bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulation of Microglial Proliferation during Chronic Neurodegeneration
Authors: Gómez-Nicola Diego , Fransen Nina L. , Suzzi Stefano , Perry V. Hugh
Published: February 2013

An important component of chronic neurodegenerative diseases is the generation of an innate inflammatory response within the CNS. Microglial and astroglial cells play a key role in the development and maintenance of this inflammatory response, showing enhanced proliferation and activation. We studied the time course and regulation of microglial proliferation, using a mouse model of prion disease. Our results show that the proliferation of resident microglial cells accounts for the expansion of the population during the development of the disease. We identify the pathway regulated by the activation of CSF1R and the transcription factors PU.1 and C/EBPα as the molecular regulators of the proliferative response, correlating with the chronic human neurodegenerative conditions variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease and Alzheimer's disease. We show that targeting the activity of CSF1R inhibits microglial proliferation and slows neuronal damage and disease progression. Our results demonstrate that microglial proliferation is a major component in the evolution of chronic neurodegeneration, with direct implications for understanding the contribution of the CNS innate immune response to disease progression.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate-Induced Nociceptor Excitation and Ongoing Pain Behavior in Mice and Humans Is Largely Mediated by S1P3 Receptor
Authors: Camprubí-Robles María , Mair Norbert , Andratsch Manfred , Benetti Camilla , Beroukas Dimitra , Rukwied Roman , Langeslag Michiel , Proia Richard L. , Schmelz Martin , Ferrer Montiel Antonio V. , Haberberger Rainer V. , Kress Michaela
Published: February 2013

The biolipid sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) is an essential modulator of innate immunity, cell migration, and wound healing. It is released locally upon acute tissue injury from endothelial cells and activated thrombocytes and, therefore, may give rise to acute post-traumatic pain sensation via a yet elusive molecular mechanism. We have used an interdisciplinary approach to address this question, and we find that intradermal injection of S1P induced significant licking and flinching behavior in wild-type mice and a dose-dependent flare reaction in human skin as a sign of acute activation of nociceptive nerve terminals. Notably, S1P evoked a small excitatory ionic current that resulted in nociceptor depolarization and action potential firing. This ionic current was preserved in “cation-free” solution and blocked by the nonspecific Cl−channel inhibitor niflumic acid and by preincubation with the G-protein inhibitor GDP-β-S. Notably, S1P3receptor was detected in virtually all neurons in human and mouse DRG. In line with this finding, S1P-induced neuronal responses and spontaneous pain behaviorin vivowere substantially reduced in S1P3−/−mice, whereas in control S1P1floxed (S1P1fl/fl) mice and mice with a nociceptor-specific deletion of S1P1−/−receptor (SNS-S1P1−/−), neither the S1P-induced responsesin vitronor the S1P-evoked pain-like behavior was altered. Therefore, these findings indicate that S1P evokes significant nociception via G-protein-dependent activation of an excitatory Cl−conductance that is largely mediated by S1P3receptors present in nociceptors, and point to these receptors as valuable therapeutic targets for post-traumatic pain.
MAP Kinase Phosphatase 1 (MKP-1/DUSP1) Is Neuroprotective in Huntington's Disease via Additive Effects of JNK and p38 Inhibition
Authors: Taylor David M. , Moser Roger , Régulier Etienne , Breuillaud Lionel , Dixon Meredith , Beesen Ayshe Ana , Elliston Linda , Silva Santos Mariana de Fatima , Kim Jinho , Jones Lesley , Goldstein Darlene R. , Ferrante Robert J. , Luthi-Carter Ruth
Published: February 2013

We previously demonstrated that sodium butyrate is neuroprotective in Huntington's disease (HD) mice and that this therapeutic effect is associated with increased expression of mitogen-activated protein kinase/dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (MKP-1/DUSP1). Here we show that enhancing MKP-1 expression is sufficient to achieve neuroprotection in lentiviral models of HD. Wild-type MKP-1 overexpression inhibited apoptosis in primary striatal neurons exposed to an N-terminal fragment of polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin (Htt171–82Q), blocking caspase-3 activation and significantly reducing neuronal cell death. This neuroprotective effect of MKP-1 was demonstrated to be dependent on its enzymatic activity, being ablated by mutation of its phosphatase domain and being attributed to inhibition of specific MAP kinases (MAPKs). Overexpression of MKP-1 prevented the polyglutamine-expanded huntingtin-induced activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs) and p38 MAPKs, whereas extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 activation was not altered by either polyglutamine-expanded Htt or MKP-1. Moreover, mutants of MKP-1 that selectively prevented p38 or JNK binding confirmed the important dual contributions of p38 and JNK regulation to MKP-1-mediated neuroprotection. These results demonstrate additive effects of p38 and JNK MAPK inhibition by MKP-1 without consequence to ERK activation in this striatal neuron-based paradigm. MKP-1 also provided neuroprotectionin vivoin a lentiviral model of HD neuropathology in rat striatum. Together, these data extend previous evidence that JNK- and p38-mediated pathways contribute to HD pathogenesis and, importantly, show that therapies simultaneously inhibiting both JNK and p38 signaling pathways may lead to improved neuroprotective outcomes.
Impaired Spatial Memory Performance in a Rat Model of Neuropathic Pain Is Associated with Reduced Hippocampus–Prefrontal Cortex Connectivity
Authors: Cardoso-Cruz Helder , Lima Deolinda , Galhardo Vasco
Published: February 2013

