bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gretchen’s figure in Liszt’s musical interpretation
Authors: Domokos Zsuzsanna
Published: November 2014

The salvation role of Gretchen, embodying the “Ewig-Weibliche,” has already been mentioned by several scholars analyzing Liszt’s “Faust” Symphony. According to them, Liszt found the most direct models to the characterization of the female protagonist of his work in Wagner’s operas. This interpretation can be made more differentiated in the view of another musical quotation of the “Gretchen” movement of the Symphony. I would like to go further on the basis of some concrete musical analogies, following the genesis of the composition and Liszt’s writings. I seek to answer the following questions: How much is Goethe’s Gretchen preserved in Liszt’s work? What are the influences of Gretchen’s contemporary musical characterizations known by Liszt, related to his own work? Last but not least, what kind of connections do exist between the Gretchen of the “Faust” Symphony and the other female characters in Liszt’s works?
First record of Deroceras invadens Reise, Hutchinson, Schunack & Schlitt, 2011 (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Agriolimacidae) from the island of Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Forsyth Robert G.
Published: November 2014

The introduced European slug Deroceras invadens Reise, Hutchinson, Schunack & Schlitt, 2011 is here reported from St. John’s, Newfoundland. This new record is the first from the island of Newfoundland, the Canadian province of Newfoundland and Labrador, and from Atlantic Canada. It is the first verified record for this species living outside of greenhouses in eastern Canada.
Birds, Nangaritza River Valley, Zamora Chinchipe Province, southeast Ecuador: update and revision
Authors: Freile Juan F. , Krabbe Niels , Piedrahita Paolo , Buitrón-Jurado Galo , Rodríguez-Saltos Carlos A. , Ahlman Fredrik , Brinkhuizen Dušan M. , Bonaccorso Elisa
Published: November 2014

The remote Nangaritza Valley of southeast Ecuador has high bird diversity, combining Amazonian birds with species typical of eastern Andean slopes and foothills, a small number of taxa endemic to the Cordillera del Cóndor region of southern Ecuador and northern Peru, as well as a few forms from the dry Marañón valley region. Here, we update and review avifaunal records from the Nangaritza Valley, comparing them with the bird fauna of the Cordillera del Kutukú and making a brief assessment of bird conservation in the area. To date, 535 species are known to occur in the Nangaritza Valley, including eight species endemic or near endemic to the outer ridges and adjacent Andean slopes in southeast Ecuador and northeast Peru. Conservation perspectives in the area are not favorable owing to increasing deforestation, expansion of the agricultural frontier and mining concessions, which threaten eight regional endemic species.
True mangrove species of Sundarbans Delta, West Bengal, eastern India
Authors: Barik Jyotiskona , Chowdhury Soumyajit
Published: November 2014

Varied opinions exist as to the species composition and ecological distinction of mangrove habitats of the Indian Sundarbans. Furthermore, distinction of true or major mangroves from mangrove-associate and minor species was left unresolved by past authors. The present study thus aimed to revise a species list of true mangroves in the Indian Sundarbans delta. An indexing of adaptive morpho-physiological characters of mangroves for the tidal-saline environment was conducted. The analysis illustrated 24 species of true mangroves in Indian Sundarbans, belonging to nine families. Of these, Rhizophoraceae showed maximum richness at each of the generic and specific categories assessed. The current study has highlighted the taxonomic richness and status of true mangrove from Indian Sundarbans, resolving the long debated distinction of true from minor and associate mangroves.
Ants (Formicidae) and Spiders (Araneae) listed from the Metropolitan Region of Salvador, Brazil
Authors: Melo Tercio Da Silva , Peres Marcelo Cesar Lima , Chavari João Lucas , Brescovit Antonio Domingos , Delabie Jacques Hubert Charles
Published: November 2014

We present an ant and spider species list from five localities of the Metropolitan Region of Salvador (MRS). The MRS is placed in an Atlantic Forest area classified as dense broadleaf forest, considered to be of high biological importance and priority for conservation. We determined 198 species of ants (8 of these are considered to be synanthropic and/or exotic), distributed across nine subfamilies. We determined 164 species of spiders (14 of them being synanthropic and/or exotic), distributed across thirty families. Therefore, this survey shows that the urban environment of the MRS still harbors a large number of native fauna species.
First record of Iotabrycon praecox Roberts 1973 (Characidae: Stevardiinae) in the Santa Rosa drainage, southwestern Ecuador
Authors: Aguirre Windsor , Navarrete Ronald , Calle Paola , Sánchez-Garcés Gian Carlo
Published: November 2014

Iotabrycon praecox (Characidae: Stevardiinae) has been reported as endemic to the Guayas River drainage in Western Ecuador since its description in 1973. We collected one specimen of I. praecox in the Santa Rosa River, Santa Rosa drainage, El Oro Province, approximately 144 km south of the Guayas drainage, significantly expanding the known geographic distribution of the species. Given the severe anthropomorphic pressures impacting fishes in Southwestern Ecuador, there is an urgent need to evaluate the present status of I. praecox in the region.
First record of Pipa carvalhoi (Miranda-Ribeiro, 1937) (Anura: Pipidae) in the state of Sergipe, northeastern Brazil

