bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MASKING ANTI-PHAGOCYTIC SIGNAL OF TUMOR BY PRO-PHAGOCYTIC SIGNAL-A KEY TO IMMUREMENT OF CANCER CELL
Authors: Suresh Madheswaran , Gurusamy Malarvizhi , Sudhakar Natarajan
Published: September 2016

Immune surveillance is a mechanism where cells and tissues are watched constantly by ever alerted immune system. Most incipient cancer cells are recognized and eliminated by the immune surveillance mechanism, but still tumors have the ability to evade immune surveillance and immunological killing. One greater arm that tumor use to evade immune surveillance, is by expressing anti-phagocytic signal (CD47). Here we present a provocative hypothesis where cancer cells are removed alive by phagocytic cell (DC). That in turn will elicit effective and higher immunogenic condition. All this could be possible by addition pro-phagocytic signal (PtdSer) over cancer cell surface (Breast Cancer), that mask the presence of anti-phagocytic signal (CD47). In other words, adding eat me signal (PtdSer) over the breast cancer cell surface that mask the presence of don’t eat me signal or anti-phagocytic signal present in breast cancer cell surface. This could be possible by using bi-specific antibody, conjugated to PEG-modified liposomes, which carry (PtdSer) pro-phagocytic signal (or) eat me signal, which target both CD47 and EGFRVIII on breast carcinoma. The simultaneous masking of anti-phagocytic signal, and adding of pro–phagocytic signal over cancer cell, will enhance the phagocytic clearance of live tumor cell and elicit immunological killing.
ANTI-RADICAL ACTIVITIES OF XANTHONES AND FLAVONOIDS FROM GARCINIA SCHOMBURGKIANA
Authors: Meechai Imron , Phupong Worrapong , Chunglok Warangkana , Meepowpan Puttinan
Published: September 2016

Objective: The present study aimed to isolate and identify the phytochemical constituents of Garcinia schomburgkiana branches and evaluate the antioxidant activity of the compounds.

Methods: The chromatographic and spectroscopic (UV, IR, NMR and MS) techniques were used for the isolation and elucidation of the compounds, respectively. The antioxidant activity of the isolated compounds was examined through DPPH, ABTS, nitric oxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay.

Results: The (-)-5,7,3′,5′-tetrahydroxyflavanone (1), which was firstly found in the Garcinia species, together with kaempferol (2), (-)-dihydrokaempferol (3), euxanthone (4), gentisein (5) and norathyriol (6) were isolated from G. schomburgkiana. Among the isolated compounds, compound 1 and 6 exhibited the highest potential for anti-radical activities.

Conclusion: Compound 1 could be used as the chemotaxonomic marker of G. schomburgkiana. The branches of G. schomburgkiana could be the alternative source of the antioxidants. The possible inhibitory mechanisms were proposed through the action of electron transfer, chelation, and nitrosylation.

 
SMEDDS TABLET: COMPATABILITY OF SOLID SMEDDS USING VARIOUS PHARMACEUTICAL TABLET EXCIPIENTS
Authors: Hasan Naser M.y. , Almalki Dhaifallah M. , Althuwaybi Mohammed J.k. , Alshehri Hassan M.
Published: September 2016

Objective: There are many successful products on the market which are the culmination of the self-micro-emulsification lipid technology applications. Despite the importance of lipid-based formulations, these systems have some limitations including; stability, complexity during large scale manufacturing process and limited dosage forms to such as soft gelatin capsule. In order to overcome these limitations, the prospect of converting self-micro-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) into tablet dosage form was investigated in this study.

Methods: A self-micro-emulsifying oil formulation representing type III A lipid class composed of glycerox 767HC/croduret 40 ss at ratios of (80/20) was converted into solid SMEDDS using solid carrier adsorption method. Powder blends containing magnesium trisilicate hydrate (MTSH) or magnesium lluminum silicate (MAS) at various oil loading factors were mixed with MCC with and without various binders and compressed into tablets using a fixed loading force of approximately of 5 KN. Hardness profiles of these oil loaded tablets were then analyzed.

Results: Powder compacts which contained MTSH with and without SMEDDS oil had shown relatively better compaction properties than MAS. Adding SMEDDS oil solution to either MTSH or MAS at ratios of 1:9 has relatively reduced tablets hardness by almost 2 or 4 folds, respectively.