Chronic pain patients commonly complain of working memory deficits, but the mechanisms and brain areas underlying this cognitive impairment remain elusive. The neuronal populations of the mPFC and dorsal CA1 (dCA1) are well known to form an interconnected neural circuit that is crucial for correct performance in spatial memory-dependent tasks. In this study, we investigated whether the functional connectivity between these two areas is affected by the onset of an animal model of peripheral neuropathic pain. To address this issue, we implanted two multichannel arrays of electrodes in the mPFC and dCA1 of rats and recorded the neuronal activity during a food-reinforced spatial working memory task in a reward-based alternate trajectory maze. Recordings were performed for 3 weeks, before and after the establishment of the spared nerve injury model of neuropathy. Our results show that the nerve lesion caused an impairment of working memory performance that is temporally associated with changes in the mPFC populational firing activity patterns when the animals navigated between decision points—when memory retention was most needed. Moreover, the activity of both recorded neuronal populations after the nerve injury increased their phase locking with respect to hippocampal theta rhythm. Finally, our data revealed that chronic pain reduces the overall amount of information flowing in the fronto-hippocampal circuit and induces the emergence of different oscillation patterns that are well correlated with the correct/incorrect performance of the animal on a trial-by-trial basis. The present results demonstrate that functional disturbances in the fronto-hippocampal connectivity are a relevant cause for pain-related working memory deficits.
Chemical activation of clay in cement mortar, using calcium chloride
Authors: Noor-ul-Amin  , Alam Sultan , Gul Saeed , Muhammad Khan
Published: February 2013

Clay exhibits pozzolanic activity, if it is used in high-strength Portland cement. The pozzolonic reactivity of the clay can be enhanced by various methods. In this work the effect of clay on the strength of cement has been investigated in the presence and absence of CaCl2.2H2O as a chemical activator. It was found that the strength of cement mortar has been significantly increased by using an aqueous solution of calcium chloride instead of water. The addition of CaCl2.2H2O decreased the evaporable moisture and pH of the extract as compared to the hardened cement paste, which shows enhanced pozzolanic reactions between lime and clay. The optimum clay replacement level was found to be 10% without activator and 20% in the presence of 4% CaCl2.2H2O. The parameters such as the strength development and water extraction showed that CaCl2.2H2O was a good chemical activator for a clay-cementitious system.
Caribbean storm surge mapping – an overview towards guidelines
Authors: Banton Jamel D. , Dowding Danielle D.
Published: February 2013

Hurricane waves and surges can have a crippling effect on economic growth in Caribbean island states. In reducing the vulnerability to these disasters, exposed areas to storm surge must first be identified and inundation levels predicted. Various methods and models have been applied to estimate storm surge at sub-regional scales and for coastal sites and towns. The approach used to filter and utilise the hurricane data, and the statistical methods employed to develop final values are often different. The territories through different funding agencies have sponsored several projects to map storm surge, but there has not been a single unified project or approach. This paper puts into perspective the requirements for storm surge evaluation, outlines the varying approaches relevant for the region and re-emphasises the need for an established set of regional guidelines.
Impact of climate change on flood and drought events in Huaihe River Basin, China
Authors: Yang Chuanguo , Yu Zhongbo , Hao Zhenchun , Zhang Jiangyun , Zhu Jianting
Published: February 2013

The impact of climate change on floods and droughts in Huaihe River Basin is studied using a coupled land-surface hydrology model and continuous wavelet transform technique. Observed temperature in the basin has increased by approximately 0.228 °C per decade since 1951. Observed precipitation and simulated and observed streamflows are used to grade flood and drought events. Two composite grading indices derived from the three series using different weight values are defined for reducing uncertainties caused by errors of observation and simulation and the effect of human activity on observed streamflow. The frequency of flood and drought events is quantified using the Morlet wavelet transform and compared with the trend of average temperature to test for any relationship between climate change and flood/drought frequency. This study shows that flood and drought events have occurred more frequently since the 1980s. The trend of flood and drought events is positively related to climate warming with a coefficient of determination of 0.88 in the Huaihe River Basin.
Impacts of land use and land cover changes on evapotranspiration and runoff at Shalamulun River watershed, China
Authors: Yang Xiaoli , Ren Liliang , Singh V. P. , Liu Xiaofan , Yuan Fei , Jiang Shanhu , Yong Bin
Published: February 2013

The study assesses the effect of land use and land cover changes (LUCC) on evapotranspiration and runoff in the Shalamulun River watershed of 2,453 km2 located in Inner Mongolia Autonomic Region of China. First, Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) images from 1987, 2001 and 2007 are used to quantify LUCC in the watershed. A knowledge-based decision tree (K-DT) classification technique is used to detect LUCC. By comparison of post-classification change among 1987, 2001 and 2007, the results showed significant modification and conversion of land use and cover of the watershed over the 20-year period 1987–2007. The results show that the forest area underwent the greatest change, decreasing by 159.2 km2 in the study period. At the same time, the area of farmland, barren land and residential land increased by 89.5, 46.4 and 25.3 km2, respectively. Subsequently, a two-source potential evapotranspiration (PET) model is used to estimate the potential evapotranspiration response to LUCC. Finally, the influence of LUCC on annual runoff is evaluated using a statistical method. LUCC potentially caused a decrease in annual PET and runoff. Meanwhile, the land use changes resulted in spatio-temporal variations of monthly PET in the growing season (April–September).
New diagnostic tenet of the esthetic midface for clinical assessment of anterior malar projection
Authors: Frey Scott T.
Published: February 2013

Objective:

To determine whether a visual classification of anterior malar support using vector relationships is supported by cephalometric analysis.