Authors: Santana Daniel Oliveira , Franco Stephane Da Cunha , Rocha Stephanie Menezes , De Freitas Evellyn Borges , De-Carvalhorgipe Crizanto Brito , Faria Renato Gomes
Published: November 2014

The Pipidae family is represented by seven frog species in South America and Panama, strictly linked to aquatic environments. Pipa carvalhoi is currently distributed in the states of Bahia, Ceará, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Paraíba and Pernambuco, in Brazil. We report the first record of Pipa carvalhoi for the state of Sergipe, Brazil, in the Conservation Unity Monumento Natural Grota do Angico, Poço Redondo municipality. This study significantly expands the distribution of the species in northeastern Brazil.
First record of Microplitis rufiventris Kokujev, 1914 (Braconidae: Microgastrinae) from Iran
Authors: Farahani Samira , Talebi Ali Asghar , Van Achterberg Cornelis , Rakhshani Ehsan
Published: November 2014

Occurrence of the genus Microplitis Forster (Braconidae, Microgastrinae) was surveyed in the Northern part of Iran. The specimens were collected using Malaise traps during 2010–2011. Two species, Microplitis rufiventris Kokujev, 1914 and M. ochraceus Szepligeti, 1896 were collected and identified of which the first species is newly recorded from Iran. Diagnostic characters and geographical distribution of the species are briefly discussed.
Heterophrynus armiger Pocock, 1902 (Amblypygi: Phrynidae): First record from Colombia, with notes on its historic distribution records and natural history
Authors: Víquez Carlos , Chirivi Daniel , Moreno-González Jairo A. , Christensen James A.
Published: November 2014

The phrynid whip spider Heterophrynus armiger is herein cited for the first time from a precise locality in Colombia. Additional data on its natural history are provided. This species has been found in disturbed and preserved forest areas of Isla Gorgona, an island located at the northwest coast of Colombia.
Closed loop microfluidic platform based on domain wall magnetic conduits: a novel tool for biology and medicine
Authors: Monticelli M. , Petti D. , Albisetti E. , Cantoni M. , Guerriero E. , Sordan R. , M.Carminati  , Ferrari G. , Sampietro M. , Bertacco R.
Published: November 2014

In this paper we present an innovative on-chip platform suitable for the simultaneous manipulation and detection of the transit of a single magnetic bead. This system is based on the controlled displacement of constrained magnetic domain walls (DWs) that are used to move and sense particles in suspension over the chip. To this scope, the high stray field from the transverse DWs created at the corners of ferromagnetic zig-zag structures is used for particles manipulation, while electrical contacts flanking a single corner are employed to simultaneously monitor the DW passage through that corner, via anisotropic magneto resistance (AMR) measurements. A single DW carrying a magnetic particle is nucleated and manipulated within the zig-zag shaped magnetic conduit, trough the action of external magnetic fields. At the same time, the variation of the voltage drop across a corner flanked by a pair of electrical leads is measured, allowing to detect the transit of the DW thanks to the change of the relative orientation of current and spins at the corner related to the peculiar micromagnetic configuration of the DW (AMR). Work is in progress in order to selectively distinguish the transit of a naked DW from that of a DW bound to a magnetic particle. This work paves the way to the development of a closed-loop microlfuidic platform for on-chip bead manipulation, where single bead can be finely moved and their motion continuously checked, via AMR electrical detection and without need of optical monitoring, in a fully integrated closed-loop system.
Futuro e história: análise da temporalidade atual
Authors: De Almeida Gisele Iecker
Published: November 2014

Ao final do século XX, a segurança da humanidade na unidade e direção do conhecimento foi abalada. Nesse contexto, desde 1970, a escrita da história se encontra em um momento crítico, e é evidente que, desde então, a historiografia vem perdendo terreno na sociedade. O “presentismo”, efeito do colapso da ideia de futuro e da concepção linear e progressiva do tempo, exige uma nova abordagem do passado histórico e requer uma produção de conhecimento relevante para a contemporaneidade. Informados pela filosofia e pela teoria da história contemporâneas, procuramos investigar qual poderia ser o papel desempenhado pela historiografia nesta estrutura emergente da temporalidade. Nesta proposta, o historiador passa a entender-se como um mediador da nossa relação com os eventos passados, formando uma ponte entre passado, presente e futuro.
Editorial
Authors: De Gloria Alessandro
Published: November 2014

This first issue represents the beginning of a new period that is even more challenging. The time of SG development as an artisanal process is ending, SG design, implementation and deployment is a scientific field well positioned in this new scientific era where multi-disciplinarity is the core of any research.
Guidelines for an effective design of serious games
Authors: Catalano Chiara Eva , Luccini Angelo Marco , Mortara Michela
Published: November 2014

There is an increasing awareness about the potential of serious games for education and training in many disciplines. However, research still witnesses a lack of methodologies, guidelines and best practices on how to develop effective serious games and how to integrate them in the actual learning and training processes. The process of integration heavily depends on providing and spreading evidence of the effectiveness of serious games. In this paper we present an overview on the factors that make serious games effective in the perspective of maximizing the learning impact. Such recommendations are the result of an extensive survey of the current proposition of serious games in different application domains.
Experimental evidence in support of single host maintenance of a multihost pathogen
Authors: Duffus Amanda L. J. , Nichols Richard A. , Garner Trenton W. J.
Published: November 2014

