bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ambulatory Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes in the U.S., 1997–2012
Authors: Turner Lydia W. , Nartey David , Stafford Randall S. , Singh Sonal , Alexander G. Caleb
Published: November 2013

OBJECTIVE

Type 2 diabetes is increasingly common and associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. This study examines trends in the patterns and costs of drug treatment of type 2 diabetes from 1997 to 2012.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted descriptive analyses of cross-sectional data using the IMS Health National Disease and Therapeutic Index, a nationally representative audit of ambulatory physician practices in the U.S. We focused on visits for diabetes among patients 35 years of age or older. We used the IMS Health National Prescription Audit of pharmacy dispensing to derive information about drug expenditures.

RESULTS

Ambulatory diabetes visits increased from 23 million treatment visits in 1997 (95% CI 21–25) to 35 million (32–37) in 2007 and declined to 31 million visits by 2012 (27–31). Between 1997 and 2012 biguanide use increased, from 23% (20–26) to 53% (50–56) of treatment visits. Glitazone use grew from 6% (4–8) in 1997 (41% [39–43] of all visits in 2005), but declined to 16% (14–18) by 2012. Since 2005, dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor use increased steadily, representing 21% (18–23) of treatment visits by 2012. Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists accounted for 4% of treatment visits in 2012. Visits where two or more drug compounds were used increased nearly 40% from 1997 to 2012. Between 2008 and 2012, drug expenditures increased 61%, driven primarily by use of insulin glargine and DPP-4 inhibitors.

CONCLUSIONS

Declining sulfonylurea and glitazone use has been offset by increases in DPP-4 inhibitor use and, to a lesser degree, use of GLP-1 agonists. Treatment of diabetes has grown in complexity while older treatments continue to be replaced or supplemented by newer therapies.
CO2 Capture by Ionic Liquids – An Answer to Anthropogenic CO2 Emissions?
Authors: Sanglard Pauline , Vorlet Olivier , Marti Roger , Naef Olivier , Vanoli Ennio
Published: November 2013

Ionic liquids (ILs) are efficient solvents for the selective removal of CO2 from flue gas. Conventional, offthe-shelf ILs are limited in use to physisorption, which restricts their absorption capacity. After adding a chemical functionality like amines or alcohols, absorption
of CO2 occurs mainly by chemisorption. This greatly enhances CO2 absorption and makes ILs suitable for potential industrial applications. By carefully choosing the anion and the cation of the IL, equimolar absorption of CO2 is possible. This paper reviews the
current state of the art of CO2 capture by ILs and presents the current research in this field performed at the ChemTech Institute of the Ecole d'Ingénieurs et d'Architectes de Fribourg.
Monitoring Labeling Reactions Using Fluorescence Polarization
Authors: Crittin Yvan , Héritier Julien , Segura Jean-Manuel
Published: November 2013

Fluorescence techniques are widely applied in protein research owing to their specificity and sensitivity, but require prior fluorescent labeling. Here we show a novel approach to optimize labeling protocols by monitoring labeling reactions using fluorescence polarization: the larger
molecular mass of the fluorescent protein conjugate compared to the dye alone results in an increase in fluorescence anisotropy during the reaction. Thereby, labeling of lysozyme with fluorescein isothiocyanate or carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester could be monitored and the influence of
parameters such as the pH could be quantitatively assessed. Moreover, the impact and kinetics of side reactions such as hydrolysis were determined. This new method is rapid, easy to implement, and generically applicable.
Design Features of K.D Yadav Wrestling Stadium
Authors: Chatterjee S. , Ray Soumya
Published: November 2013

Hosting the Commonwealth Games 2010 in Delhi required construction of several new stadiums. It was desired that the roofs of the stadiums were unsupported in the middle, offering uncluttered look to the enclosure as well as provide obstruction-free line of sight. The generic solution involved steel roofs, as has been provided and described in this paper for the K.D. Yadav Wrestling Stadium, situated within the Indira Gandhi Stadium complex, on the banks of River Yamuna. The paper describes the structural engineering features of the stadium, which also had to accommodate the requirements of the planned legacy use of the facility.
Prevention of Corrosion by Generating Potential in Reinforcement Steel Using Piezoelectric Material
Authors: Chandra Mahesh , Sharma Aggraj , Saxena Shivam
Published: November 2013

This paper deals with a solution to rectify the problem of corrosion in RCC structures. The problem arises due to electrochemical reactions occurring inside the structure on the surface of the reinforcement (steel). These reactions result in oxidising the steel and eventually lead to formation of a voluminous product which induces internal stresses and finally cracks the structure. These reactions, typically, take place at potentials between -0.7V to +0.7 V. So, an applied external potential of magnitude greater than that (+ve or -ve) would be capable of preventing them. If positive, this external potential results in passivation; and if negative, it makes steel reach the immunity zone. Piezoelectric materials such as Quartz, Tourmaline etc. have the characteristics of accumulating charge on their faces under some mechanical pressure. They can be used in the construction of bridges where the required pressure is easily provided by moving vehicles. These materials can then suitably be connected with the reinforcement bars to induce potential in them. Hence, one of the extreme problems can be nullified thereby increasing the quality and durability of the structure.
Comparative Analysis of Car-Following Models for Emissions Estimation
Authors: Song Guohua , Yu Lei , Xu Long
Published: November 2013

