bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LIE GROUPS AND NUMERICAL SOLUTIONS OF DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS: INVARIANT DISCRETIZATION VERSUS DIFFERENTIAL APPROXIMATION
Authors: Levi Decio , Winternitz Pavel
Published: November 2013

We briefly review two different methods of applying Lie group theory in the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations. On specific examples we show how the symmetry preserving discretization provides difference schemes for which the “first differential approximation” is invariant under the same Lie group as the original ordinary differential equation.
PTPN22 polymorphisms associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus in ethnic populations of Russian Federation
Authors: Ivanova O N , Prokof'ev Sergey Alexandrovich , Smirnova Natalia Borisovna , Tishina Yulia Vladimirovna , Bardymova Tatiana Prokop'evna , Danilova G I , Kovalenko T V , Titovich Elena Vital'evna , Kuraeva Tamara Leonidovna , Peterkova Valentina Alexandrovna , Dedov Ivan Ivanovich
Published: November 2013

Aim. To evaluate the association of rs2476601 and rs2488457 polymorphisms with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) in several ethnic populations of Russian Federation and to estimate the cross-populational differences of these polymorphisms.Materials and Methods. A case-control design was applied to study the aforementioned polymorphisms in five ethnic populations of Russian Federation: Bashkir, Yakut, Buryat, Udmurt, Russian. We analyzed DNA samples from 491 patients with T1DM and 408 control subjects. Polymorphisms were identified with RFLP-PCR and RT-PCR. Strength of association was evaluated as odds ratio (OR). All calculations were performed with StatSoft STATISTICA (version 6) and Microsoft Excel 2003 software applications.Results. PTPN22 1858Т+ genotypes were associated with T1DM in Udmurt, Russian and Bashkir populations and PTPN22 1123C+ genotype in Buryat population. We did not find any associations of PTPN22 gene polymorphisms with T1DM in Yakut population. Cross-ethnic comparison of polymorphism frequencies showed statistically significant differences. Allele frequency distribution in Buryat population significantly differs from that of other studied ethnic groups with G-1123C (rs2488457; 71.3%) being a significantly more common finding than C type allele. Russian population of Moscow and Moscow Region is also characterized by higher prevalence of Ttype allele (13%) in C1858Т (rs2476601) polymorphism.Conclusion. Ethnic populations of Asian regions of Russian Federation, characterized by lower rates of T1DM (Yakut and Buryat) demonstrated highest prevalence of G-allele in G-1123C (rs2488457) polymorphism. On the contrary, analyses from Russian population of Moscow and Moscow Region, known to have higher rates of T1DM, suggest higher prevalence of T-allele in C1858Т (rs2476601) polymorphism.
Melatonin and diabetes: from pathophysiology to the treatment perspectives
Authors: Konenkov Vladimir Iosifovich , Klimontov Vadim Valerievich , Michurina Svetlana Viktorovna , Prudnikova M A , Ishenko I Ju
Published: November 2013

Pineal hormone melatonin synchronizes insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis with solar periods. Misalliance between melatonin-mediated circadian rhythms and insulin secretion characterizes diabetes mellitus type 1 (T1DM) and type 2 (T2DM). Insulin deficiency in T1DM is accompanied by increased melatonin production. Conversely, T2DM is characterized by diminished melatonin secretion. In genome-wide association studies the variants of melatonin receptor MT2 gene (rs1387153 and rs10830963) were associated with fasting glucose, beta-cell function and T2DM. In experimental models of diabetes melatonin enhanced beta-cell proliferation and neogenesis, improved insulin resistance and alleviated oxidative stress in retina and kidneys. However, further investigation is required to assess the therapeutic value of melatonin in diabetic patients.
Circulating hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in patients with comorbidity of chronic heart failure, type 2 diabetes mellitus and impaired lipid metabolism
Authors: Kochegura Tatiana Nikolaevna , Makarevich P I , Ovchinnikov A G , Zhigunova L V , Lahova Elena Leonidovna , Shestakova Marina Vladimirovna , Ageev F T , Parfenova Elena Viktorovna
Published: November 2013

AIM: To evaluate the plasma level of circulating heptocyte growth factor (HGF) in patients with comorbidity of post-infarction chronic heart failure (CHF), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. We also aimed to assess possible correlations between HGF levels and parameters of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, as well as myocardial functional characteristics and classic biochemical severity markers for CHF.17Сахар ный диабет КардиологияСахарный диабет. 2013;(2):17-25

MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled 100 patients for participation in this study, including the following subgroups: 20 individuals with- out cardiovascular and glycemic disorders, 30 patients with CHF, 25 patients with CHF/T2DM comorbidity and 25 diabetic patients with no signs of heart failure. Quantitative plasma HGF analysis was performed with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).

RESULTS: Plasma HGF was elevated both in patients with CHF and T2DM as measured against healthy control group. The elevation was most prominent in patients with CHF/T2DM comorbidity and was found to correlate with HbA1c level (r=0.52, p=0.03). Plasma HGF also correlated with BMI (r=0.42, p=0007) in a unified study group, though we observed no statistically significant difference between subgroups with a trend toward higher HGF in obese patients with CHF/T2DM comorbidity (626.1?254.1 pg/ml vs 742.0?210.7 pg/ml respectively; p 0.05). Interestingly, plasma HGF was also significantly higher in controls with BMI 30 km/m2 (324.1?107.7 pg/ml vs 436.9?112.3 pg/ml, p=0.03).Circulating HGF correlated with plasma levels of N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and such structural and functional myocardial characteristics as left atrial size and maximum volume along with left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), end-diastolic volume (EDV) and end-diastolic dimension (EDD).