The rate at which pathogens are emerging appears to be increasing. Therefore, it is important to determine the factors, such as virulence and host specificity, and how they have been affected by the emergence. In the United Kingdom, ranaviruses, which are double stranded DNA viruses (Family Iridoviridae) began to emerge in populations of common frogs (Rana temporaria) in the mid‐to‐late 1980s, followed closely by emergence in common toad (Bufo bufo) populations. Here we present experimental evidence that a single host may be able to maintain a multihost pathogen. We exposed common frog tadpoles and common toad tadpoles to ranavirus isolates from the mid‐1990s at two different doses. Tadpole survival differed significantly between treatments and this was primarily driven by the dose of the exposure. However, at the low dose, common frog tadpoles exposed to isolates from common frogs experienced higher mortality (n = 35/treatment, log‐rank: P = 0.0320, Wilcoxon: P = 0.0835, df = 1) than those exposed to common toad isolates. The high dose caused 75% mortality in common frog tadpoles, but common toads never experienced more than 40% mortality. This, and other evidence provided by this study, show that common frogs are likely to be the primary host of the ranavirus in the UK, and that single host maintenance of ranaviruses can occur in anurans.
Edgeless and eccentric cities or new peripheries?
Authors: Limonad Ester , Costa Heloisa
Published: November 2014

Changes in the organisation of social space, set in motion by the third industrial revolution, affected the spatial distribution of production and population, challenging established conceptions of centralities and urban networks at different scales. Temporal continuities and simultaneities are replacing spatial ones, as urban agglomerations expand in scattered ways. Material and immaterial economic flows are followed by economic and political spatial rearrangements. Eccentric centralities outside urban agglomerations emerge as a result of these spatial movements. The concept of centre-periphery used to be essential to distinguish differences, inequalities and asymmetries in social space, but contemporary urban and metropolitan sprawl defies previous centre-periphery correlations. Our goal is to discuss the changing notion of centralities within contemporary urbanisation. Hence following a theoretical approach on centralities, poles and positioning, the spatial context of the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region is explored as it is experiencing an increasing spatial dispersion of economic activities, population and political power against an historical backdrop of strong centre-periphery relationships. Finally as a closure after analysing the spatial outcome of the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region and its perspectives, some questions are enrolled to help to understand the challenges posed to metropolitan planning, in the context of economic articulation with the more general global process and socio- environmental and political requirements usually prevailing at the local/metropolitan leve
Reframing place-based economic development in South Africa: the example of local economic development
Authors: Rogerson Christian M.
Published: November 2014

Local Economic Development (LED) planning is a place-based approach to development planning and increasingly significant across much of the global South. One of the key challenges facing LED planning is the necessity to adjust planning in relation to the dynamic nature of both international and national framework conditions. The purpose of this article is to show this challenge by examining the dynamic nature of the national policy environment impacting upon LED planning in South Africa, a country which has a relatively long history of LED planning. Five dimensions of the changing landscape of national economic development planning in South Africa are identified. These relate to (a) LED within the context of new national economic and development plans; (b) initiatives for reindustrialising the South African economy, the associated importance of localisation and promotion of the green economy; (c) changing programmes around small business development; (d) shifts in rural development interventions; and (e) the fluid spatial context within which LED planning as a form of placebased economic development is embedded.
Analysis of changes in the land use structure of developed and urban areas in Eastern Poland
Authors: Senetra Adam , Szczepańska Agnieszka , Wasilewicz-Pszczółkowska Monika
Published: November 2014

The development of housing, services and industry as well as the accompanying infrastructure leads to the intensification of urbanisation processes and changes in land use structure. The area of land characterised by urban use is increasing. The above trend is also observed in Eastern Poland despite its predominantly rural character and the absence of metropolitan areas exerting great pressure on the local landscape, contributing to regional development and enhancing the region’s competitiveness. The paper discusses changes in land use structure in developed and urban areas in Eastern Poland. The analysis includes five Polish voivodeships (Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Podlaskie, Świętokrzyskie and Warmińsko-Mazurskie) characterised by the lowest GDP per capita in the EU-25. For this reason, Eastern Poland will receive aid as part of the ‘Development of Eastern Poland’ Operational Program 2007-2013. This is the only supra-regional program in the European Union which promotes social and economic growth in underdeveloped regions by co-financing projects in urban development, road construction and tourism promotion. The analysis of changes in the share of developed and urban areas in total land area as well as changes in local land use structure (subgroups) covers the period of 2007-2013. The data relating to land use structure was supplied by the Head Office of Geodesy and Cartography. It was used to determine the scale and rate of urbanisation in the analysed voivodeships (regions) and their constituent poviats (counties) with special emphasis on suburban areas. The results were presented in the form of cartograms and thematic maps with the use of GIS tools. The GIS tools support the visualisation of the spatial distribution of the analysed phenomena.
Spatial analysis of ethnopolitical mobilisation in the Caucasus in the 1980s and 1990s
Authors: Jelen Libor
Published: November 2014