Recent studies have indicated that the accuracy of the emissions estimation in a traffic simulation model can be little improved by using the traditional model calibration approaches. Instead, the model's internal mechanism in depicting the second-by-second vehicle activities needs to be investigated. Since the car-following model is the core component of a traffic simulation model, this paper attempts to conduct a comparative study of car-following models concerning their effects on the explanatory parameter of vehicle emissions, namely, the vehicle specific power (VSP) distribution. The car-following models selected for the analysis are the optimal velocity model (OVM), generalized force model (GFM), full velocity difference model (FVDM), Wiedemann model, and the Fritzsche model. Massive field car-following trajectories are collected, and a numerical simulation method is designed for each car-following model to generate its vehicle trajectories and the speed-specific VSP distributions. By a comparison of VSP distributions collected from the field and generated by car-following models, it was found that OVMs and GFMs generate unrealistic VSP distributions, which will lead to significant emissions estimation errors. By adding the variable of positive velocity difference, the FVDM can effectively improve the accuracy of the VSP distribution and emissions estimation. The VSP distribution of the Wiedemann model differs largely from the field data, which overestimate the peak VSP fraction and the fractions in aggressive driving modes. The Fritzsche model produces VSP distributions consistent with the field distributions. It is also found that the speed-specific VSP distribution is highly correlated with the acceleration distribution. Therefore, improving the accuracy of the speed-specific acceleration distribution is an effective measure to improve the accuracy of the VSP distribution and thus the emissions estimation of the car-following models.
Method for Measuring the Ratio of In-Vehicle to Near-Vehicle Exposure Concentrations of Airborne Fine Particles
Authors: Jiao Wan , Frey H. Christopher
Published: November 2013

Human exposure to fine particulate matter of less than 2.5 microns in aerodynamic diameter is causally linked to cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases. In-vehicle exposure may account for 10% to 20% of daily average exposure. However, exposure models are typically based on areawide air quality data that poorly predict in-vehicle concentration. A practical method is demonstrated for conducting field measurements to quantify the ratio of in-vehicle to outside vehicle concentration (I/O) for a wide range of conditions that affect intravehicle variability in exposure concentration. A field data collection study design is developed on the basis of sources of intravehicle variability in I/O that include ventilation air source, window status, fan setting, air-conditioning (AC) use, vehicle speed, road type, travel direction, and time of day. Three replicates of measurements were made for 16 combinations of these factors on 110 mi of roads comprising eight one-way routes between typical commuter origin–destination pairs. Two portable particle monitors recorded in-vehicle and near-vehicle ambient concentrations on 1-min averages for four particle size ranges. The comparability of the monitors was quantified. Near-vehicle concentrations varied with road type, time of day, and traffic conditions. The I/O ratio was approximately independent of near-vehicle concentration and varied with window status, source of ventilation air (fresh or recirculated), and for cases with recirculation and closed windows, fan setting, and AC use. The study design can be extended to additional vehicles to account for potential sources of inter-vehicle variability. Data collected here can be used to improve exposure simulation models.
Management of Medical Waste - a Growing Concern
Authors: Saha Sanjay Kumar , Ahmad Rafi Uddin
Published: November 2013

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v8i1.16886 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2013;8(1): 01
Prevalence of Pre-Existing Corneal Astigmatism in Age Related Cataract Patient
Authors: Rashid Md Abdur , Hossain KH Anowar , Islam AKM Rafiqul
Published: November 2013

Cataract surgery is no more a blind rehabilitation surgery, it absolutely gives normal vision. In the era of modern cataract surgery patients expectations are also high about visual outcome. This prospective study was carried out to investigate the magnitude and pattern of pre-existing corneal astigmatism in age related cataract patient at Faridpur Medical College Hospital, Faridpur and Agha Yusuf Adhunik Hospital, Kustia, from July 2009 to June 2012. We examined 850 eyes of 730 patients who underwent cataract surgery. The mean age at the time of surgery was 61.9±8.1 (40 to 70) years. Corneal astigmatism was measured by Auto Refracto Keratometer at least two times for each patient. Astigmatism was calculated from diopteric difference of vertical reading from horizontal reading. With the rule (WTR) astigmatism was considered when steep meridian at 90°± 20°. Against the rule (ATR) astigmatism was considered when steep meridian at 180°±20°. Astigmatism is in other direction is defined as oblique. On keratometry, when vertical reading (k1) was found greater than horizontal (k2) was considered WTR astigmatism and the reverse reading for ATR astigmatism. The percentage of corneal astigmatism was 1D or less was 69.6%, more than 1D and less than 1.5D, 27.6% and more than 1.5D and less then 2D 2.8%. Prevalence of ATR astigmatism was more than WTR astigmatism and prevalence of ATR astigmatism increases significantly with age. Approximately two third of pre-operative patient had 1D or less astigmatism and one third had more than 1D corneal astigmatism. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v8i1.16887 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2013;8(1): 02-04
Caesarean Myomectomy is No Longer a Dreaded Job: a Case Control Study in Multiple Specialized Centre
Authors: Zeba Dilruba , Das Shila Rani , Fatima Nusrat , Islam Nazrul , Uddin Julhash , Roy Rajib Kumar
Published: November 2013