Materials and Methods:

Forty white subjects between the ages of 10 and 12 years, without craniofacial syndromes or previous orthodontic treatment, were equally divided into groups based on visual assessment of negative and positive vector relationships. Group A comprised 20 subjects (10 male, 10 female) exhibiting a positive vector relationship. Group B comprised 20 subjects (10 male, 10 female) displaying a negative vector relationship. Sella-nasion-orbitale (SNO) angulations were measured to evaluate the subjects' anteroposterior position of the malar eminence relative to the cranial base. Gender differences and significant differences in SNO measurements between groups A and B were assessed with Mann-Whitney U-tests.

Results:

There was no statistically significant difference between genders. SNO angulations in the negative vector group were smaller than the positive vector controls by an average of 6.0 degrees, and the difference was highly significant (P < .0001).

Conclusion:

Compared with subjects exhibiting a positive vector relationship, individuals displaying a negative vector relationship had significantly reduced malar support. Anterior malar projection can be effectively classified through visual assessment of vector relationships.
Crown Discoloration Induced by Endodontic Sealers: Spectrophotometric Measurement of Commission International de I'Eclairage's L*, a*, b* Chromatic Parameters
Authors: Ioannidis K , Beltes P , Lambrianidis T , Kapagiannidis D , Karagiannis V
Published: February 2013

Despite the improvement of endodontic materials, crown discoloration induced by root canal sealers remains a concerning clinical issue. The aim of this study is the measurement of the alterations in CIE L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters of tooth crowns after placement of commonly used and new-generation endodontic sealers in pulp chambers. Eighty intact, fully developed third mandibular molars were randomly assigned in five groups. Crowns were cross-sectioned from the root complex 1 mm below the cement-enamel junction. The internal axial walls of the pulp chambers were debrided and coated with endodontic sealers (Roth-811, AH-26, Guttaflow, Epiphany SE). The apical access was sealed with glass-ionomer cement. The control group was only debrided. Crowns were stored in individually marked vials in standard conditions (100% humidity, 37°C). The spectral reflectance lines were recorded with a UV-Vis spectrophotometer in the visual spectrum. The CIE L*a*b* parameters were obtained by a linked computer software before sealer placement (baseline), after one week, one, three, and six months, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed with two-way mixed ANOVA models. The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. With the exception of the control group, experimental groups presented varying chromatic alterations. Among all experimental groups, Roth-811 sealer induced the most severe alterations in CIE L*, a*, b* chromatic parameters, during all observation periods. After root canal obturation, the clinician should be aware of the presence of remaining root canal filling materials. Thorough debridement of the pulp chamber is essential for the prevention of sealer-induced discoloration.
Comparison of Enamel Microabrasion with a Combined Approach to the Esthetic Management of Fluorosed Teeth
Authors: Celik EU , Yıldız G , Yazkan B
Published: February 2013

Objective

To compare in vivo the efficacy of enamel microabrasion alone or in combination with vital tooth bleaching for the management of tooth discoloration caused by fluorosis.

Methods

A total of 118 maxillary and mandibular fluorosed incisors and canines in 10 patients, scored from 1 to 7 according to the Tooth Surface Index of Fluorosis, were included in this study. All of the teeth were initially treated with enamel microabrasion (Opalustre, Ultradent Products Inc, South Jordan, UT, USA), and after 24 hours, an in-office bleaching technique (Opalescence Boost, Ultradent) was utilized (n=118). Standardized images of the teeth were taken using a digital camera prior to treatment and 24 hours after the enamel microabrasion and after the in-office bleaching therapy. The study groups were assigned according to evaluation time: a) after enamel microabrasion (Group 1) and b) after the combined approach (enamel microabrasion and in-office bleaching) (Group 2). Two calibrated and blinded examiners scored Group 1 and Group 2 images by comparing each with baseline images for “improvement in appearance,” “changes in brown stains,” and “changes in white opaque areas” using the visual analogue scales (VAS) that range from 1 to 7. “Patient satisfaction,” “tooth sensitivity,” and “gingival problems” were also recorded. The data were analyzed using two sample paired Wilcoxon signed-rank, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney U-tests (α=0.05).

Results

The combined therapy revealed significantly higher scores than the enamel microabrasion procedure in terms of all of the evaluated criteria (p<0.001). Enamel microabrasion provoked less tooth sensitivity but led to lower patient satisfaction scores than the combined therapy (p<0.001); however, in terms of gingival problems, no differences were found between both groups.