The paper aims to create a set of indicators which could best explain the varying intensity of ethnopolitical mobilisation in the Caucasian region. Selected data on social indicators of individual Caucasian territorial units are examined with help of correlation and regression analysis. The analysis results also show relations among individual social indicators which can help understand social and ethnic processes within the units.
Effects of patterned Artemisia capillaris on overland flow resistance under varied rainfall intensities in the Loess Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Guanhua , Liu Guobin , Yi Liang , Zhang Pingcang
Published: November 2014

In this paper simulated rainfall experiments in laboratory were conducted to quantify the effects oƒ patchy distributed Artemisia capillaris on spatial and temporal variations oƒ the Darcy-Weisbach friction coefficient (f). Different intensities oƒ 60, 90, 120, and 150 mm h-1 were applied on a bare plot (CK) and four different patched patterns: a checkerboard pattern (CP), a banded pattern perpendicular to slope direction (BP), a single long strip parallel to slope direction (LP), and a pattern with small patches distributed like the letter ‘X’ (XP). Each plot underwent two sets oƒ experiments, intact plant and root plots (the above-ground parts were removed). Results showed that mean ƒ for A. capillaris patterned treatments was 1.25-13.0 times oƒ that for CK. BP, CP, and XP performed more effectively than LP in increasing hydraulic roughness. The removal oƒ grass shoots significantly reduced f. A negative relationship was found between mean ƒ for the bare plot and rainfall intensity, whereas for grass patterned plots fr (mean ƒ in patterned plots divided by that for CK) increased exponentially with rainfall intensity. The ƒ -Re relation was best fitted by a power function. Soil erosion rate can be well described using ƒ by a power-law relationship
Synergic hydraulic and nutritional feedback mechanisms control surface patchiness of biological soil crusts on tertiary sands at a post-mining site
Authors: Fischer Thomas , Gypser Stella , Subbotina Maria , Veste Maik
Published: November 2014

In a recultivation area located in Brandenburg, Germany, five types of biocrusts (initial BSC1, developed BSC2 and BSC3, mosses, lichens) and non-crusted mineral substrate were sampled on tertiary sand deposited in 1985- 1986 to investigate hydrologic interactions between crust patches. Crust biomass was lowest in the non-crusted substrate, increased to the initial BSC1 and peaked in the developed BSC2, BSC3, the lichens and the mosses. Water infiltration was highest on the substrate, and decreased to BSC2, BSC1 and BSC3. Non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed that the lichens and BSC3 were associated with water soluble nutrients and with pyrite weathering products, thus representing a high nutrient low hydraulic feedback mode. The mosses and BSC2 represented a low nutrient high hydraulic feedback mode. These feedback mechanisms were considered as synergic, consisting of run-off generating (low hydraulic) and run-on receiving (high hydraulic) BSC patches. Three scenarios for BSC succession were proposed. (1) Initial BSCs sealed the surface until they reached a successional stage (represented by BSC1) from which the development into either of the feedback modes was triggered, (2) initial heterogeneities of the mineral substrate controlled the development of the feedback mode, and (3) complex interactions between lichens and mosses occurred at later stages of system development.
Dissolution of mimetite Pb5(AsO4)3Cl in malic acid solutions
Authors: Turek Piotr , Bajda Tomasz , Manecki Maciej
Published: November 2014

Mimetite Pb5(AsO4)3Cl is the most insoluble lead arsenate mineral and could be used in remediation techniques to reduce As(V) mobility in soils. However, low-molecular-weight organic acids such as malic acid increase its solubility. The effect of malic acid on the dissolution of mimetite strongly depends on the pH of the equilibrium solution. At low pH, mimetite is decomposed mostly by the mechanism of protonation. With increasing pH, the solubility of mimetite decreases and a greater influence in its dissolution is ascribed to complexation of Pb(II) by organic ligands. During dissolution experiments, the amount of arsenic released to solution was > 26% higher in organic solutions than in inorganic solutions, and the amount of lead was > 8% greater. The solubility product of mimetite (KSP) was calculated in order to quantify the thermodynamic stability of the investigated mineral. The value obtained, i.e., -24.52 ± 0.49 fluctuates between the values of -21.69 ± 1.05 and -27.87 ± 0.42 reported in the literature.
The influence of cytokine gene polymorphisms on the risk of developing gastric cancer in patients with Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Stubljar David , Jeverica Samo , Jukic Tomislav , Skvarc Miha , Pintar Tadeja , Tepes Bojan , Kavalar Rajko , Stabuc Borut , Peterlin Borut , Ihan Alojz
Published: November 2014

Background.
Helicobacter pylori infection is the main cause of gastric cancer. The disease progression is influenced by the host inflammatory responses, and cytokine single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may have a role in the course of the disease. The aim of our study was to investigate proinflammatory cytokine polymorphisms, previously associated with the development of gastric cancer, in a Slovenian population.