Removal of uterine myoma during caesarean section (CS) is not commonly done due to fear of severe haemorrhage which may lead to hysterectomy. Contradicting the previous belief many studies have been showing that myomectomy during caesarean section is a safe procedure without significant increase of risk. The objective of this study is to analyze the safety and clinical outcome of caesarean myomectomy. This is a prospective study carried out in different hospitals of Faridpur district, Bangladesh from 01.01.10 up to 31.12.12. Total 16 (study group) patients had undergone caesarean myomectomy. Operation time, peroperative blood loss, post operative complications and length of hospital staying was compared with that of 32 women (control group) with caesarean section alone. The result shows that peroperative blood loss was average 350±100 ml in study group which is 50 ml more than control group. Operation time was 20 minutes more and length of hospital staying was 1 day more than control group. There was no post partum haemorrhage, no hysterectomy was done at the time of CS and there was no maternal or perinatal mortality. So, caesarean myomectomy is safe and convenient to patient and cost effective without increasing any extra risk. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v8i1.16889 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2013;8(1): 07-10
Serum Ferritin in Preeclampsia and Eclampsia: A Case Control Study
Authors: Fatima Nusrat , Islam Ferdousi , Noor Laila , Das Shila Rani , Zeba Dilruba , Zesmin Fahmida
Published: November 2013

Preeclampsia is a pregnancy specific, multi-system disorder of unknown etiology characterized by new onset of elevated blood pressure & proteinuria after 20 weeks of gestation. Globally preeclampsia and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a leading cause of maternal and infant illness and death. But the exact pathophysiology is yet to be explored. It was a case control study and was conducted during the period of January 2010 - December 2010 in the department of Obs & Gynae DMCH and dept. of Biochemistry of BSMMU. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the association of serum ferritin and iron in preeclampsia & eclampsia. A total 100 pregnant women were included in this study. Of them 50 preeclamptic or eclamptic, nonanaemic patients not in labour (26-40weeks) were taken as case and 50 normotensive pregnant women were taken as control. Mean Serum ferritin level in case and control group was 100.03 ± 123.52 ?gm/L and 31.53 ± 20.86 ?gm/L respectively which is highly significant (P< 0.001). Out of 50 cases ferritin level was raised in 10 cases (20%). In 80% cases ferritin level was below the cut-off value that is normal or below normal but in 100% of controls had ferritin level below the cut off value. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v8i1.16892 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2013;8(1): 18-21
Unmet Need for Family Planning among Married Women: Experience from Rural and Urban Communities
Authors: Kabir Asma , Islam Md Nazrul , Chowdhury Ayesha Afroz , Das Shyamali , Sadeque Md Zafor
Published: November 2013

Unmet need for family planning is the key indicator to achieve Millennium Development Goal by the year 2015. Bangladesh Government has a great success in family planning sector but population has almost doubled in recent years. This study was carried out among married women to compare the determinants of unmet need for family planning among rural and urban communities during the period from July 2010 to June 2011. Unmet need for family planning in rural community was found 18(12%) and in urban community it was 38(25.3%). Among rural women unmet need for limiter was 13(8.6%) and spacer was 5(3.4%) while limiter 29(19.4%) and spacer 9(5.9%) found among urban women. Mean age at marriage was found 17.97(SD±2.66) years and mean age at first child birth was 19.91(SD±2.71) years among rural women. Among urban women mean age at marriage was found 20.43(SD±4.08) years and mean age at first child birth was 22.55 (SD±4.3) years. Current contraceptive users among rural women was 7 9(52.7%) while it was 61(40.7%) among urban women. In this study, association between unmet need for family planning and freedom of choice of contraceptives was highly significant (p=0.001). To increase contraceptive prevalence rate and reduction of unplanned pregnancy, more emphasis should be given on unmet need for family planning. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v8i1.16894 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2013;8(1): 26-30
Sturge-Weber syndrome-A Case report
Authors: Halim Abdul , Alam Md Towhid , Barman RC
Published: November 2013

Sturge-weber syndrome is a disease characterized by capillary or cavernous haemangionsm (Port-wine stain) along the cutaneous division of Trigennial nerve. There is venous haemangionsm in subjacent leptomeninges, which may spread causing atrophy of cortex. The patient Md. Zobair Hossain, 11 years old boy, nondiabetic, nonhypertensive presented to us on 20.05.2011 with the complaints of repeated bleeding from a swelling over the outer aspect of right eye ball for 1 month, weakness of left half of body for 1 year and repeated convulsion for 7 years. Diagnosis was confirmed vy CT scan of brain. Through treatment is unsatisfactory, he was advised for laser theraphy for coetaneous lesion and anti-convulsant drug epilepsy. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/fmcj.v8i1.16899 Faridpur Med. Coll. J. 2013;8(1): 44-45
Effect of Botanicals and Synthetic Insecticide on Okra Jassid, Amrasca devastans
Authors: Alam MK , Mala M , Islam KS , Jahan M
Published: November 2013

