two Combined Oral Contraceptives on Serum Lipid Profile
Authors: Mustafa Md Tarek Golam , Zabeen Shahana , Monirujjaman Md , Bashar Tahmina
Published: April 2014

Alterations in the composition of the plasma lipids caused by estrogens are characterized by an increase in the high-density lipoproteins (HDL) and plasma triglyceride, a slight reduction in the low-density lipoproteins (LDL), and a reduction in total plasma cholesterol levels. Oral Contraceptive pills(OCP) having different doses of hormones may affect blood lipids differently. The present study was designed to see the effect of two combined oral contraceptives on lipid levels. 68 females of the reproductive age who were advised to do lipid profile before and after using oral contraceptives were included in this study. One group of 38 females was advised to take 30 mcg of oestrogen in the form of Ethinylestradiol and 150 mcg of progesterone in the form of Desogestrel while another group of 38 females was advised to take 0.05 mg of oestrogen in the form of Ethinylestradiol and 1 mg of progesterone in the form of Lynestrenol. Cholesterol(P<0.0001) and LDL(P<0.0001) decreased while HDL(P<0.0001) increased in the group which received 30 mcg of oestrogen in the form of Ethinylestradiol and 150 mcg of progesterone in the form of Desogestrel. Cholesterol(P<0.0001) and LDL(P<0.0001) also decreased and HDL(P<0.0001) increased in the group which received 0.05 mg of oestrogen in the form of Ethinylestradiol and 1 mg of progesterone in the form of Lynestrenol. OCPs have a beneficial effect on blood lipid profile. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmj.v40i3.18679 Bangladesh Medical Journal 2011 Vol.40(3):61-63
Archiviolithic: The Anthropocene and the Hetero-Archive
Authors: Colebrook Claire
Published: April 2014

This essay explores three deconstructive concepts – archive, anthropocene, and auto-affection – across two registers. The first is the register of what counts as readability in general, beyond reading in its narrow and actualized sense. (This would include the reading of non-linguistic systems and traces, including the stratigraphic reading of the planet earth's sedimented layers of time that are archived in the geological record, and the reading of human monuments ranging from books to buildings). The second register applies to Derrida today, and what it means to read the corpus of a philosopher and how that corpus is governed by (and governs) proper names. I want to suggest that the way we approach proper names in philosophy and theory is part of a broader problem of our relation to what it is to read, and how readability intertwines with the human.
Nakba Memoricide: Genocide Studies and the Zionist/Israeli Genocide of Palestine
Authors: Rashed Haifa , Short Damien , Docker John
Published: April 2014

This essay furthers the debate on the Palestinian case as it relates to Genocide Studies, questioning the lack of substantive discussion of this case to date in traditional Genocide Studies fora. It reemphasises the importance of the settler-colonial dimension to Zionist settlement in Palestine, which, it argues, has so far not been explored sufficiently. The paper suggests that the ‘Nakba’ of 1948, which was based on appropriation of the land of Palestine without its people, comprising massacres, physical destruction of villages, appropriation of land, property and culture, can be seen as an ongoing process and not merely a historical event.
Role of Tertiary Lymphoid Structures (TLS) in Anti-Tumor Immunity: Potential Tumor-Induced Cytokines/Chemokines that Regulate TLS Formation in Epithelial-Derived Cancers
Authors: Pimenta Erica , Barnes Betsy
Published: April 2014

Following the successes of monoclonal antibody immunotherapies (trastuzumab (Herceptin®) and rituximab (Rituxan®)) and the first approved cancer vaccine, Provenge® (sipuleucel-T), investigations into the immune system and how it can be modified by a tumor has become an exciting and promising new field of cancer research. Dozens of clinical trials for new antibodies, cancer and adjuvant vaccines, and autologous T and dendritic cell transfers are ongoing in hopes of identifying ways to re-awaken the immune system and force an anti-tumor response. To date, however, few consistent, reproducible, or clinically-relevant effects have been shown using vaccine or autologous cell transfers due in part to the fact that the immunosuppressive mechanisms of the tumor have not been overcome. Much of the research focus has been on re-activating or priming cytotoxic T cells to recognize tumor, in some cases completely disregarding the potential roles that B cells play in immune surveillance or how a solid tumor should be treated to maximize immunogenicity. Here, we will summarize what is currently known about the induction or evasion of humoral immunity via tumor-induced cytokine/chemokine expression and how formation of tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) within the tumor microenvironment may be used to enhance immunotherapy response.
In Situ XANES/XPS Investigation of Doped Manganese Perovskite Catalysts
Authors: Mierwaldt Daniel , Mildner Stephanie , Arrigo Rosa , Knop-Gericke Axel , Franke Emanuel , Blumenstein Andreas , Hoffmann Jörg , Jooss Christian
Published: April 2014

Studying catalysts in situ is of high interest for understanding their surface structure and electronic states in operation. Herein, we present a study of epitaxial manganite perovskite thin films (Pr1−xCaxMnO3) active for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) from electro-catalytic water splitting. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) at the Mn L- and O K-edges, as well as X-ray photoemission spectroscopy (XPS) of the O 1s and Ca 2p states have been performed in ultra-high vacuum and in water vapor under positive applied bias at room temperature. It is shown that under the oxidizing conditions of the OER a reduced Mn2+ species is generated at the catalyst surface. The Mn valence shift is accompanied by the formation of surface oxygen vacancies. Annealing of the catalysts in O2 atmosphere at 120 °C restores the virgin surfaces.
Wearable Photoplethysmographic Sensors—Past and Present
Authors: Tamura Toshiyo , Maeda Yuka , Sekine Masaki , Yoshida Masaki
Published: April 2014