Patients and methods. In total 318 patients and controls were selected for the study and divided into three groups: (i) patients with gastric cancer (n = 58), (ii) patients with chronic gastritis (n = 60) and (iii) healthy control group (n = 200). H. pylori infection in patient groups was determined by serology, histology and culture. Four proinflammatory gene polymorphisms were determined (IL-1β, IL-1rα, TNF-α, TLR-4) in all subjects.

Results. We found a statistically significant difference between males and females for the groups (p = 0.025). Odds ratio (OR) for gastric cancer risk for females was 0.557 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.233―1.329) and for chronic gastritis 2.073 (95% CI: 1.005―4.277). IL-1B-511*T/T homozygous allele for cancer group had OR = 2.349 (95% CI: 0.583―9.462), heterozygous IL-1B-511*T had OR = 1.470 (95% CI: 0.583―3.709) and heterozygotes in TNF-A-308 genotype for chronic gastritis had OR = 1.402 (95% CI: 0.626―3.139). Other alleles had OR less than 1.

Conclusions. We could not prove association between gastric cancer and chronic gastritis due to H. pylori in any cytokine SNPs studied in Slovenian population. Other SNPs might be responsible besides infection with H. pylori for the progression from atrophy to neoplastic transformation.
Small Group Teaching
Authors: Naushaba Humaira
Published: November 2014

Abstract not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20668 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 48
Sacralization : Sacrum with Five Pairs of Sacral Foramina
Authors: Kamal AHM Mostafa , Ara Shamim , Begum Shahanaz , Hoque Md Mesbahul , Khatun Khadeza
Published: November 2014

Context : The sacrum generally is composed of five vertebrae fused to form a triangular bony mass with four pairs of sacral foramina. The sacrum may contain six vertebrae, by development of an additional sacral element or by incorporation of the fifth lumbar or first coccygeal vertebrae produces five pairs of sacral foramina. Sacralization is entirely undiagnosable without an X-ray examination and rarely present any symptoms. Sacra of six bodies with five pairs of sacral foramina are found frequently in the department of anatomy during routine study of bones. Material and Methods: The present study was performed on 218 (two hundred eighteen) adult human dry sacra of unknown sex. The study samples were distributed into male and female sex groups by discriminant function analysis The study was descriptive type and was conducted in the department of Anatomy, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, from January 2011 to December 2011. The sacrum was examined to assess the number of its vertebral segments and sacral foramina. Result : A typical sacrum consisting of 5 segments with four pairs of sacral foramina was observed in 78.9 % cases, while sacralisation with five pairs of sacral foramina was seen in 21.10 % of cases. Conclusion: The number of vertebrae in sacrum may be increased by fusion of fifth lumbar vertebra or first coccygeal vertebra producing sacralization. The knowledge of significant number of sacralization is necessary in managing spinal surgery and for diagnostic and therapeutic purpose in low back pain. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20670 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 54-57
Needs Assessment of Anatomy for the Gastroenterology Masters Course among Teachers, Practitioners and Students: Coverage of Topics other than Topographic Anatomy
Authors: Ayub Mahmuda , Shamim Khondker Manzare , Shahana Nahid
Published: November 2014

Context: Absence of formally specified course content and objectives, instructional methodology, and assessment system for Anatomy in the MD Gastroenterology course of Bangladesh has led to confusion in the implementation of its residency curriculum with respect to Anatomy. Needs assessment of Anatomy for the would-be gastroenterologists among the stakeholders of the course would help solving this problem. This study aimed at having feedback on the coverage of topics of Anatomy other than topographic anatomy in teaching and assessment of the MD Gastroenterology course attended by them. Materials & Methods: A Cross-Sectional study was carried out in the Department of Anatomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka from July 2002 to December 2003. A questionnaire (based on analysis of a textbook of Gastroenterology) with close-ended questions was sent to nine teachers/practitioners, students (residents) and thesis part students of the MD Gastroenterology course. Results: The number of topics that were felt to covered as required by majority of the participants was 2 out of 11. For the most of the topics, teaching or assessment was felt to be more than required. Though more than 70% respondents considered the course as customized and 75% tended to agree that teaching and assessment had been useful in clinical work, 55.6% thought that it had catered more recall-level knowledge, 85% did not think that a problem-based approach had been taken in the course. Conclusion: Considering the findings of this study positive steps can be taken to reorganize of Anatomyportion of the course and making it clinically to the gastroenterologists. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20672 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 62-67
Study of Morphology of the Ovary as a Determinant of Reproductive Age
Authors: Yesmin Shamima , Anwar Selina , Begum Anjum Ara , Saha Narayan Chandra , Rahman Md Khalilur
Published: November 2014