Experiments were carried out in the Field Laboratory of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, during February to May, 2008 to investigate the population abundance and to determine the efficacy of three botanical oils (Neem, Mahogani, Karanja) and one synthetic insecticide (Admire 200 SL) against Okra Jassid, Amrasca devastans. The Jassid was first noticed in early March just 7 days after germination and attacked the crop seriously. The highest mean number of Jassid leaf-1 (34) was found in April, 2008. In evaluating the effectiveness of the insecticide and botanical oils to control Okra Jassid, three times applications were made at 7 days interval. The Jassid population varied significantly with the application of insecticide and botanicals. Admire 200 SL give the best result among the treatment. Out of three botanicals Karanja repelled 93.33%, where as Mahogoni and Neem repelled 86.66 and 63.33%.The effectivity of botanicals and synthetic insecticides was found in the following order: Admire 200 SL> Karajan oil >Mahogani oil >Neem oil.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16743 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 1  7, 2010
Effect of Mulch and Different Levels of N and K on the Growth and Yield of Onion
Authors: Islam KS , Miah MHA , Ahmed SU
Published: November 2013

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of mulch (non-mulch and straw mulch) and different levels of nitrogen (0, 40, 80 and 120 kg ha-1) and potassium (0, 37.5, 75 and 112.5 kg ha-1) on the growth and yield of onion. Plants grown with straw mulch gave higher bulb yield (10.89 t ha-1) which showed 13.79% increase over non-mulch. Nitrogen increased the bulb yield significantly.The highest nitrogen level gave the highest bulb yield (12.13 t ha-1), which was 41.54% increase over control. Potassium increased bulb yield compared to control, but its different levels had identical results on yield. Nitrogen and mulch together produced significant variations. The Nitrogen at the highest level (120 kg ha-1) along with straw mulch gave the highest yield (13.31 t ha-1). Potassium together with mulch also exhibited significant variation on yield and yield components. Plants grown with the highest level of potassium (112.5 kg ha-1) along with straw mulch gave the highest bulb yield (11.58 t ha-1). Nitrogen and potassium as 120 kg N ha-1 × 75.0 kg K ha-1 gave the highest bulb yield (13.07 t ha-1). Nitrogen and potassium at their maximum levels with straw mulch gave the highest bulb yield (14.67 t ha-1).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16747 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 39 - 46, 2010
Effect of Pre-Planting Cold Treatment on the Growth and Development of Onion Seed Crop with Special Emphasis on Flowering
Authors: Islam KS , Rahim MA , Rehana S
Published: November 2013

This study was stimulated by the problem of onion seed production in Bangladesh and similar regions where seed production is possible only during the short cool winter period after which rapid increase in temperature as well as early shower adversely affect the quality of seed. Experiment was carried out inorder to develop suitable production techniques to get high yield and quality of onion seed overcoming the stated adverse situation. The present research was conducted at the Horticulture Farm, Department of Horticulture, BangladeshAgricultural University, Mymensingh and in the Plant Genetic Laboratory of Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA), Mymensingh during the period from 1999 to 2000 to manipulate the control of growth cycle of onion for high yield and production of quality seed. The results revealed that the number of days required for 80% emergence of bulb, plant height, number of leaves per hill, days required to bolting, number of flower per umbel, number of seed set per umbel were significantly influenced by the temperature treatment. Results showed that seed crop development was accelerated by pre-planting cold treatments. Pre-planting cold treated seed crop enhanced bulb emergence and completed vegetative growth earlier, also early initiation of flower stalks, flowering, fruit setting, maturity and consequently quality seed. From preplanting cold treatment, seed crop was harvested at least 11-14 days before the non-treated ones.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16748 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 47 - 55, 2010
Suitability of Some Botanical Pesticides (Neem, Garlic and Red Chili) against Dry Fish Insects (Dermestes sp. Larvae and Necrobia sp. Adult)
Authors: Nowsad AAKM , Mondal R , Hassan MN , Hossain MM , Islam MR
Published: November 2013

Acetone extracts of red chili (Capsicum frutescens), garlic (Allium sativum) and neem (Azadirachta indica) were used to evaluate their insecticidal effects against a dry fish beetle, Dermestes sp. larvae and a mite, Necrobia sp. adult. The concentration of plant extracts were 60, 80 and 100% for Dermestes sp. larvae and 10, 15 and 20% for Necrobia sp. adult. The mortality of Necrobia sp. at 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment (HAT) indicated that red chili extract possessed the highest insecticidal effect followed by neem and garlic. Mortality was found to be directly proportional to the concentration of plant extracts. For Necrobia sp. (adult) LC50 values of red chili, neem and garlic were 0.78, 0.85 and 1.68%, respectively at 24 HAT. Red chili was found to possess the highest insecticidal effect among these three with the highest toxic effect at 48 HAT (0.29%) and 72 HAT (0.03%). For the larvae of Dermestes sp., the LC50 values of red chili was 0.60%, neem 0.69% and garlic 1.15% at 24 HAT, again indicating that red chili had the highest insecticidal effect on dry fish insects.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16756 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 93 - 103, 2010
Investigation into Carnivorous Feeding Nature of Piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) under Laboratory Condition in Bangladesh
Authors: Khan MMR , Hasan M , Siddik MAB , Hossain MI , Sarder MRI
Published: November 2013