Photoplethysmography (PPG) technology has been used to develop small, wearable, pulse rate sensors. These devices, consisting of infrared light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors, offer a simple, reliable, low-cost means of monitoring the pulse rate noninvasively. Recent advances in optical technology have facilitated the use of high-intensity green LEDs for PPG, increasing the adoption of this measurement technique. In this review, we briefly present the history of PPG and recent developments in wearable pulse rate sensors with green LEDs. The application of wearable pulse rate monitors is discussed.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Occupational Exposure to Agricultural Pesticide Chemical Groups and Active Ingredients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Schinasi Leah , Leon Maria
Published: April 2014

This paper describes results from a systematic review and a series of meta-analyses of nearly three decades worth of epidemiologic research on the relationship between non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and occupational exposure to agricultural pesticide active ingredients and chemical groups. Estimates of associations of NHL with 21 pesticide chemical groups and 80 active ingredients were extracted from 44 papers, all of which reported results from analyses of studies conducted in high-income countries. Random effects meta-analyses showed that phenoxy herbicides, carbamate insecticides, organophosphorus insecticides and the active ingredient lindane, an organochlorine insecticide, were positively associated with NHL. In a handful of papers, associations between pesticides and NHL subtypes were reported; B cell lymphoma was positively associated with phenoxy herbicides and the organophosphorus herbicide glyphosate. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was positively associated with phenoxy herbicide exposure. Despite compelling evidence that NHL is associated with certain chemicals, this review indicates the need for investigations of a larger variety of pesticides in more geographic areas, especially in low- and middle-income countries, which, despite producing a large portion of the world’s agriculture, were missing in the literature that were reviewed.
A Cross-Site Intervention in Chinese Rural Migrants Enhances HIV/AIDS Knowledge, Attitude and Behavior
Authors: Li Ning , Li Xiaomei , Wang Xueliang , Shao Jin , Dou Juanhua
Published: April 2014

Background: With the influx of rural migrants into urban areas, the spread of HIV has increased significantly in Shaanxi Province (China). Migrant workers are at high risk of HIV infection due to social conditions and hardships (isolation, separation, marginalization, barriers to services, etc.). Objective: We explored the efficacy of a HIV/AIDS prevention and control program for rural migrants in Shaanxi Province, administered at both rural and urban sites. Methods: Guidance concerning HIV/AIDS prevention was given to the experimental group (266 migrants) for 1 year by the center of disease control, community health agencies and family planning department. The intervention was conducted according to the HIV/AIDS Prevention Management Manual for Rural Migrants. A control group of migrants only received general population intervention. The impact of the intervention was evaluated by administering HIV/AIDS knowledge, attitudes and sexual behavior (KAB) questionnaires after 6 and 12 months. Results: In the experimental group; 6 months of intervention achieved improvements in HIV/AIDS related knowledge. After 12 months; HIV/AIDS-related knowledge reached near maximal scores. Attitude and most behaviors scores were significantly improved. Moreover; the experimental group showed significant differences in HIV-AIDS knowledge; attitude and most behavior compared with the control group. Conclusions: The systematic long-term cross-site HIV/AIDS prevention in both rural and urban areas is a highly effective method to improve HIV/AIDS KAB among rural migrants.
Electromechanical Properties of Small Transition-Metal Dichalcogenide Nanotubes
Authors: Zibouche Nourdine , Ghorbani-Asl Mahdi , Heine Thomas , Kuc Agnieszka
Published: April 2014

Transition-metal dichalcogenide nanotubes (TMC-NTs) are investigated for their electromechanical properties under applied tensile strain using density functional-based methods. For small elongations, linear strain-stress relations according to Hooke’s law have been obtained, while for larger strains, plastic behavior is observed. Similar to their 2D counterparts, TMC-NTs show nearly a linear change of band gaps with applied strain. This change is, however, nearly diameter-independent in case of armchair forms. The semiconductor-metal transition occurs for much larger deformations compared to the layered tube equivalents. This transition is faster for heavier chalcogen elements, due to their smaller intrinsic band gaps. Unlike in the 2D forms, the top of valence and the bottom of conduction bands stay unchanged with strain, and the zigzag NTs are direct band gap materials until the semiconductor-metal transition. Meanwhile, the applied strain causes modification in band curvature, affecting the effective masses of electrons and holes. The quantum conductance of TMC-NTs starts to occur close to the Fermi level when tensile strain is applied.
Prenatal Isolated Ventricular Septal Defect May Not Be Associated with Trisomy 21
Authors: Shen Ori , Lieberman Sari , Farber Benjamin , Terner Daniel , Lahad Amnon , Levy-Lahad Ephrat
Published: April 2014

The aim of this study was to examine if isolated fetal ventricular septal defect (VSD) is associated with trisomy 21. One hundred twenty six cases with prenatal VSD diagnosed by a pediatric cardiologist were reviewed. Cases with known risk factors for congenital heart disease, the presence of other major anomalies, soft signs for trisomy 21 or a positive screen test for trisomy 21 were excluded. Ninety two cases formed the study group. None of the cases in the study group had trisomy 21. The upper limit of prevalence for trisomy 21 in isolated VSD is 3%. When prenatal VSD is not associated with other major anomalies, soft markers for trisomy 21 or a positive nuchal translucency or biochemical screen, a decision whether to perform genetic amniocentesis should be individualized. The currently unknown association between isolated VSD and microdeletions and microduplications should be considered when discussing this option.