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that HGF may potentially serve as a prediction marker for unfavorable myocardial remodeling and poor prognosis in CHF patients with T2DM and obesity, though this possibility should be further investigated in follow-up studies.
Conservative treatment for acute coronary syndrome in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kakorin Sergey Valentinovich , Kruglyi Lev Borisovich , Mkrtumyan Ashot Musaelovich
Published: November 2013

2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Dyspnea during physical exertion should be considered an anginal equivalent in patients with T2DM, and suffocation causing admission to ICU ? as a possible sign of myocardial infarction. Proximal and distal coronary lesions combined with diabetic microangiopathy compromising collateral circulation are a frequent finding in these patients. Therefore an infusion of nitroglycerine may yield a rapid improvement in their condition. Treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) should be administered for a longer period due to rheological disturbances in T2DM. Diabetic patients with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) should receive a life-long therapeutic combination of two different antiplatelet agents. Carvedilol, a non-selective beta blocker/ alpha-1 blocker, and selective beta-1 blockers (e.g. nebivolol, bisoprolol) have better safety profile than other beta blockers concerning neurological aspects of hypoglycemic events.
Semiology and clinical development of cystopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kuz'min Igor Valentinovich , Shabudina Natalya Olegovna , Al'-Shukri A S
Published: November 2013

Aim. To investigate clinical peculiarities of cystopathy in correlation with duration of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Materials and Methods. 70 patients with T2DM (26 male and 44 female; mean age 63.3?4.2) were monitored under this study. Pres- ence, form and severity of diabetic dysfunction of lower urinary tract were evaluated based on natural history, complains, physical examination, urination records and urodynamic testing. Results. Clinical and urodynamic evidence for cystopathy was obtained in 61 participant (87.1%). 32 patients (45.7%) demonstrated signs of overactive bladder, while 29 (41.4%) had underactive bladder syndrome (UBS). We observed three stages in the development of diabetic cytopathy: latent stage followed by overactive bladder (in 5 years from first signs of T2DM) and finally by UBS (in 10 years, respectively). Conclusion. Our data shows association between clinical picture of diabetic cystopathy and duration of T2DM.
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Authors: Neumann Jan
Published: November 2013

Der Beitrag stellt einführend Open Educational Resources (OER) als ein mögliches zukünftiges Handlungsgebiet für wissenschaftliche Bibliotheken vor. Dazu werden die Grundlagen des OER-Begriffs erläutert und eine 2012 an der Universität Strathclyde (Glasgow) durchgeführte Studie zur Beteiligung von Bibliotheken und Bibliothekaren an OER-Projekten vorgestellt, die zum Ergebnis kommt, dass diese wichtige Kompetenzen in OER-Projekte einbringen können, was allerdings sowohl seitens der Bibliotheken als auch seitens vieler OER-Projekte noch nicht ausreichend bekannt sei. Nach Ansicht des Autors bietet OER wissenschaftlichen Bibliotheken die Chance, noch stärker am akademischen Lehrprozess zu partizipieren als bisher. Dabei entstehen neue Herausforderungen in den Bereichen Bewusstseinsbildung, Metadatenstandardisierung, Bereitstellung von OER, Herstellung von OER und OER-Management.
Die Forschungsdaten-Infrastruktur der TU Berlin
Authors: Kuberek Monika
Published: November 2013

Um den Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern ein dauerhaftes, zukunftsorientiertes Angebot im Umgang mit ihren Forschungsdaten zur Verfügung zu stellen, wird seit September 2012 eine Forschungsdaten-Infrastruktur an der TU Berlin aufgebaut. Sie soll die langfristige Sicherung und Verfügbarkeit der hier entstandenen Forschungsdaten und der darauf basierenden Forschungspublikationen gewährleisten. Die organisatorisch-technischen Komponenten werden in einem zweijährigen TU-weiten Projekt realisiert, in dem die Universitätsbibliothek, das Rechenzentrum und die Forschungsabteilung zusammenarbeiten. Der Beitrag stellt das Konzept vor und gibt einen Überblick über den Stand des Projekts.
Effects of short-term chemical ablation of glucagon signalling by peptide-based glucagon receptor antagonists on insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis in mice
Authors: Franklin Zara J. , O’Harte Finbarr P.M. , Irwin Nigel
Published: November 2013