An experiment was carried out to know the carnivorous feeding nature of piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) under laboratory condition for a period of 36 days. One-month old nine fish were stocked in nine separate glass aquaria having three feeding treatments each with three replications. Fish were fed with nursery feed (Sabinco feed) in treatment 1 (T1); 50% live + 50% dead small prawns (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) and small fishes (Esomus danricus and Amblypharyngodon mola) in treatment 2 (T2); and 100% live small prawn and fishes in treatment 3 (T3) twice a day at the rate of 10% body weight. The average weight gain was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 (21.02 ± 0.72) than in T1 (-1.824 ± 0.35) and T3 (15.36 ± 4.96). The SGR (% day-1) recorded was significantly (P<0.05) higher in T2 (12.04 ± 0.01) than T3 (11.77 ± 0.09). No unused feed was found in T2 and T3 but some unused feed was found in T1. The stomach length, gut length and the RLG values of piranha were significantly (P<0.05) higher than that of taki, Channa punctatus but not of boal, Wallago attu. The presence of razor sharp teeth in both jaws and 30-32 pyloric caeca with 1.84 RLG value are attributed to the piranha as carnivore.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16764 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 151 - 158, 2010
Shrimp Culture Practices at Farmers Level in Bagerhat District
Authors: Chandra KJ , Chowdhury AR , Das DR
Published: November 2013

A study was conducted on culture practices of shrimp at farmers level in Bagerhat District. Investigation was based on a sample of 123 shrimp farmers from the seven Thanas (Fakirhat, Mollahat, Sadar, Rampal, Mongla, Chitalmari and Kachua) of the District, 73.17% farmers produced shrimp with white fishes. Farmers (54.47%) started to culture during 2000-2004 in this area. The culture period was typically four months for bagda and six to seven months for golda. Hatchery PL are stocked mainly in May to June for prawn and from late March for bagda. The average stocking density of shrimp PL golda and bagda was 24.16 and 12.16 thousand/ha in the farms. Varieties of feeds such as cooked rice, fishmeal, oilcake and snail muscle were used for shrimp culture. Mainly virus disease was responsible for the great loss of shrimp in this area. About 46.34% of the surveyed farms faced a huge damage due to WSBV. The average bagda and golda production was 350.37 kg and 428.08 kg/ha/year. Long term sustainability of shrimp farming facing problems due to lack of money, poor supply of good quality PL, lack of technical knowledge, higher production costs and poor institutional support. It might be however, necessary to establish shrimp hatcheries and provide training facilities, extension service, institutional and policy support to the farmers with the help of DoF and NGOs.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16766 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 173 - 185, 2010
Determination of Plastic Limit of Some Selected Soils Using Rolling Device
Authors: Ishaque F , Hoque MN , Rashid MA
Published: November 2013

An attempt was made to fabricate a rolling device for determining the plastic limit of different loamy and clay soils. Five different types of soil collected from different location were used for the present investigation. Clay was taken as the yardstick of converting the soil as a continuous particle and measuring scale of this continuity was expressed in terms of clay ratio. Thus plastic limit of the soils were determined by following rolling device, Casagrande method and cone penetrometer method. It was observed that plastic limit determined by different methods have similar values for different soils and clay ratio has played important role in varying the values. Plastic limit varied from almost 20 to 25% for loamy soil having clay ratio 0.30 to 0.40 and almost 25 to 30% for clay soils having clay ratio 0.75 to 0.78. The results revealed that values of plastic limit by rolling device method were on an average 5% less than that of Casagrande method and almost same to that of the cone penetrometer method at different levels of clay ratio. However, the construction of rolling device has been found easy and economical. It provides perfect terminal point for accurate result. Hence it is a reliable technique for determining soil plastic limit for cohesive soil. But it is not a workable means for non-cohesive soil.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16767 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 187 - 194, 2010
The Effects of Mushroom Powder on the Quality of Cake
Authors: Sheikh MAM , Kumar A , Islam MM , Mahomud MS
Published: November 2013

The fresh mushroom and mushroom powder were analysed for their composition. Mushroom powder was incorporated in the formulations of cake at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight. The effect of various levels of mushroom powder on the physico-chemical properties and nutritional quality of cakes had been observed. Mushroom powder at 15% addition level significantly improved colour, flavour and texture of cake. Cakes were also prepared by incorporating various levels (0-20%) of mushroom powder in plane cake formulations to evaluate optimum level of powder addition. It was observed that in achieving acceptable cake quality, in terms of volume significantly higher amount (10-15%) of mushroom powder could be incorporated in cake formulations. Compositional analysis of cake showed that cake containing mushroom powder had higher protein and fat content and lower carbohydrate content than the control cake. The cakes containing various levels of mushroom powder were evaluated for their sensory attributes by a panel of 10 tasters. The results revealed that the colour and flavour of cake containing mushroom powder was significantly different from the control cake. The texture of the cakes with mushroom powder was equally acceptable to the control cake. The overall acceptability of the cakes with mushroom powder was equally acceptable to the control cake.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16769 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 205 - 214, 2010
Processing and Preservation of Okra Pickle
Authors: Hosain MM , Jannat R , Islam MM , Sarker MKU
Published: November 2013