Context and rationale: The age related infertility due to early ovarian ageing is one of the problems for women who want to become pregnant in late age in our country. Ovarian ageing reflects in its morphology. So this study was aimed at determining the gross morphology of the ovary in different age groups of Bangladeshi female (cadaver) to assess the possible relationships among different morphological variable of ovaries in different age groups. The present study would serve as a baseline data for the gynecologist, obstetricians and endocrinologist about the onset of infertility in the context of Bangladesh. Materials and methods: Cross sectional analytical type of study was conducted at the department of Anatomy, Rangpur Medical College, Rangpur. Fifty pairs postmortem human ovaries from Bangladeshi female aged between 15 and 45 years were examined for morphological study. The morphological parameters such as length, breadth, circumference, weight and volume of the right and left ovaries determined by physical method and the data were compared between different age groups. Result: Mean length, circumference and volume were significantly higher in group A than the other groups in both right and left sides. The difference reached a significant level (P< 0.05) in both ovaries in between and within groups for all mentioned parameter. The mean breadth of right ovary in group B and mean breadth of left ovary in group A were larger than the other groups but was not significant. Conclusion: The values of the morphological measurements fall from younger to older women. This may be due to depletion of the ovarian non-growing follicles thus reflecting fall in the ovarian reserve. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bja.v11i2.20675 Bangladesh Journal of Anatomy, July 2013, Vol. 11 No. 2 pp 77-80
Effect of heat stress on carcass and meat quality of indigenous sheep of Bangladesh
Authors: Rana MS , Hashem MA , Akhter S , Habibullah M , Islam MH , Biswas RC
Published: November 2014

The research was conducted to study the effect of heat stress on carcass characteristics and meat quality in indigenous sheep. Nine sheep were divided into three groups which were almost similar in age, sex and weight. Three groups were divided as zero hour (T0), four hours (T4) and eight hours (T8) heat exposure to direct sunlight. During experimental period temperaturehumidity index (THI) value was calculated as 27.09 which indicated T4 and T8 groups were subjected to heat stress condition for at least four hours and eight hours respectively every day. Slaughter weight, body length and heart girth had no significant difference among the treatment groups. Dry matter, ash and ether extract had no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment groups but crude protein were increased with the increase of heat stress from T0 to T8 group (p<0.05). Drip loss was increased (p<0.05) in non-exposure group than treated groups but there is no significant result (p>0.05) found in pH and cooking loss. Carcass weight and eye muscle area had no significant difference (p>0.05) among the treatment groups but dressing percentage was decreased with the increase of time in heat treated groups (p<0.01). Significant difference (p<0.05) were found in weight of heart, kidney, lung + trachea and pluck between control and heat treated groups. The significant difference (p>0.05) in empty gut was found in gut with content and gut fill in heat treated groups. It can be concluded that heat stress had significant changes on carcass characteristics and meat quality of indigenous sheep.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20717 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (2): 147-153
Comparison of carcass and meat characteristics between male and female indigenous rabbit of Bangladesh
Authors: Murshed HM , Shishir SR , Rahman SME , Oh Deog-Hwan
Published: November 2014

This experiment was conducted to determine and compare some characteristics of the meat and carcass of rabbit aged 6 months according to sex. In the experiment six male and six female nondescript rabbits were slaughtered. The weight and percentage of warm carcasses, skin with head and limbs, liver, kidney, heart, lung, forelegs, hind legs, breast and ribs, loin and abdominal wall were recorded. The values for carcass length, lumbar circumference, drip loss, cooking loss, sensory characteristics were also determined. The mean values for warm carcass weight and warm dressing percentage were 698.33g and 47.92% in male and 704.66g and 48.55% in female, respectively. In case meat quality cooking loss, drip loss, proximate and sensory analyses was conducted. In this study significance difference was found in head, skin and limb weight (93.34 g) as well as in percentage (6.46%) otherwise no significant differences were found between male and female rabbits in the characteristics of carcass and meat quality. Slaughter weight was significantly correlated with the weights of carcass, skin with head and limbs, lung, liver, kidney, heart and weight of joints and dressing percentage.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v43i2.20718 Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2014. 43 (2): 154-158
Rapid drug susceptibility testing for Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Thin layer agar media
Authors: Alam Habiba Binte , Miah Md. Ruhul Amin , Kamal S. M. Mostafa , Roy Chandan Kumar , Saleh Ahmed Abu
Published: November 2014

There is a great need to determine the susceptibility of individual Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains as rapidly as possible because emergence of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in developing countries. The study was conducted to evaluate the thin layer agar (TLA) media for rapid detection of resistance of M.tuberculosis to rifampicin (RMP) and isoniazid (INH) in clinical isolates and to determine the sensitivity and time to positivity compared to the proportion method. One hundred clinical isolates of M.tuberculosis were studied. For the TLA method, three compartment Petri plate containing 7H11 agar and 7H11 agar with RMP and INH. Results were compared to the proportion method for RMP and INH. The sensitivity for INH and RMP+INH was 85.7 % and 100%. The use of a TLA plate enables the rapid detection of resistance to the two prime anti-tuberculosis drugs RMP and INH in a median time of 9.60 days. TLA was a rapid method for the detection of resistance of M.tuberculosis in the two drugs studied. This faster method is simple to perform, providing an alternative method when more sophisticated techniques are not available in low-resource settings.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v7i1.19313 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2013; 07(01): 2-6
Evaluation of indirect immunofluroscence on HEP-2 cell and enzyme immunoassay methods for detection on antinuclear antibodies
Authors: Begum Taslima , Sattar Humayun , Miah Md. Ruhul Amin , Rahman AFM Shahidur
Published: November 2014