Glucagon is a hormone with important effects on blood glucose regulation. This study has utilized the stable glucagon receptor antagonists, desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon and desHis1Pro4Glu9(Lys12PAL)-glucagon, to evaluate the effects of sustained inhibition of glucagon receptor signalling in normal mice. Twice-daily injection of either analogue for 10 days had no effect on food intake, body weight and non-fasting plasma glucose concentrations. However, insulin levels were significantly raised (p<0.05 to p<0.01) from day 3 onwards in desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon mice. After 10 days, glucose tolerance was improved (p<0.05) in desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon treated mice. Glucose-mediated insulin secretion and circulating cholesterol levels were significantly (p<0.05 to p<0.01) decreased in both treatment groups. Importantly, the effects of glucagon to increase blood glucose and insulin concentrations were still annulled on day 10. Insulin sensitivity was almost identical in all groups of mice at the end of the study. In addition, no changes in pancreatic insulin and glucagon content or islet morphology were observed in either treatment group. Finally, acute injection of desHis1Pro4Glu9-glucagon followed by a 24-h fast in treatment naïve mice was not associated with any hypoglycaemic episodes. These data indicate that peptide-based glucagon receptor antagonists represent safe and effective treatment options for type 2 diabetes.
Polyamide grafting onto ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer
Authors: Salehi-Mobarakeh Hamid , Yadegari Ali , Didehvar Javad , Khakzad-Esfahlan Fahimeh
Published: November 2013

Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymers (EVOH), with appropriate barriers and processability, can be chemically modified through vinyl alcohol units. Amides and polyamides based on condensation reactions of adipoyl chloride and hexamethylenediamine were grafted onto EVOH. Grafting was characterized by contact angle measurement, attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Amide peaks at 3302 cm-1 corresponding to –NH bond stretching and the absorption of HN-CH2 at 7.8 ppm, were observed from ATR-FTIR and NMR, respectively, as a result of grafting. SEM showed the formation of amide structures as bundles, agglomerates and needle-like particles. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) showed considerable changes in onset of melt temperature, crystallinity and various transitions in grafted EVOH, showing an effective alteration in the physical properties compared with the virgin resin. Nylon grafted EVOH can be considered as a potential compatibilizer in polyethylene (PE)/polyamide blends via increasing interactions at the interface.
Exposure to leachate from municipal battery recycling site: implication as key inhibitor of steroidogenic enzymes and risk factor of prostate damage in rats
Authors: Akintunde Jacob K. , Oboh G.
Published: November 2013

Few or no studies have measured the effect of short- and long-term exposure to industrial leachate. Mature male Wistar strain albino rats (175–220 g) underwent sub-chronic exposure to leachate from the Elewi Odo municipal battery recycling site (EOMABRL) via oral administration for a period of 60 days at different doses (20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100%) per kilogram of body weight to evaluate the toxic effects of the leachate on male reproductive function using steroidogenic enzymes and biomarkers of prostate damage. Control groups were treated equally but were given distilled water instead of the leachate. After the treatment periods, results showed that the treatment induced systemic toxicity at the doses tested by causing a significant (p<0.05) loss in absolute body weight and decline in growth rate. There was a marked significant decrease (p<0.05) in testicular activities of Δ5-3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Conversely, the activity of prostatic acid phosphatase, a key marker enzyme for prostrate damage was significantly (p<0.05) elevated in the treated rats. Similarly, the administration of EOMABRL significantly (p<0.05) exacerbated the activity of total acid phosphatase with concomitant increase in the activity of prostatic alkaline phosphatase. These findings conclude that exposure to leachate from a battery recycling site induces sub-chronic testicular toxicity by inhibiting key steroidogenic enzymes and activating key markers linked with prostate damage/cancer in rats.
Visual Acuity Development and Plasticity in the Absence of Sensory Experience
Authors: Kang Erin , Durand Severine , LeBlanc Jocelyn J. , Hensch Takao K. , Chen Chinfei , Fagiolini Michela
Published: November 2013

Visual circuits mature and are refined by sensory experience. However, significant gaps remain in our understanding how deprivation influences the development of visual acuity in mice. Here, we perform a longitudinal study assessing the effects of chronic deprivation on the development of the mouse subcortical and cortical visual circuits using a combination of behavioral optomotor testing,in vivovisual evoked responses (VEP) and single-unit cortical recordings. As previously reported, orientation tuning was degraded and onset of ocular dominance plasticity was delayed and remained open in chronically deprived mice. Surprisingly, we found that the development of optomotor threshold and VEP acuity can occur in an experience-independent manner, although at a significantly slower rate. Moreover, monocular deprivation elicited amblyopia only during a discrete period of development in the dark. The rate of recovery of optomotor threshold upon exposure of deprived mice to light confirmed a maturational transition regardless of visual input. Together our results revealed a dissociable developmental trajectory for visual receptive-field properties in dark-reared mice suggesting a differential role for spontaneous activity within thalamocortical and intracortical circuits.
AGEs induce caspase-mediated apoptosis of rat BMSCs via TNFα production and oxidative stress
Authors: Weinberg Evgeny , Maymon Tal , Weinreb Miron
Published: November 2013