The fresh okras were analyzed for proximate composition whereas the developed pickles were analyzed for proximate composition, microbiological status, sensory attributes and overall storage stability of the pickles. The proximate composition fresh okra was moisture 87.5%, ash 0.89%, total solid 18%, vitamin-C 11.1 mg/100g. According to the processing method, the compositions of developed pickles were different. The range of moisture content varied from 59.28% to 69.20% for pickle in sugar, oil and combination of both. Since sugar and salt were used, resulting losses in moisture content were observed in all the samples. Vitamin-C content was decreased or lost by oxidation and heat following first-order kinetics which states that concentration has exponential relationship with time. The microbiological studies revealed that total viable counts (bacteria) were high in pickles which was processed in sugar and low which was processed in oil and oil-sugar mixed, respectively. The acceptability of processed pickles was organoleptically evaluated by the panelists using 1-9 hedonic scale assigned marks for colour, flavour, texture and overall acceptability. The test score indicated that among three samples, the pickle which was processed in sugar and oil mixed (sample-3) was the most acceptable. Storage studies were carried out for up to six months at room temperature (27ºC-33ºC) at an interval of 1 month up to first 2 months and at an interval of 2 months for the consecutive 4 months. The result showed that moisture content decreased slightly with time. All the pickles became softer with the passing of time.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16777 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 215 - 222, 2010
A Study on the Use of a Statistical Analysis Model to Monitor Air Pollution Status in an Air Quality Total Quantity Control District
Authors: Wu Edward , Kuo Shu-Lung
Published: November 2013

The air quality in Taiwan, at present, is determined by a pollution standard index (PSI) that is applied to areas of possible serious air pollution and Air Quality Total Quantity Control Districts (AQTQCD). Many studies, both in Taiwan and in other countries have examined the characteristics and levels of air pollution with PSI. This study uses air quality data collected from eight automatic air quality monitoring stations in an AQTQCD in central Taiwan and discusses the correlation between air quality variables with statistical analysis in an attempt to accurately reflect the difference of air quality observed by each monitoring station as well as to establish an air quality classification system suitable for the whole Taiwan. After using factor analysis (FA), seven air pollutants are grouped into three factors: organic, photochemical, and fuel. These three factors are the dominant ones in regards to the air quality of central Taiwan. Cluster analysis is used to classify air quality in central Taiwan into five clusters to present different characteristics and pollution degrees of air quality. This research results should serve as a reference for those involved in the review of air quality management effectiveness and/or the enactment of management control strategies.
Bevacizumab for Glioblastoma—A Promising Drug or Not?
Authors: Nagane Motoo , Nishikawa Ryo
Published: November 2013

Two double blind, placebo-controlled, and randomized phase III studies were conducted, and the results including OS’s were reported at the ASCO Meeting in June 2013, which was the beginning of confusion surrounding this topic. This is a review article not only summarizing the previous evidence, but also looking beyond.
Harmonic Loss Analysis of the Traction Transformer of High-Speed Trains Considering Pantograph-OCS Electrical Contact Properties
Authors: Wang Jin , Yang Zhongping , Lin Fei , Cao Junci
Published: November 2013

The traction transformer of the traction drive system of a high-speed train is one of the main equipments for energy conversion. The transformer loss will be increased by load harmonics and pantograph arcs at high speed. It is very important to predict losses for the improvement of traction transformer design. In this paper, a dynamic model of the pantograph-catenary system is established using the MSC.Marc software based on the finite element method to analyze disconnection events in different speeds. Then the pantograph arc, traction transformer and four-quadrant converter model is set up. Resistance variations with the change of harmonic frequency have been considered in the calculation formulae of harmonic losses. Traction transformer losses can be calculated based on the harmonic T-equivalent circuit and superposition principle. Considering the harmonic losses variations, the effects of arc voltage on harmonic copper loss and harmonic core loss are analyzed, respectively. The average loss at different disconnection ratios is also calculated. This method could be used to estimate the increment of transformer harmonic losses with poor current conditions at high speed.
The Molecular Mechanisms of Zinc Neurotoxicity and the Pathogenesis of Vascular Type Senile Dementia
Authors: Mizuno Dai , Kawahara Masahiro
Published: November 2013

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element that is abundantly present in the brain. Despite its importance in normal brain functions, excess Zn is neurotoxic and causes neurodegeneration following transient global ischemia and plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of vascular-type dementia (VD). We have investigated the molecular mechanisms of Zn-induced neurotoxicity using immortalized hypothalamic neurons (GT1-7 cells) and found that carnosine (β-alanyl histidine) and histidine (His) inhibited Zn2+-induced neuronal death. A DNA microarray analysis revealed that the expression of several genes, including metal-related genes (metallothionein and Zn transporter 1), endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress related genes (GADD34, GADD45, and p8), and the calcium (Ca)-related gene Arc (activity-related cytoskeleton protein), were affected after Zn exposure. The co-existence of carnosine or His inhibited the expression of GADD34, p8, and Arc, although they did not influence the expression of the metal-related genes. Therefore, ER-stress and the disruption of Ca homeostasis may underlie the mechanisms of Zn-induced neurotoxicity, and carnosine might be a possible drug candidate for the treatment of VD.
Hydrogen Bonding-Mediated Microphase Separation during the Formation of Mesoporous Novolac-Type Phenolic Resin Templated by the Triblock Copolymer, PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO
Authors: Chu Wei-Cheng , Chiang Shih-Fan , Li Jheng-Guang , Kuo Shiao-Wei
Published: November 2013