Conclusion

The combined therapy, including enamel microabrasion and in-office bleaching, was more effective than enamel microabrasion alone in the esthetic management of fluorosed teeth.
Evidence for the Double Excimer State of conjugated polymer in a liquid solution
Authors: Ibnaouf K. H. , Prasad S. , Masilamani V. , AlSalhi M. S. , Alaamer A. S.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, the spectral properties of a conjugated polymer poly [2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1, 4-phenylenevinylene] (MEH-PPV) in benzene have been studied. The results showed that the fluorescence spectra of MEH-PPV under low concentrations had two peaks; the dominant one due to monomer was around 560 nm, and the shoulder one attributed to the excimer was around 600 nm. Under higher concentrations, it was found that there was only one band around 600 nm due to the excimeric state. By increasing the concentrations of MEH-PPV, it could be seen that there was a new band around 640nm. This band is being attributed to the double excimer. Under high power pulsed laser excitation, we observed amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) at 570 nm, 605 nm and 650 nm. These ASE peaks could arise from the monomer, excimer and double excimer states of the macromolecule respectively. To the best of our knowledge this is perhaps the first report on ASE from double excimer of the conjugated polymer, MEH-PPV in liquid solution.
Photonic crystal electrode to be used in organic LED structures
Authors: Petti L. , Rippa M. , Capasso R. , Nenna G. , De Girolamo Del Mauro A. , La Ferrara V. , Pacheri Madathil A. , Minarini C.
Published: February 2013

In this work we report the possibility to obtain a high refractive index grid anode directly on the substrate surface by fabricating a relatively large-area photonic crystal (PC) structure using the combinations of electron beam lithography (EBL) and focused ion beam (FIB) techniques. The performance of the realized photonic crystal (PC) structure were enhanced by milling the ITO layer until the glass substrate and by removing the further refractive index jump between the PC and the substrate. The good properties of highly conductive poly(3,4 ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS), ensured a continuous path for the current and a high refractive index jump for the PC structure by filling the holes in the PC structure.
Can Computer-Assisted Discovery Learning Foster First Graders’ Fluency With the Most Basic Addition Combinations?
Authors: Baroody Arthur J. , Eiland Michael D. , Purpura David J. , Reid Erin E.
Published: February 2013

In a 9-month training experiment, 64 first graders with a risk factor were randomly assigned to computer-assisted structured discovery of the add-1 rule (e.g., the sum of 7 + 1 is the number after “seven” when we count), unstructured discovery learning of this regularity, or an active-control group. Planned contrasts revealed that the add-1 conditions were more effective than regular instruction/practice in promoting the learning of the add-1 rule. Contrary to the conclusions of Alfieri, Brooks, Aldrich, and Tenenbaum (2011) and Kirschner, Sweller, and Clark (2006), participants in the structured add-1 condition did not outperform those in the unstructured add-1 group on practiced and unpracticed n + 1 and 1 + n items at the posttests. The control participants did not exhibit evidence of learning a general near-doubles reasoning strategy (if 4 + 4 is 8 and 4 + 5 = 4 + 4 + 1, then the sum of 4 + 5 must be 9). The add-1, but not the active-control, participants achieved success, including transfer, because the former had mastered the developmental prerequisites for add-1 rule and the latter had not mastered the prerequisites for the near-doubles strategy.
The Bystander Effect of Trekking Tourism: Proposing a Typology of Environmental Ideal Types
Authors: Jensen Martin Trandberg
Published: February 2013

Tourism impacts in fragile nature-based environments have repeatedly been investigated from a wide array of academic viewpoints. However, in order to improve future researches that aim at measuring and/or elaborating on the pro-environmental awareness and behavioral patterns of trekking tourists, it is of utmost importance to identify the present environmental ideal types of trekkers. This research sets out to create an environmental typology of international trekkers visiting the Annapurna Conservation Area in Nepal. This research was conducted in between February-August, 2010, and included an extensive three-month ethnographic fieldwork within the conservation area, applying quantitative and qualitative techniques in order to create a framework of environmental trekking rationalities. A preliminary comparative analysis shows that trekkers seem to perceive themselves as more pro-environmental when trekking in Nepal compared to when at home. There appears to be a ‘selective optimistic self-perception’ among trekking tourists that creates a discrepancy between environmental self-perception and actual behavior. This research argues that trekkers seem to be locked into unsustainable consumption patterns, characterized by the constant strive toward Western comforts and commodities. In order to illustrate this case, the following article presents a novel typology that defines a number of different environmental ideal types within trekking. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ntdr.v1i1.7369 Nepal Tourism and Development Review Vol.1(1) 2011 41-55
The Great Himalaya Trail: A New Nepal Tourism Product with Both Trek Marketing and Development Rationale
Authors: Choegyal Lisa
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ntdr.v1i1.7371 Nepal Tourism and Development Review Vol.1(1) 2011 71-76
Can Any Country Afford to Snub Chinese Tourists?
Authors: Boyd Maria
Published: February 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ntdr.v1i1.7372 Nepal Tourism and Development Review Vol.1(1) 2011 77-82
Tourist Accommodation Facilities in the major Tourist Areas of Nepal
Authors: Sedai Ram Chandra
Published: February 2013