Diabetic humans and animals exhibit lower bone mass and healing, resulting from diminished bone formation. We have recently reported that type 1 diabetic rats have fewer bone marrow osteoprogenitor cells, and since the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) in bone increases in diabetes, we explored possible mechanisms involved in AGE-induced apoptosis of rat bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs). BMSCs isolated from 4-month-old rats were exposed to 10–400 μg/ml AGE–BSA for 16 h and apoptosis was quantified with PI/annexin V staining and flow cytometry. Signaling mechanisms were evaluated by preincubating the cells with appropriate inhibitors. The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was quantified by flow cytometric analysis of DCFDA fluorescence and the expression of genes by RT-PCR analysis. AGE–BSA at a concentration of 400 μg/ml increased the apoptosis of BMSCs two- to threefold, an effect completely blocked by a pan-caspase inhibitor. BSA or high concentrations of glucose had no effect. AGE–BSA-induced BMSC apoptosis was attenuated by a p38 inhibitor but not by an NF-κB inhibitor. Treatment with AGE–BSA induced the expression of several pro-apoptotic ligands and receptors, most notably tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), TRAIL, lymphotoxin alpha, CD40, and TNFR2. Furthermore, AGE–BSA-induced apoptosis was completely blocked by pirfenidone, an inhibitor of TNFα production/secretion. Finally, AGE–BSA increased the production of ROS in BMSCs, and its apoptogenic effect was blocked by the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (N-acetyl-l-cysteine). Thus, AGE–BSA increases the apoptosis of rat BMSCs via the activation of caspases, involving TNFα production/secretion, p38 MAPK signaling, and oxidative stress. We propose that increased protein glycation, such as that occurring under hyperglycemia, causes the apoptosis of BMSCs, which might significantly contribute to the development of osteopenia in diabetic animals.
Obesity occurring in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice has mild effects on fertility
Authors: Zhang Ting , Dai Pengyuan , Cheng Dong , Zhang Liang , Chen Zijiang , Meng Xiaoqian , Zhang Fumiao , Han Xiaoying , Liu Jianwei , Pan Jie , Yang Guiwen , Zhang Cong
Published: November 2013

The Apolipoprotein (Apo) family is implicated in lipid metabolism. There are five types ofApo:Apoa,Apob,Apoc,Apod, andApoe.Apoehas been demonstrated to play a central role in lipoprotein metabolism and to be essential for efficient receptor-mediated plasma clearance of chylomicron remnants and VLDL remnant particles by the liver.Apoe-deficient (Apoe−/−) mice develop atherosclerotic plaques spontaneously, followed by obesity. In this study, we investigated whether lipid deposition caused byApoeknockout affects reproduction in female mice. The results demonstrated thatApoe−/−mice were severely hypercholesterolemic, with their cholesterol metabolism disordered, and lipid accumulating in the ovaries causing the ovaries to be heavier compared with the WT counterparts. In addition, estrogen and progesterone decreased significantly at D 100. Quantitative PCR analysis demonstrated that at D 100 the expression of cytochromeP450 aromatase (Cyp19a1), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (Hsd3b), mechanistic target of rapamycin (Mtor), and nuclear factor-κB (Nfkb) decreased significantly, while that of BCL2-associated agonist of cell death (Bad) and tuberous sclerosis complex 2 (Tsc2) increased significantly in theApoe−/−mice. However, there was no difference in the fertility rates of theApoe−/−and WT mice; that is, obesity induced byApoeknockout has no significant effect on reproduction. However, the deletion ofApoeincreased the number of ovarian follicles and the ratio of ovarian follicle atresia and apoptosis. We believe that this work will augment our understanding of the role ofApoein reproduction.
par-1, Atypicalpkc, and PP2A/B55sur-6Are Implicated in the Regulation of Exocyst-Mediated Membrane Trafficking inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Jiu Yaming , Hasygar Kiran , Tang Lois , Liu Yanbo , Holmberg Carina I , Bürglin Thomas R , Hietakangas Ville , Jäntti Jussi
Published: November 2013

The exocyst is a conserved protein complex that is involved in tethering secretory vesicles to the plasma membrane and regulating cell polarity. Despite a large body of work, little is known how exocyst function is controlled. To identify regulators for exocyst function, we performed a targeted RNA interference (RNAi) screen in Caenorhabditis elegans to uncover kinases and phosphatases that genetically interact with the exocyst. We identified seven kinase and seven phosphatase genes that display enhanced phenotypes when combined with hypomorphic alleles of exoc-7 (exo70), exoc-8 (exo84), or an exoc-7;exoc-8 double mutant. We show that in line with its reported role in exocytotic membrane trafficking, a defective exoc-8 caused accumulation of exocytotic soluble NSF attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins in both intestinal and neuronal cells in C. elegans. Down-regulation of the phosphatase protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) phosphatase regulatory subunit sur-6/B55 gene resulted in accumulation of exocytic SNARE proteins SNB-1 and SNAP-29 in wild-type and in exoc-8 mutant animals. In contrast, RNAi of the kinase par-1 caused reduced intracellular green fluorescent protein signal for the same proteins. Double RNAi experiments for par-1, pkc-3, and sur-6/B55 in C. elegans suggest a possible cooperation and involvement in postembryo lethality, developmental timing, as well as SNARE protein trafficking. Functional analysis of the homologous kinases and phosphatases in Drosophila median neurosecretory cells showed that atypical protein kinase C kinase and phosphatase PP2A regulate exocyst-dependent, insulin-like peptide secretion. Collectively, these results characterize kinases and phosphatases implicated in the regulation of exocyst function, and suggest the possibility for interplay between the par-1 and pkc-3 kinases and the PP2A phosphatase regulatory subunit sur-6 in this process.
Performance of High-Throughput Sequencing for the Discovery of Genetic Variation Across the Complete Size Spectrum
Authors: Pang Andy Wing Chun , MacDonald Jeffrey R , Yuen Ryan K C , Hayes Vanessa M , Scherer Stephen W
Published: November 2013