After blending the triblock copolymer, poly(ethylene oxide-b-propylene oxide-b-ethylene oxide) (PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO) with novolac-type phenolic resin, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the ether groups of the PEO block were stronger hydrogen bond acceptors for the OH groups of phenolic resin than were the ether groups of the PPO block. Thermal curing with hexamethylenetetramine as the curing agent resulted in the triblock copolymer being incorporated into the phenolic resin, forming a nanostructure through a mechanism involving reaction-induced microphase separation. Mild pyrolysis conditions led to the removal of the PEO-b-PPO-b-PEO triblock copolymer and formation of mesoporous phenolic resin. This approach provided a variety of composition-dependent nanostructures, including disordered wormlike, body-centered-cubic spherical and disorder micelles. The regular mesoporous novolac-type phenolic resin was formed only at a phenolic content of 40–60 wt %, the result of an intriguing balance of hydrogen bonding interactions among the phenolic resin and the PEO and PPO segments of the triblock copolymer.
The Janus Face of PAMAM Dendrimers Used to Potentially Cure Nonenzymatic Modifications of Biomacromolecules in Metabolic Disorders—A Critical Review of the Pros and Cons
Authors: Labieniec-Watala Magdalena , Karolczak Kamil , Siewiera Karolina , Watala Cezary
Published: November 2013

Diabetes mellitus, which is characterised by high blood glucose levels and the burden of various macrovascular and microvascular complications, is a cause of much human suffering across the globe. While the use of exogenous insulin and other medications can control and sometimes prevent various diabetes-associated sequelae, numerous diabetic complications are still commonly encountered in diabetic patients. Therefore, there is a strong need for safe and effective antihyperglycaemic agents that provide an alternative or compounding option for the treatment of diabetes. In recent years, amino-terminated poly(amido)amine (PAMAM) dendrimers (G2, G3 and G4) have attracted attention due to their protective value as anti-glycation and anti-carbonylation agents that can be used to limit the nonenzymatic modifications of biomacromolecules. The focus of this review is to present a detailed survey of our own data, as well as of the available literature regarding the toxicity, pharmacological properties and overall usefulness of PAMAM dendrimers. This presentation pays particular and primary attention to their therapeutic use in poorly controlled diabetes and its complications, but also in other conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, in which such nonenzymatic modifications may underlie the pathophysiological mechanisms. The impact of dendrimer administration on the overall survival of diabetic animals and on glycosylation, glycoxidation, the brain-blood barrier and cellular bioenergetics are demonstrated. Finally, we critically discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages accompanying the use of PAMAM dendrimers in the treatment of metabolic impairments that occur under conditions of chronic hyperglycaemia.
Baeyer-Villiger Oxidation of Some C19 Steroids by Penicillium lanosocoeruleum
Authors: Świzdor Alina
Published: November 2013

The biotransformation of androsterone (1), epiandrosterone (2), androstanedione (3) and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) (4) by Penicillium lanosocoeruleum—a fungal species not used in biotransformations so far—were described. All the substrates were converted in high yield (70%–99%) into D ring δ-lactones. The oxidation of 1 produced 3α-hydroxy-17a-oxa-D-homo-5α-androstan-17-one (5). The oxidation of 2 led to 3β-hydroxy-17a-oxa-D-homo-5α-androstan-17-one (6). The biotransformation of 3 resulted in the formation of 3α-hydroxy-17a-oxa-D-homo-5α-androstan-17-one (5) and 17a-oxa-D-homo-5α-androstan-3,17-dione (7). An analysis of the transformation progress of the studied substrates as a function of time indicates that the Baeyer-Villiger monooxygenase of this fungus does not accept the 3β-hydroxy-5-ene functionality of steroids. In this microorganism steroidal 3β-hydroxy-dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) was active, and as a result DHEA (4) was transformed exclusively to testololactone (8). Apart from the observed oxidative transformations, a reductive pathway was revealed with the C-3 ketone being reduced to a C-3α-alcohol. It is demonstrated for the first time that the reduction of the 3-keto group of the steroid nucleus can occur in the presence of a ring-D lactone functionality.
Longitudinal Assessment of Antimicrobial Susceptibility among Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Organisms Collected from Italy as Part of the Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial between 2004 and 2011
Authors: Stefani Stefania , Dowzicky Michael
Published: November 2013