Accommodation sector constitutes one of the major components of tourism industry globally out of its popular 4 ‘A’ i.e. Attractions, Accessibility, Accommodation and Ancillary facilities. Accommodation sector, which is also considered as one of the major sub-sectors of tourism industry globally, has a huge potential to generate employment and income through the addition of values within its multiple layers of chains. Tourism accommodation is also one of the determinants of tourist choice for their destination. The overall objective of this article is to analyze and interpret the outcomes of the research study on tourist accommodation inventory carried out by NTB in June 2010, focusing on the capacity of tourism accommodation enterprises available in the major tourist areas of Nepal. More specifically, the article analyzes and interprets the findings of the research outcomes in the following aspects: Status of accommodation facilities by number of tourist enterprises, tourist rooms and tourist beds. Status of accommodation facilities by type and standard. Status of accommodation facilities by the status of registration. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ntdr.v1i1.7374 Nepal Tourism and Development Review Vol.1(1) 2011 102-123
Duration of Meconium Passage in Term and Preterm Infants
Authors: Setu Mumtahina , Mollah Md Abid Hossain , Amin Syed Khairul , Morshed S M Nahid , Pervez Mehdi , Akhter Afroza
Published: February 2013

Delayed first passage of meconium and also prolongation of meconium passage creates great anxiety among parents. Some study showed that that first passage of meconium is delayed in preterm infants compared to term infants. The difference in duration of meconium passage in term and preterm infant has however never been assessed before. This cross sectional study was carried between July 2010 to December 2010 among 100 Newborn babies ranging from 28 to 42 weeks of gestation who were delivered in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology or admitted in the Department of Neonatology of Dhaka Medical college Hospital were included in the study. Gestational age was determined from first day of last menstruation (when available) and also by using Expanded Ballard Scoring System. In case of any discrepancy of more than 2 weeks, the later was accepted. This study was carrying out to determine the time of first passage of meconium and duration of passage of meconium in term and preterm infants. Out of total 100 infants, 58 were male and 42 were female. The numbers of babies were 21, 28, 25 and 26 in group I, II, III and IV respectively. The mean age at which the babies passed first meconium were 23.5±3.5, 33.0±3.8, 25.7±4.2 and 17.3±4.6 hours in group I, II, III and IV respectively, which was<48 hours irrespective of gestational age. The mean gestational age of the babies who passed meconium for <4 days was 37.1±2.2 weeks. On the contrary, mean gestational age of the babies who passed meconium for>4 days was 32.6±4.3 weeks and this observation was statistically significant (p<0.001). First passage of meconium in all newborn was within 48 hours irrespective of gestational age. Duration of passage of meconium was significantly prolonged among babies with lower gestational age. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v4i1.13677 AKMMC J 2013; 4(1): 6-9
Knowledge of Health Hazards and Perception of Prevention Amongst Females Exposed to Biomass Fuel and Gas/Electricity Fuel in A District of Bangladesh
Authors: Alim Md Abdul , Nurunnabi Abu Sadat Mohammad , Ahmad Salahuddin , Khan Mohammad Adnan , Ahmad Sk Akhter
Published: February 2013

Indoor air pollution from biomass smoke is now regarded as public health hazard in the developing world, where more than two billion people still rely on the use of solid biomass fuels such as, dung, wood, crop residue and coal for cooking daily meals and heating homes. A crosssectional    study was designed and conducted from March to June 2007, in Madla, a rural area,  and in Thanthania, an urban area, under Bogra District of Bangladesh, to see and compare the prevalence of respiratory disease among female biomass fuel users and gas/electricity fuel users.    A total of 103 females from the rural households meeting the defined enrollment criteria for biomass fuel group were selected purposively as cases, while 101 females from the urban households meeting the defined eligibility criteria for controls were included in gas/electricity fuel group. The participants were interviewed on a semi-structured questionnaire. Nearly 70% of the biomass fuel users used wood for the daily cooking and heating purposes, 64% leaves, 31.1% cow dung, crop residue 30.1% and 7.8% saw-dust. The biomass group exhibited a significantly higher frequency of respiratory problem (16.5%) compared to their gas/electricity counterpart (5%). The findings revealed that, 67.5% of the biomass group complained of eye problem followed by cold 36.1%, headache 33.8%, cough 13.9% and difficulty in breathing 11.1%. The respondents of gas/electricity group also complained about same health hazards but    they were less aware of the problems. Both the group had fairly comparable level of perception of prevention of hazards of biomass fuel (p>0.05), except that a significantly higher proportion of biomass group (12.2%) told that the problem could be avoided by using kerosene stove    compared to the gas/electricity group (1.2%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v4i1.13680 AKMMC J 2013; 4(1): 20-24
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A Rare Cause of Bilateral Avascular Necrosis of the Hip Joints
Authors: Islam Quazi Tarikul , Siddiqui Mahmudur Rahman , Mustafa Ekramul , Hossain Ahmed , Rahman Md Yousuf Ur , Sina Hashmi
Published: February 2013