We observed that current high-throughput sequencing approaches only detected a fraction of the full size-spectrum of insertions, deletions, and copy number variants compared with a previously published, Sanger-sequenced human genome. The sensitivity for detection was the lowest in the 100- to 10,000-bp size range, and at DNA repeats, with copy number gains harder to delineate than losses. We discuss strategies for discovering the full spectrum of genetic variation necessary for disease association studies.
Kolkata's sewer rehabilitation: benchmarking sustainable urban regeneration
Authors: Bhusan Basu Nilangshu , Dey Ayanangshu
Published: November 2013

Rehabilitation of century-old brick sewers involves important sustainability and serviceability issues. The Kolkata Municipal Corporation initiated an ambitious project in 2007 to rehabilitate, in its oldest section, major brick sewers more than 130 years old. The first phase of this project involved refurbishment of three trunk sewers about 12 km long, forming the backbone of the core city area's ageing sanitation infrastructure. The long-term issues addressed included retention of discharge capacities of sewers, regaining their structural integrity, reduction in water logging, protection against corrosion, future cleaning and maintenance, and socio-environmental aspects. Adoption of trenchless technology helped significantly in execution of works in a heavily congested urban area. The project presented a perfect example of municipal asset management and sustainable urban renewal for a colonial city that has been in existence for over 300 years. The cost of the project was about £32 million and the refurbished sewers were recommissioned in 2011.
Characteristics of mass transfer between gas-liquid phases in a higee reactor
Authors: Zhenzhen Zhang , Kai Guo , Huijuan Luo , Junnan Song , Zhi Qian
Published: November 2013

In the absorption process of gas-liquid phases in Rotating Packed Bed (RPB),
the liquid flow on packing was assumed to be film-flow. Based on Higbie?s
penetration theory, the diffusion-reaction model in RPB was introduced to
calculate the rate of gas absorption. Taking CO2 (10%)+N2(90%) gas mixture
and N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) aqueous solution as objects, the
experiments of gas absorption were carried out at different gas flow rates,
rotating speeds, temperatures, liquid flow rates and MDEA mass
concentrations. The experimental data were compared with calculation results
to found a good agreement in the rotating speed range of 400-1100r/min. In
this range, the rate of decarburization was in direct proportion to rotating
speed, temperature and liquid flow rate, and inversely proportion to gas flow
rate and MEDA mass concentration. The maximum deviation between experimental
data and calculation results was 10%. Beyond the rotating speed of 1100
r/min, the rate of decarburization was dependent on the dynamic balance of
gas-liquid system. In this area, the rate of decarburization was inversely
proportion to rotating speed.
State of the art in catalytic oxidation of chlorinated volatile organic compounds
Authors: Aranzabal Asier , Pereda-Ayo Beñat , González-Marcos M. , González-Marcos José , López-Fonseca Rubén , González-Velasco Juan
Published: November 2013

Chlorine-containing organic compounds (Cl-VOC) require special attention due to their distinct toxicity, high stability and persistence in the environment. Removal of Cl-VOC by catalytic oxidation over a wide variety of catalysts has been presented in literature. This paper reviews the state of the art in this subject, including different model compounds, nature of catalysts, and oxidation activity. Catalyst selectivity (CO2 vs. CO and HCl vs. Cl2), by-products formation and the causes of deactivation are also analyzed as the most important factors in the catalyst selection for practical applications.
Improving the Energy Efficiency in Lonza Ltd, Visp
Authors: Szijjarto Andrej
Published: November 2013

Over the past few decades, the development of the energy market was marked by market liberalization, a surging appetite for energy in the developing world, constantly high energy prices, energy security concerns, a growing awareness of climate change, and introduction of the emissions
trading. These issues result in the growing importance of energy efficiency for the chemical and life science industries. This article describes a systematic approach to achieve higher energy efficiency in the Swiss chemical and life science company Lonza Ltd. A particular energy-saving project focusing on the optimization of infrastructure is presented.
Using Adhesives as a Means to Reduce Costs and Increase Performance in the Production of Photovoltaic Electricity
Authors: Thorey Claire
Published: November 2013

Although adhesives have been used for many years to manufacture cars in more efficient ways, their potential has not yet been fully exploited by the renewable energy industry. We argue in this article that photovoltaic module manufacturers can save costs and differentiate from competition
by careful selection and use of their bonding systems. Clever adhesives can enable new, more effective product designs and can play a major role in the longevity of the complete product.
sunliquid®: Sustainable and Competitive Cellulosic Ethanol from Agricultural Residues
Authors: Rarbach Markus , Söltl Yvonne
Published: November 2013

The use of lignocellulosic plant material instead of food-based cereals for the production of biobased chemicals and fuels has been a matter of interest for academia and industry over the past years. The crux is the commercial viability of such processes, to be competitive in the fuels
and chemicals market. Now, we are at the brink of commercialization with first processes already being implemented worldwide, offering more sustainability, energy security and economic growth.
Biochemical Characterization of Ralstonia solanacerum Causing Bacterial Wilt of Brinjal in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman MF , Islam MR , Rahman T , Meah MB
Published: November 2013