The suspicion of autoimmune disease primarily starts with clinical symptoms. The ELISA and IIF (indirect immunofluorescence) on HEp-2 cell   methods are comparable for detecting ANA in patient with auto immune diseases (AID). 102 patients attending Rheumatology out  patient  department as new or old cases with provisional diagnosis of SLE, RA, MCTD  and other Connective Tissue disorder (CTD) screened for specific autoantibody by ELISA (anti CCP, ANA and anti dsDNA) were subjected to indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cell line. Diagnostic accuracy  based on ELISA and indirect immunoflurescence on HEp-2 cell line  showed  the  results of sensitivity, specificity,  PPV, NPV, accuracy of ANA were found to be 78.9%, 33.3%, 78.9%, 33.3%. 68%  respectively.  Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV and the accuracy of anti-dsDNA   was 80%, 40%, 80%.40% and 70% respectively. Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and the accuracy of anti CCP was found to be 64.3%, 72.2%, 64.3%, 72.2% and 68.8% respectively. The results indicates there is a need for screening all suspected autoimmune patient by indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cell line before going to specific test.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjmm.v7i1.19315 Bangladesh J Med Microbiol 2013; 07(01): 11-14
A Survey of Dutch Expert Opinion on Climatic Drivers of Infectious Disease Risk in Western Europe
Authors: Akin Su-Mia , Martens Pim
Published: November 2014

Climate change is considered to be a significant influence for infectious disease risk in Western Europe. Climatic and non-climatic developments act together resulting in current and future infectious disease risk. This study uses a survey to explore Dutch expert perspectives on climate change induced infectious disease risk. The results show that the experts consider temperature change, precipitation change, humidity change, and climate change induced habitat change to be relatively important for water-related infectious disease risk, vector-borne disease risk excluding zoonoses, and the risk of zoonoses. The climatic drivers are seen as relatively less important for food-related infectious disease risk. The experts rate many non-climatic drivers to be highly important for infectious disease risk. Comparatively, the majority of the non-climatic drivers assessed are seen as more important than climate change drivers. The degree of uncertainty in the future development of climatic drivers is viewed as moderate to high, and for non-climatic drivers mostly as moderate. An analysis of subsamples based on professional backgrounds reveals differences in experts’ opinions for e.g., socio-cultural drivers, and similarities. Diversity and consensus amongst expert perspectives on climate change and infectious diseases can have implications for policy. Further research to uncover and compare prevailing perspectives is necessary.
A Quantitative Analysis of an EEG Epileptic Record Based on MultiresolutionWavelet Coefficients
Authors: Rosenblatt Mariel , Figliola Alejandra , Paccosi Gustavo , Serrano Eduardo , Rosso Osvaldo
Published: November 2014

The characterization of the dynamics associated with electroencephalogram (EEG) signal combining an orthogonal discrete wavelet transform analysis with quantifiers originated from information theory is reviewed. In addition, an extension of this methodology based on multiresolution quantities, called wavelet leaders, is presented. In particular, the temporal evolution of Shannon entropy and the statistical complexity evaluated with different sets of multiresolution wavelet coefficients are considered. Both methodologies are applied to the quantitative EEG time series analysis of a tonic-clonic epileptic seizure, and comparative results are presented. In particular, even when both methods describe the dynamical changes of the EEG time series, the one based on wavelet leaders presents a better time resolution.
Operation of Steam Turbines under Blade Failures during the Summer Peak Load Periods
Authors: Lee Chien-Hsing , Huang Shih-Cheng , Chang Chia-An , Chen Bin-Kwie
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a discussion of practical experience related to the study of a cogeneration system where one of the four steam units occurs a failure of the low-pressure blades during peak load times of the summer months in Taiwan in the year 2007. This study investigates various scenarios consisting of shutting down the damaged unit for repairs and having continued operation of the unit by removing the low-pressure blades and replacing the stationary blade ring with buffer boards. Based on the simulation results, the numerical model has reflected strong agreement with the critical decisions made to operate the damaged unit continuously in a time of the blade failure.
Slow Lives in the Fast Landscape: Conservation and Management of Plethodontid Salamanders in Production Forests of the United States
Authors: Homyack Jessica , Kroll Andrew
Published: November 2014

Intensively-managed forest (IMF) ecosystems support environmental processes, retain biodiversity and reduce pressure to extract wood products from other forests, but may affect species, such as plethodontid salamanders, that are associated with closed canopies and possess limited vagility. We describe: (1) critical aspects of IMF ecosystems; (2) effectiveness of plethodontid salamanders as barometers of forest change; (3) two case studies of relationships between salamanders and coarse woody debris (CWD); and (4) research needs for effective management of salamanders in IMF ecosystems. Although plethodontid salamanders are sensitive to microclimate changes, their role as ecological indicators rarely have been evaluated quantitatively. Our case studies of CWD and salamanders in western and eastern forests demonstrated effects of species, region and spatial scale on the existence and strength of relationships between plethodontid species and a “critical” microhabitat variable. Oregon slender salamanders (Batrachoseps wrighti) were more strongly associated with abundance of CWD in managed second growth forests than ensatina salamanders (Ensatina eschscholtzii). Similarly, CWD was not an important predictor of abundance of Appalachian salamanders in managed hardwood forest. Gaining knowledge of salamanders in IMF ecosystems is critical to reconciling ecological and economic objectives of intensive forest management, but faces challenges in design and implementation.
Odor and VOC Emissions from Pan Frying of Mackerel at Three Stages: Raw, Well-Done, and Charred
Authors: Ahn Jeong-Hyeon , Szulejko Jan , Kim Ki-Hyun , Kim Yong-Hyun , Kim Bo-Won
Published: November 2014