Perthes' disease is a disorder of the hip joint in children. Femoral head became softens, flattened or deformed because of the lack of blood supply of unknown cause. It is a very rare cause of bilateral avascular necrosis of the head of the femur, which can easily diagnosed by clinical correlation with the X-ray pelvis findings. Here we present a typical case of Perthes disease, who was finally diagnosed after a long periods of time. In Perthes disease early detection is very important to preserve, restore the femoral head, relieve pain and prevent long term osteoarthritis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v4i1.13684 AKMMC J 2013: 4(1): 40-41
Ischaemic Stroke as A Presenting Feature of Polycythemia RubraVera - A Case Report
Authors: Siddiqui Mahmudur Rahman , Mondol Badrul Alam
Published: February 2013

Stroke secondary to polycythemia rubra vera (PRV) is very uncommon. A 55 years old man presented to us with ischaemic stroke, imaging revealed one recent and multiple previous Lacunar infarcts. Evaluation for underlying cause proved him as a case of PRV. Effective treatment of PRV can prevent the further recurrence of Ischaemic stroke DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v4i1.13686 AKMMC J 2013: 4(1): 45-47
CPD Program
Authors: Amin Syed Khairul
Published: February 2013

Not available DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/akmmcj.v4i1.13688 AKMMC J 2013: 4(1): 49-49
Harmonic Balance Solution Of Coupled Nonlinear Non-Conservative Differential Equation
Authors: Rahman M Saifur , Rahman M Majedur , Rahaman M Sajedur , Alam M Shamsul
Published: February 2013

A modified harmonic balance method is employed to determine the second approximate solutions to a coupled nonlinear differential equation near the limit cycle. The solution shows a good agreement with the numerical solution. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v32i0.13640 GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 32 (2012) 1  14
Numerical Solutions Of Volterra Integral Equations Using Legendre Polynomials
Authors: Rahman Md Azizur , Islam Md Shafiqul
Published: February 2013

In this paper, Legendre piecewise polynomials are used to approximate the solutions of linear Volterra integral equations. Both second and first kind integral equations with regular as well as weakly singular kernels are considered. A matrix formulation is given for linear Volterra integral equations by the technique of Galerkin method. Numerical examples are considered to verify the accuracy of the proposed derivations, and the numerical solutions in this paper are also compared with the existing methods in the published literature. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v32i0.13643 GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 32 (2012) 29  35
A Numerical Simulation Of Severe Cyclone Sidr-2007
Authors: Sarkar Nikhil Chandra , Islam Anowarul , Debsarma Sujit Kumar
Published: February 2013

The most severe tropical cyclones are formed over the Bay of Bengal because of its complex geometric structure and shallow coastal bathymetry. These natural disasters significantly impact our lives as well as the environment. To quantify the impact of such disasters, we analyzed data pertaining to the severe cyclone Sidr-2007, considering the cyclones duration and angle of land fall, as well as the bathymetry of the near-coastal zones. We propose a reliable hydrodynamic model to simulate the severity of such cyclones. The models reliability is verified by comparison of the numerical results with actual storm-surge data. Our model requires meteorological and hydrological inputs, including the time-dependent positions of the storm centre, the maximum wind radius, as well as pressure-drop and bathymetry data. The model results are in good agreement with the reported data. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v32i0.13645 GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 32 (2012) 43-54
Sine-Function Method In The Soliton Solution Of Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations
Authors: Rab M Abdur , Akhter Jasmin
Published: February 2013

In this paper we establish a traveling wave solution for nonlinear partial differential equations using sine-function method. The method is used to obtain the exact solutions for three different types of nonlinear partial differential equations like general equal width wave equation (GEWE), general regularized long wave equation (GRLW), general Korteweg-de Vries equation(GKDV) which are the important soliton equations DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v32i0.13647 GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 32 (2012) 55-60
Natural Convection Flow Of An Electrically Conducting Fluid In A Rectangular Cavity Having Internal Energy Sources With Linearly Heated Bottom Wall
Authors: Obayedullah M , Chowdhury M M K
Published: February 2013

Natural convection flow in a rectangular cavity containing internally heated and electrically conducting fluid has been investigated numerically. The bottom wall of the cavity is linearly heated whereas the top wall is well insulated. The left and right vertical walls are maintained at constant hot and cold temperature respectively.Results have been obtained with respect to Rayleigh numbers and Hartmann numbers. Flow and temperature fields for these cases have been studied. Average Nusselt numbers at hot, cold and linearly heated bottom wall have been calculated. It is found that the temperature, fluid flow and heat transfer strongly depend on internal and external Rayleigh numbers and Hartmann numbers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ganit.v32i0.13648 GANIT J. Bangladesh Math. Soc. (ISSN 1606-3694) 32 (2012) 61-73
Characterization of a Single Chain Fv Antibody that Reacts with Free Morphine
Authors: Matsukizono Miho , Kamegawa Mariko , Tanaka Koichi , Kohra Shinya , Arizono Koji , Hamazoe Yuta , Sugimura Kazuhisa
Published: February 2013