Ralstonia solanacearum causes bacterial wilt of solanaceous crop plants including brinjal, a most devastating disease in humid tropic. A survey was conducted on the status of bacterial wilt incidence and severity in major brinjal growing areas and to characterize the isolates of R. solanacearum causing bacterial wilt of brinjal in Bangladesh. The wilt incidence was recorded maximum (22.52) in Rangpur followed by Jessore (20.56) and Panchagarh (20.0) while the lowest wilt incidence was recorded in Jamalpur (6.12). On the contrary, the wilt severity was recorded highest (4.00) in Jhinaidah and the lowest (2.80) was recorded in Jamalpur followed by Jessore (2.93) at the time of survey. The isolates of R. solanacearum were obtained from different locations surveyed were arranged in seven groups based on the location. Grams staining and Potassium hydroxide solubility test revealed that all groups of R. solanacearum isolates are gram negative. The isolates of R. solanacearum fermented four basic sugars (Dextrose,sucrose, manitol and lactose). These results of all biochemical tests in combination with the pathogenicity test confirmed the isolates were R. solanacearum causing bacterial wilt of brinjal. All groups of R. solanacearum isolates were found virulent producing pink or light red color or characteristic red center and whitish margin on TZC medium after 24 hours of incubation. On the biovar test clearly revealed that all groups of R. solanacearum isolates oxidized disaccharides (Sucrose, lactose, and maltose) and sugar alcohols (manitol, sorbitol and dulcitol) within 3-5 days and confirmed biovar as III.Pathogencity test on tomato and chilli indicating wide host range of R. solanacearum isolates and categorized them in race 1. Therefore, it may beconfirmed that R. solanacearum causing bacterial wilt of brinjal in Bangladesh belong to Biovar III and Race 1.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16744 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 9 - 19, 2010
Efficacy of Washing and Postharvest Treatments on Shelf Life and Quality of Oyster Mushroom
Authors: Das PK , Hassan MK , Akhther N
Published: November 2013

An experiment was conducted to study the efficacy of washing (control and 5% hydrogen peroxide) and post harvest treatments (control, hot water treatment, wrapping with unperforated and perforated plastic bags, wrapping with brown paper bag and wrapping with aluminum foil) on shelf life and quality of oyster mushroom. Postharvest treatments caused significant effects to influence weight loss, dry matter and protein contents, disease incidence and shelf life of mushroom. At the 7th day of storage, the highest weight loss (98.08%) was recorded in the untreated mushrooms, whereas the lowest weight loss (33.62%) was observed in mushrooms wrapped in unperforated plastic bag. Protein content was observed to be higher (28.98%) in mushrooms wrapped with unperforated plastic bag followed by perforated plastic bag (25.00%) at the 5th day of storage. Protein content declined dramatically in mushrooms held atambient conditions. The lowest protein content (2.97%) was recorded in the untreated mushrooms at the 7th day of storage. Unwashed mushrooms held atambient temperature had the highest incidence of disease. The longest shelf lifeof 6 days was recorded in mushrooms wrapped in unperforated plastic bag,whereas the shortest shelf life (3 days) was found in the untreated mushrooms.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16745 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 21 - 29, 2010
Genetic Analysis of F4 Rice Lines for Salt Tolerance at the Reproductive Stage
Authors: Akhtar S , Islam MM , Begum SN , Halder J , Alam MK , Manidas AC
Published: November 2013

A total of 29 lines of F4 population of rice along with their parents Binadhan-5 (high yielding and salt susceptible) and Harkuch (salt tolerant landrace) were evaluated for salt tolerance at the reproductive stage with EC 6 dS/m following IRRI standard protocol. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed in plant height in salinized and non-salinized conditions. High heritability along with high genetic advance was also found in number of filled grains/plant in saline condition. These characters were under additive gene control and selection for salt tolerance might be effective. Number of filled grains/plant showed significant positive correlation with grain yield/plant. Path analysis revealed that number of filled grains/plant had positive and maximum direct effect on grain yield/plant. Therefore, number of filled grains/plant should be given the importance in selection of rice lines under saline condition.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16746 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 31 - 38, 2010
Effect of a Water Soluble Organic Additive on Growth Performances, Hematological Parameters and Cost Effectiveness in Broiler Production
Authors: Saha M , Chowdhury SD , Hossain ME , Islam MK , Roy BJ
Published: November 2013

An experiment was conducted with 144 broiler chicks (Cobb 500) from day-old to five weeks of age to investigate the efficacy of a water additive in broiler production. The chicks were randomly distributed into four different treatments namely T1 (control), T2 (water additive as per recommended level of the manufacturer), T3 (25% less than the recommendation) and T4 (25% more than the recommendation). Broiler growth performances and hematological parameters were studied and cost effectiveness of the application of such water additive was determined. There was an improvement in both body weight and FCR due to addition of water additive although all productive performances in birds receiving treatments showed no significant differences from the control. Among the hematological parameters, lower values were obtained for mean cell volume and mean cell hemoglobin, although only the former (mean cell volume) of the treated groups differed significantly (P<0.05) from the control. However, all levels of water additive increased profit in comparison with the control but addition of the additive at a rate 25% less than the recommendation appeared to be most profitable and cost effective. It was therefore concluded that the water additive tested in this study may be applied 25% less than the usual recommendation. It also suggests that any additive considered for poultry, must undergo trial for determining efficacy as well as its cost effectiveness for application.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16754 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 73 - 82, 2010
Investigation on to the Illness and Death of Zebra at Dhaka Zoo along with Isolation and Identification of Causal Organism
Authors: Happy SA , Pervin M , Azam MS , Bari ASM , Khan MAHNA
Published: November 2013