Many classes of odorants and volatile organic compounds that are deleterious to our wellbeing can be emitted from diverse cooking activities. Once emitted, they can persist in our living space for varying durations. In this study, various volatile organic compounds released prior to and during the pan frying of fish (mackerel) were analyzed at three different cooking stages (stage 1 = raw (R), stage 2 = well-done (W), and stage 3 = overcooked/charred (O)). Generally, most volatile organic compounds recorded their highest concentration levels at stage 3 (O), e.g., 465 (trimethylamine) and 106 ppb (acetic acid). In contrast, at stage 2 (W), the lowest volatile organic compounds emissions were observed. The overall results of this study confirm that trimethylamine is identified as the strongest odorous compound, especially prior to cooking (stage 1 (R)) and during overcooking leading to charring (stage 3 (O)). As there is a paucity of research effort to measure odor intensities from pan frying of mackerel, this study will provide valuable information regarding the management of indoor air quality.
Non-Accidental Health Impacts of Wildfire Smoke
Authors: Youssouf Hassani , Liousse Catherine , Roblou Laurent , Assamoi Eric-Michel , Salonen Raimo , Maesano Cara , Banerjee Soutrik , Annesi-Maesano Isabella
Published: November 2014

Wildfires take a heavy toll on human health worldwide. Climate change may increase the risk of wildfire frequency. Therefore, in view of adapted preventive actions, there is an urgent need to further understand the health effects and public awareness of wildfires. We conducted a systematic review of non-accidental health impacts of wildfire and incorporated lessons learned from recent experiences. Based on the literature, various studies have established the relationship between one of the major components of wildfire, particulate matter (particles with diameter less than 10 µm (PM10) and less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5)) and cardiorespiratory symptoms in terms of Emergency Rooms visits and hospital admissions. Associations between wildfire emissions and various subclinical effects have also been established. However, few relationships between wildfire emissions and mortality have been observed. Certain segments of the population may be particularly vulnerable to smoke-related health risks. Among them, people with pre-existing cardiopulmonary conditions, the elderly, smokers and, for professional reasons, firefighters. Potential action mechanisms have been highlighted. Overall, more research is needed to better understand health impact of wildfire exposure.
Factors Contributing to the Risk of HIV Infection in Rural School-Going Adolescents
Authors: Awotidebe Adedapo , Phillips Julie , Lens Willy
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to determine the factors that increase the risk of HIV infection in rural school-going adolescents and young adults. This was a cross-sectional study of 430 secondary school students (47.4% boys and 52.6% girls) from two rural schools in South Africa. Data were collected with a self-administered questionnaire on demographic information, sources of HIV/AIDS information, HIV knowledge, sexual behaviors, communication and negotiation skills, self-efficacy to refuse sex, peer influence and time perspective. Out of 113 (27.2%) participants who reported being sexually active, about 48% reported having had sex before the age of 15 and 42.2% reported penetrative sex with more than one partner in their lifetime. Only 44.8% of them reported consistent and regular use of condoms for every sexual encounter. Peer influence (OR = 3.01 (95% CI = 1.97–4.60)), gender difference (OR = 6.60 (95% CI = 1.62–26.84)) and lack of HIV information (OR = 1.22 (95% CI = 1.03–1.44)) influenced the sexual risk behaviors of the adolescents. Greater numbers of school-going adolescents in rural areas are sexually active. Peer influence, especially in boys, is a factor that increases the preponderance of risky sexual behaviors in adolescents. Positively, adolescents with high knowledge of HIV infection are more likely to use condoms for every sexual encounter. There is a need to strengthen comprehensive sexual health education and youth-friendly HIV prevention strategies to promote abstinence and safe sexual behaviors, especially among boys.
Stem Cells: The Pursuit of Genomic Stability
Authors: Wyles Saranya , Brandt Emma , Nelson Timothy
Published: November 2014

Stem cells harbor significant potential for regenerative medicine as well as basic and clinical translational research. Prior to harnessing their reparative nature for degenerative diseases, concerns regarding their genetic integrity and mutation acquisition need to be addressed. Here we review pluripotent and multipotent stem cell response to DNA damage including differences in DNA repair kinetics, specific repair pathways (homologous recombination vs. non-homologous end joining), and apoptotic sensitivity. We also describe DNA damage and repair strategies during reprogramming and discuss potential genotoxic agents that can reduce the inherent risk for teratoma formation and mutation accumulation. Ensuring genomic stability in stem cell lines is required to achieve the quality control standards for safe clinical application.