An immune phage library derived from mice, hyperimmunized with morphine-conjugated BSA, was used to isolate a single-chain Fv (scFv) clone, M86, with binding activity to morphine-conjugated thyroglobulin (morphine-C-Tg) but not to codeine-, cocaine-, or ketamine-conjugated Tg. Surface plasmon resonance analysis using a morphine-C-Tg-coupled CM5 sensor chip showed that the Kd value was 1.26 × 10−8 M. To analyze its binding activity to free morphine and related compounds, we performed a competitive ELISA with M86 and morphine-C-Tg in the absence or presence of varying doses of free morphine and related compounds. IC50 values for opium, morphine, codeine, and heroin were 257 ng/mL, 36.4, 7.3, and 7.4 nM, respectively. Ketamine and cocaine exhibited no competitive binding activity to M86. Thus, we established a phage library-derived scFv, M86, which recognized not only free morphine and codeine as opium components but also heroin. This characteristic of M86 may be useful for developing therapeutic reagents for opiate addiction and as a free morphine-specific antibody probe.
Determination of the Presence of Three Antimicrobials in Surface Water Collected from Urban and Rural Areas
Authors: Iglesias Alejandra , Nebot Carolina , Miranda Jose , Vázquez Beatriz , Abuín Carlos , Cepeda Alberto
Published: February 2013

Due to the continuous release of antimicrobials into the environment, the aim of this study was to compare the frequency of detection of sulfamethazine, sulfamethoxypyridazine and trimethoprim in surface water collected from urban and rural areas in Northwestern Spain. A monitoring study was conducted with 314 river water samples analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. The results indicated that 37% of the samples contained residues of at least one of the investigated antimicrobials, and every sampling site yielded positive samples. At sites located near the discharge points of wastewater treatment plants and near the collection point of a drinking-water treatment plant, more than 6% of the samples were positive for the presence of antimicrobial residues.
Slag Behavior in Gasifiers. Part I: Influence of Coal Properties and Gasification Conditions
Authors: Wang Ping , Massoudi Mehrdad
Published: February 2013

In the entrained-flow gasifiers used in integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) plants, the majority of mineral matter transforms to liquid slag on the wall of the gasifier and flows out the bottom. However, a small fraction of the mineral matter is entrained (as fly ash) with the raw syngas out of the gasifier to downstream processing. This molten/sticky fly ash could cause fouling of the syngas cooler. To improve gasification availability through better design and operation of the gasification process, a better understanding of slag behavior and the characteristics of the slagging process is needed. Char/ash properties, gas compositions in the gasifier, the gasifier wall structure, fluid dynamics, and plant operating conditions (mainly temperature and oxygen/carbon ratio) all affect slagging behavior. Because coal has varying ash content and composition, different operating conditions are required to maintain the slag flow and limit problems downstream. In Part I, we review the main types and the operating conditions of entrained-flow gasifiers and coal properties used in IGCC plants; we identify and discuss the key coal ash properties and the operating conditions impacting slag behavior; finally, we summarize the coal quality criteria and the operating conditions in entrained-flow gasifiers. In Part II, we discuss the constitutive modeling related to the rheological studies of slag flow.
Annexin A2: The Importance of Being Redox Sensitive
Authors: Madureira Patrícia , Waisman David
Published: February 2013

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is an important second messenger in cellular signal transduction. H2O2-dependent signalling regulates many cellular processes, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis. Nevertheless, H2O2 is an oxidant and a major contributor to DNA damage, protein oxidation and lipid peroxidation, which can ultimately result in cell death and/or tumourigenesis. For this reason, cells have developed complex antioxidant systems to scavenge ROS. Recently, our laboratory identified the protein, annexin A2, as a novel cellular redox regulatory protein. Annexin A2 possesses a reactive cysteine residue (Cys-8) that is readily oxidized by H2O2 and subsequently reduced by the thioredoxin system, thereby enabling annexin A2 to participate in multiple redox cycles. Thus, a single molecule of annexin A2 can inactivate several molecules of H2O2. In this report, we will review the studies detailing the reactivity of annexin A2 thiols and the importance of these reactive cysteine(s) in regulating annexin A2 structure and function. We will also focus on the recent reports that establish novel functions for annexin A2, namely as a protein reductase and as a cellular redox regulatory protein. We will further discuss the importance of annexin A2 redox regulatory function in disease, with a particular focus on tumour progression.
Epidermal Growth Factor Stimulates Extracellular-Signal Regulated Kinase Phosphorylation of a Novel Site on Cytoplasmic Dynein Intermediate Chain 2
Authors: Pullikuth Ashok , Ozdemir Aysun , Cardenas Daviel , Bailey Evangeline , Sherman Nicholas , Pfister K. , Catling Andrew
Published: February 2013

Extracellular-signal regulated kinase (ERK) signaling is required for a multitude of physiological and patho-physiological processes. However, the identities of the proteins that ERK phosphorylates to elicit these responses are incompletely known. Using an affinity purification methodology of general utility, here we identify cytoplasmic dynein intermediate chain 2 (DYNC1I-2, IC-2) as a novel substrate for ERK following epidermal growth factor receptor stimulation of fibroblasts. IC-2 is a subunit of cytoplasmic dynein, a minus-end directed motor protein necessary for transport of diverse cargos along microtubules. Emerging data support the hypothesis that post-translational modification regulates dynein but the signaling mechanisms used are currently unknown. We find that ERK phosphorylates IC-2 on a novel, highly conserved Serine residue proximal to the binding site for the p150Glued subunit of the cargo adapter dynactin. Surprisingly, neither constitutive phosphorylation nor a phosphomimetic substitution of this Serine influences binding of p150Glued to IC-2. These data suggest that ERK phosphorylation of IC-2 regulates dynein function through mechanisms other than its interaction with dynactin.
Preparation of a Facilitated Transport Membrane Composed of Carboxymethyl Chitosan and Polyethylenimine for CO2/N2 Separation
Authors: Shen Jiang-Nan , Yu Chang-Chao , Zeng Gan-Ning , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: February 2013