Zebra is the member of the equide family available at Dhaka Zoo and gradually disappeared due to inadequate health management and varies maladies. The aim of this study was to investigate the cause of illness and death of zebras (Equus burchelli) at Dhaka Zoo. Two zebras died on 10 and 25 January, 2010, one become seriously ill on 15 February, 2010 and was considered as the study samples. The dead animals were necropsized, representative samples were collected in formalin for histopathological examination. Thoracic fluid, cardiacfluid, abdominal fluid and blood from these zebras were also used for isolation of causal bacteria. Blood sample was also collected from the sick zebra and subjected for bacteriological examination. Results of necropsy examination revealed hydrothorax, pneumonia and septicemia. Histopathological findings revealed pulmonary emphysema, interstitial pneumonia, bronchitis, pulmonary thrombosis, exudates in lung alveoli and granulomatous lesions in lungs. Other important findings were hemosiderosis and anthracosis. Based on the cultural, morphological and biochemical tests, Pasteurella sp. was identified. Bacteriological examination revealed that the organism bears similarities with P. multocia, P. hemolytica and P. aerogenes but definite bacterial species was not identified. The zebras were collected from Africa and the bacterial nature identified was Pasteurella but definite species could not be identified; could be a Pasteurella available in Africa. Therefore, it needs investigation at other biochemical and genetic level to confirm the bacterial species involved. There occurrence of similar disease at later on was also observed in zebra at DhakaZoo and responded well to treatment for pasteurellosis; the cause of illness was, therefore, confirmed as Pasteurellosis.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16755 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 83 - 92, 2010
Quality Improvement of Exportable Fish and Prawn through Post-Harvest Loss Reduction in Kulierchar under Participatory Stakeholder-Based Approach
Authors: Nowsad AAKM , Hassan MN , Hossain MM , Hoque MS , Siddique MA , Islam MR
Published: November 2013

A participatory stakeholder-based approach was employed to improve the quality of exportable fish and prawn landed in Kulierchar of Kishoregonj through reduction of the post harvest loss and its impacts were assessed. Primary data revealed that wet fish were minimally washed with clean water immediately after harvest. Ice boxes were not used in any stages from harvest to processing plants. Bamboo split baskets were mostly used to keep or carry fish. Landed fish were found to be dispersed on plastic mat or polythene paper kept on earthen floor of the wholesaler shed, called Arat. Icing of individual catch soon after harvest was very insignificant, ranging from 2  15 % only. Prawn were found to be iced during transport to landing center at little higher rate (32%), but most of the other fish were not significantly iced during transport to landing center. Primary awareness of the beneficiaries on quality deterioration of fish was assessed and the impacts of participatory awareness development tools (PRA and RRA, personal contacts, brain storming and awareness development training) on export, income, nutrition and improved handling of landed exportable prawn/fish were re-assessed. Efficacy of such measures to improve the situation were monitored for sixteen months. Awareness in terms of benefit of good practices was high in factory technicians. Other stakeholders had very shallow or poor knowledge on use of improved handling and processing of fish. Participatory tools employed in this study was found to be effective in developing awareness of stakeholders in different value chains of wet fish handling and distribution and reducing post-harvest loss.DOI:  http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16757 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 105 - 115, 2010
Antibiotic and Herbal Sensitivity of Some Aeromonas sp. Isolates Collected from Diseased Carp Fishes
Authors: Rahman MM , Hossain MN
Published: November 2013

Studies were conducted to identify Aeromonas sp. isolates collected from disease affected carp fishes (Cyprinus carpio and Labeo rohita), their antibiotic sensitivity pattern and sensitivity to 121 herb extracts. A total of 19 Aeromonas sp. isolates were identified from a total of 84 different isolates through a series of physiological, morphological and biochemical tests. Seven antibiotics viz., streptomycin, chloramphenicol, erythromycin, sulphamethoxazole, cephradine, oxytetracycline and gentamycin were tested by disc diffusion method where all of the Aeromonas sp. isolates were found sensitive to streptomycin, erythromycin and gentamycin. But, 78.95% of the isolates were found resistant to oxytetracycline. In addition, 5%, 11%, and 16% isolates exhibited resistance to chloramphenicol, cephradine and sulphamethoxazole, respectively. Twenty one percent of the isolates showed multiple resistance to the antibiotics. A total of 121 herb extracts were evaluated for their sensitivity to the fish pathogenic Aeromonas sp. isolates. Among these, 23 herbs were found to possess antimicrobial activity. Leaf extracts of Eugenia caryophyllus, Spondias pinnata and Terminalia chebula were found to inhibit the growth of all the Aeromonas sp. isolates. In this study, multiple antibiotic resistant isolates were also found to be sensitive to several herb extracts. Thus, herbal treatment would promise a greater viable solution for effective treatment of fish disease.DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16758 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 117 - 129, 2010
Cryofreezing of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Spermatozoa for Ex Situ Conservation
Authors: Sarder MRI , Hossain MA , Hossain MS
Published: November 2013