The Tigecycline Evaluation and Surveillance Trial (T.E.S.T.) was initiated in 2004 to longitudinally monitor the activity of the broad-spectrum glycylcycline antimicrobial tigecycline, and a suite of comparator agents, against an array of clinically important bacterial pathogens worldwide. In this report, we examine the activity of tigecycline and comparators against a collection of 13,245 clinical isolates, both Gram-positive (n = 4,078 and Gram-negative (n = 9,167), collected from 27 centres in Italy between 2004 and 2011. Susceptibility was established according to Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Tigecycline and linezolid exhibited very good activity against Gram-positive pathogens, with MIC90s ranging from 0.06 to 0.25 mg/L and 1–4 mg/L, respectively; vancomycin and the carbapenems also showed good activity against select Gram-positive pathogens. Tigecycline was the most active agent against Gram-negative pathogens (except P. aeruginosa), with MIC90s ranging from 0.25–2 mg/L (16 mg/L for P. aeruginosa). Amikacin and the carbapenems also possessed good activity against many Gram-negative pathogens here. ESBL-positive E. coli increased in prevalence from 2004 to 2011, while ESBL-positive Klebsiella spp., vancomycin-resistant enterococci and MRSA decreased in prevalence. Linezolid, tigecycline and vancomycin susceptibility were very stable over the course of this study, while susceptibility to ampicillin, piperacillin-tazobactam, ceftriaxone and levofloxacin varied over time according to pathogen; minocycline and cefepime susceptibility among several pathogens decreased during this study.
Optimal Deterministic Investment Strategies for Insurers
Authors: Bäuerle Nicole , Rieder Ulrich
Published: November 2013

We consider an insurance company whose risk reserve is given by a Brownian motion with drift and which is able to invest the money into a Black–Scholes financial market. As optimization criteria, we treat mean-variance problems, problems with other risk measures, exponential utility and the probability of ruin. Following recent research, we assume that investment strategies have to be deterministic. This leads to deterministic control problems, which are quite easy to solve. Moreover, it turns out that there are some interesting links between the optimal investment strategies of these problems. Finally, we also show that this approach works in the Lévy process framework.
A New Approach for Improving Reliability of Personal Navigation Devices under Harsh GNSS Signal Conditions
Authors: Dhital Anup , Bancroft Jared , Lachapelle Gérard
Published: November 2013

In natural and urban canyon environments, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals suffer from various challenges such as signal multipath, limited or lack of signal availability and poor geometry. Inertial sensors are often employed to improve the solution continuity under poor GNSS signal quality and availability conditions. Various fault detection schemes have been proposed in the literature to detect and remove biased GNSS measurements to obtain a more reliable navigation solution. However, many of these methods are found to be sub-optimal and often lead to unavailability of reliability measures, mostly because of the improper characterization of the measurement errors. A robust filtering architecture is thus proposed which assumes a heavy-tailed distribution for the measurement errors. Moreover, the proposed filter is capable of adapting to the changing GNSS signal conditions such as when moving from open sky conditions to deep canyons. Results obtained by processing data collected in various GNSS challenged environments show that the proposed scheme provides a robust navigation solution without having to excessively reject usable measurements. The tests reported herein show improvements of nearly 15% and 80% for position accuracy and reliability, respectively, when applying the above approach.
Short Chain N-Acylhomoserine Lactone Production by Clinical Multidrug Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strain CSG20
Authors: Ngeow Yun , Cheng Huey , Chen Jian , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: November 2013

Klebsiella pneumoniae is one of the most common Gram-negative bacterial pathogens in clinical practice. It is associated with a wide range of disorders, ranging from superficial skin and soft tissue infections to potentially fatal sepsis in the lungs and blood stream. Quorum sensing, or bacterial cell-cell communication, refers to population density-dependent gene expression modulation. Quorum sensing in Proteobacteria relies on the production and sensing of signaling molecules which are mostly N-acylhomoserine lactones. Here, we report the identification of a multidrug resistant clinical isolate, K. pneumoniae strain CSG20, using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. We further confirmed quorum sensing activity in this strain with the use of high resolution tandem liquid chromatography quadrupole mass spectrometry and provided evidence K. pneumoniae strain CSG20 produced N-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the production of N-hexanoylhomoserine lactone (C6-HSL) in clinical isolate K. pneumoniae.
A Coaxial Cable Fabry-Perot Interferometer for Sensing Applications
Authors: Huang Jie , Wang Tao , Hua Lei , Fan Jun , Xiao Hai , Luo Ming
Published: November 2013

This paper reports a novel coaxial cable Fabry-Perot interferometer for sensing applications. The sensor is fabricated by drilling two holes half-way into a coaxial cable. The device physics was described. The temperature and strain responses of the sensor were tested. The measurement error was calculated and analyzed.
On-Site Sewage Systems from Good to Bad to…? Swedish Experiences with Institutional Change and Technological Dependencies 1900 to 2010
Authors: Wallin Are , Zannakis Mathias , Molander Sverker
Published: November 2013

Even though technological advances have occurred during recent decades today’s nutrient loading from Swedish on-site sewage systems (OSSs) is much higher than in the 1940s, despite a decreased rural population and the existence of potentially far better technologies than the existing inadequate installations. The objective of this paper is first, to explain this situation as the result of co-evolution of technology and institutions, which has resulted in a very stable conservation. Second, to properly understand how such stable configurations may change, the paper investigates how a power-distributional theory of incremental institutional change might complement the previous analysis and open up the thinking about how seemingly stable configurations may change endogenously. The analysis reveals how shifts in the distribution of power, i.e., public and private actors’ resources and tools to use in interaction with other actors, have influenced the direction of technological and institutional development. We conclude that the sequencing of events has been important; the series of choices made foremost between the 1950s and 1990s caused both institutional and technical lock-in effects that have been increasingly difficult to break out from. Despite parallel and later incremental developments, improvement in the environmental outcome is not yet seen on the large scale.