The miscibility of carboxymethyl chitosan/polyethylenimine (CMCS/PEI) blends was analyzed by FT-IR, TGA and SEM. Defect-free CMCS/PEI blend membranes were prepared with polysulfone (PSf) ultrafiltration membranes as support layer for the separation of CO2/N2 mixtures. The results demonstrate that the CMCS/PEI blend is miscible, due to the hydrogen bonding interaction between the two targeted polymers. For the blended membrane without water, the permeability of CO2 gas is 3.6 × 10−7 cm3 cm−2 s−1 cmHg−1 and the corresponding separation factor for CO2 and N2 gas is about 33 at the pressure of 15.2 cmHg. Meanwhile, the blended membrane with water has the better permselectivity. The blended membrane containing water with PEI content of 30 wt% has the permeance of 6.3 × 10−4 cm3 cm−2 s−1 cmHg−1 for CO2 gas and a separation factor of 325 for CO2/N2 mixtures at the same feed pressure. This indicates that the CO2 separation performance of the CMCS/PEI blend membrane is higher than that of other facilitated transport membranes reported for CO2/N2 mixture separation.
Covalent Coupling of Nanoparticles with Low-Density Functional Ligands to Surfaces via Click Chemistry
Authors: Rianasari Ina , De Jong Michel , Huskens Jurriaan , Van der Wiel Wilfred
Published: February 2013

We demonstrate the application of the 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition (“click” reaction) to couple gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) functionalized with low densities of functional ligands. The ligand coverage on the citrate-stabilized Au NPs was adjusted by the ligand:Au surface atom ratio, while maintaining the colloidal stability of the Au NPs in aqueous solution. A procedure was developed to determine the driving forces governing the selectivity and reactivity of citrate-stabilized and ligand-functionalized Au NPs on patterned self-assembled monolayers. We observed selective and remarkably stable chemical bonding of the Au NPs to the complimentarily functionalized substrate areas, even when estimating that only 1–2 chemical bonds are formed between the particles and the substrate.
The Teleodynamics of Language, Culture, Technology and Science (LCT&S)
Authors: Logan Robert
Published: February 2013

Logan [1] in his book The Extended Mind developed the hypothesis that language, culture, technology and science can be treated as organisms that evolve and reproduce themselves. This idea is extended by making use of the notion of teleodynamics that Deacon [2] introduced and developed in his book Incomplete Nature to explain the nature of life, sentience, mind and a self that acts in its own interest. It is suggested that language, culture, technology and science (LCT&S) like living organisms also act in their own self-interest, are self-correcting and are to a certain degree autonomous even though they are obligate symbionts with their human hosts. Specifically, it will be argued that LCT&S are essentially teleodynamic systems, which Deacon defines as “self-creating, self-maintaining, self-reproducing, individuated systems [2] (p. 325)”.
Anti-Helicobacter pylori and Urease Inhibition Activities of Some Traditional Medicinal Plants
Authors: Amin Muhammad , Anwar Farooq , Naz Fauqia , Mehmood Tahir , Saari Nazamid
Published: February 2013

Different parts of Acacia nilotica (L.) Delile, Calotropis procera (Aiton) W.T. Aiton, Adhatoda vasica Nees, Fagoniaar abica L. and Casuarina equisetifolia L. are traditionally used in folk medicine for the treatment of a variety of common ailments like nausea, cold, cough, asthma, fevers, diarrhea, sore throat, swelling, etc. The present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-Helicobacter pylori and urease inhibition activities of extracts produced from the above selected medicinal plants native to Soon Valley (home to an old civilization) in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Methanol, acetone and water extracts of the plants were evaluated for anti-bacterial activity against thirty four clinical isolates and two reference strains of H. pylori. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the extracts were determined using the agar dilution method and compared with some standard antibiotics like amoxicillin (AMX), clarithromycin (CLA), tetracycline (TET) and metronidazole (MNZ), used in the triple therapy for H. pylori eradication. H. pylori urease inhibition activity of the extracts was assessed by the phenol red method, wherein, Lineweaver-Burk plots were used to determine Michaelis-Menten constants for elucidating the mechanism of inhibition. Methanol and acetone extracts from Acacia nilotica and Calotropis procera exhibited stronger anti-H. pylori activity than MNZ, almost comparable activity with TET, but were found to be less potent than AMX and CLT. The rest of the extracts exhibited lower activity than the standard antibiotics used in this study. In the H. pylori urease inhibitory assay, methanol and acetone extracts of Acacia nilotica and Calotropis procera showed significant inhibition. Lineweaver-Burk plots indicated a competitive mechanism for extract of Acacia nilotica, whereas extract of Calotropis procera exhibited a mixed type of inhibition.