Experiments were conducted to develop and standardize the protocols for cryopreservation of sperm of grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). Seven extenders such as Alsevers solution, Urea egg-yolk, Egg-yolk citrate, Kurokura- 1, Kurokura-2, 0.9% NaCl and 0.6% Glucose and five cryoprotectants i.e. DMSO, methanol, ethanol, DMA and glycerol were employed for finding suitable combinations. Cryodiluents were prepared by mixing the cryoprotectants at 10% concentration of the extenders (v/v). Milt and cryodiluents were mixed at a ratio of 1:9 for Alsevers solution, Kurokura-1, Kurokura-2, 0.9% NaCl and 0.6% glucose, and 1:4 for urea egg-yolk and egg-yolk citrate. Among the 35 combinations of extenders and cryoprotectants, Alsevers solution with ethanol and methanol, urea egg-yolk and egg-yolk citrate with DMSO found suitable for preservation and it produced 74 ± 2.44%, 72 ± 2.54%, 76 ± 2.44% and 75 ± 2.23% spermatozoan motility at the post-thaw period respectively. Rest of the combinations, on the other hand, produced <60% motility at the post-thaw period and glycerol was found to be clotted after freezing. The dilution of milt with cryodiluent has been tested using six dilution ratios (1:2, 1:4, 1:7, 1:9, 1:15, 1:20) and found that 1:9 dilution ratio produced the highest post-thaw spermatozoan motility with Alsevers solution (>75%) and 1:4 with urea eggyolk and egg-yolk citrate (>70%). As an optimum level of cryoprotectant, 10% concentration was found effective to produce significantly highest (P<0.05) percentage of spermatozoan motility compared to those of other four concentrations (5, 15, 20 and 30%).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16763 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 141 - 150, 2010
Interaction of Arsenic on Alkaline Phosphatase Activity in Peripheral Tissues of Cold Exposed Fishes (Channa punctatus)
Authors: Roy SK , Haque MS , Haque MA
Published: November 2013

Channa punctatus variety of fishes were exposed to low temperature (4~8oC) for 30 min, 1 h, 2 h and 4 h which is highly energetic and can survive in the critical situations. Very low or no significant alkaline phosphatase (ALKP) activities in skeletal muscle were found, however, in heart, the activities were seemed to be reduced after prolonged exposure in cold. In liver, the activities were enhanced by 71.8, 125.3, 116.9 and 114.1% significantly (P<0.05) compared to control fishes kept in ambient environmental temperature and found to be higher for 1 h of cold. Similar stimulatory effects (7.6, 49.5 and 150.4%) of ALKP activity in gastrointestinal tract of fishes were found whenever the fishes were exposed to cold for 30 min, 1 h and 2 h, respectively, while 29.7% reduced activity was demonstrated after 4 h of the treatment. To clarify whether arsenic impairs in cold-induced metabolic functions in peripheral tissues, groups of fishes were exposed to 100 mM Na2HAsO4 as well as in cold. Very low responses of arsenic on enzyme activity in skeletal muscle and heart were observed and appeared to be reduced when compared to control. In liver, ALKP activity was augmented significantly (P<0.05) by arsenic treatment and also by cold, however, the effects were more pronounced in cold when compared to arsenic treated alone while the enhanced activity in gastrointestinal tract in response to cold was almost completely abolished by arsenic treatment. As a result, a new insight was found for the regulation of adaptive response in peripheral tissues to environmental temperature and arsenic might be involved in interaction of cold induced effects.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16765 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 159 - 171, 2010
Data Collection About Rare Plant Species by Wireless Sensor Networks through Congestion Aware Routing
Authors: Bhuiyan MM
Published: November 2013

Agricultural monitoring is an important application of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) where energy-efficiency and reliability are two essential performance measures. The extended lifetime of a network is of limited use if the acquired reliability does not meet the application requirement. In order to improve the reliability, it is necessary to reduce congestion because of the inherent correlation between reliability and congestion. Existing Congestion control algorithms, found in WSN literature, are reactive. After formation and detection of congestion, these algorithms try to reduce the congestion. In this paper, we present a congestion aware routing protocol that avoids congestion formation proactively and as a result, it improves data delivery success rate in WSNs deployed to gather agricultural data. Appropriate routes are selected based on location, energy and congestion information of neighbours as well as based on the location information of the base station. Experimental results show that the proposed method is energy-efficient and at the same time, it achieves high packet success.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16768 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 195 - 204, 2010
Economics of Fresh Water Prawn Farming in Southwest Region of Bangladesh
Authors: Yasmin F , Hossain M , Islam MS , Rashid MHA
Published: November 2013

This study was designed to assess the profitability of freshwater prawn farming in gher systems in southwest Bangladesh. Four Upazilas namely: Bagerhat Sadar, Fakirhat, Mollahat and Chitalmari were purposely selected from Bagerhat district. Primary data were collected from randomly selected 100 gher owners. Results of the financial analyses indicate that investment in all the selected golda farming projects is profitable. On an average, total cost of FPF was Tk. 80,301.00 per hectare and average gross return per hectare per year stood at Tk. 216,400.00 and the gross margin per hectare per year was Tk. 205,278.00. The net return per hectare per year was Tk. 136,099.00. Although farmers in the study areas were facing different problems, it was concluded that the freshwater prawn farming is sustainable and it did not have any deleterious effect on environment. Finally, based on the findings of the study, some recommendations were made for the development of sound freshwater prawn farming in Bangladesh.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pa.v21i1-2.16779 Progress. Agric. 21(1 & 2): 223 - 231, 2010