Conclusion: Progressive inclusion of increasing amounts of SMEDDS oil solution adsorbed unto the solid carrier has incurred a further reduction in the hardness of SMEDDS tablets. It appears that manufacturing of tablet SMEDDS can only be attainable for highly potent drugs as minimal amounts of oil solution added to the powder blends can adversely affect the mechanical strength of compressed tablet.
STABILITY INDICATING RP-HPLC ASSAY METHOD FOR ESTIMATION OF MIDODRINE HYDROCHLORIDE IN BULK AND TABLETS
Authors: Jain Hemant K. , Gujar Kishor N. , Randhe Varsha A.
Published: September 2016

Objective: To develop an accurate, simple, sensitive and precise stability indicating reverse phase-high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) assay method for estimation of Midodrine hydrochloride (MD) in bulk and tablets.

Methods: The chromatographic separation was performed on enable C18, (250 mm X 4.6 mm, 5 μm) column. The mobile phase consists of triethylamine buffer 0.02%, pH-3: acetonitrile (38:62 v/v) was delivered at a flow rate of 0.6 ml/min and UV detection at 289 nm. The method was validated with forced degradation studies as per ICH guidelines.

Results: The retention time of the drug was found to be 3.56 min. The developed method was found to be linear in a concentration range of 19.98-99.9μg/ml of the drug (r2= 0.9998). The low value of % RSD indicates reproducibility of the method. The low value of LOD and LOQ suggests the sensitivity of the method. The results of forced degradation studies indicated that the drug was stable in acidic condition and degraded in basic, oxidative and hydrolytic conditions.
Conclusion: The present study represents first stability-indicating HPLC assay method that deals with the estimation of midodrine hydrochloride. It can be concluded from the results that the developed method is simple, rapid, accurate, specific, sensitive and precise. Thus, this method can be used for routine analysis of midodrine hydrochloride formulation and to check the stability of bulk samples.
 
Zinc-Associated Variant in SLC30A8 Gene Interacts With Gestational Weight Gain on Postpartum Glycemic Changes: A Longitudinal Study in Women With Prior Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Wang Tiange , Liu Huikun , Wang Leishen , Huang Tao , Li Weiqin , Zheng Yan , Heianza Yoriko , Sun Dianjianyi , Leng Junhong , Zhang Shuang , Li Nan , Hu Gang , Qi Lu
Published: September 2016

Zinc transporter 8 genetic variant SLC30A8 has been associated with postpartum risk of type 2 diabetes among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Gestational weight gain is one of the strongest risk factors for postpartum hyperglycemia. We assessed the interaction between type 2 diabetes–associated SLC30A8 rs13266634 and gestational weight gain on 1–5 years of postpartum glycemic changes in 1,071 women with prior GDM in a longitudinal study. Compared with gestation of 26–30 weeks, postpartum levels of fasting glucose, oral glucose tolerance test 2-h glucose, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) increased across rs13266634 TT, CT, and CC genotypes in women with excessive gestational weight gain, whereas opposite genetic associations were found in women with inadequate or adequate gestational weight gain. Postpartum changes in fasting glucose per additional copy of the C allele were −0.18, −0.04, and 0.12 mmol/L in women with inadequate, adequate, and excessive gestational weight gain, respectively (P for interaction = 0.002). We also found similar interactions for changes in 2-h glucose and HbA1c (P for interaction = 0.003 and 0.005, respectively). Our data indicate that gestational weight gain may modify SLC30A8 variant on long-term glycemic changes, highlighting the importance of gestational weight control in the prevention of postpartum hyperglycemia in women with GDM.
Impact of Green Light Optimized Speed Advisory on Unsignalized Side-Street Traffic
Authors: Radivojevic Danilo , Stevanovic Jelka , Stevanovic Aleksandar
Published: September 2016

In recent years, rapid technological breakthroughs in infrastructure-to-vehicle, vehicle-to-vehicle, and vehicle-to-infrastructure wireless communications have created the possibility of new concepts for traffic signal control. The green light optimized speed advisory (GLOSA) approach uses traffic signal control information and the current position of a vehicle to recommend an appropriate speed for each vehicle, reducing the number of stops at traffic signals. Previous research mainly focused on the impact of GLOSA on the performance of movements on major streets. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of GLOSA on delay, capacity, and surrogate safety measures for vehicles that arrive from unsignalized side driveways and access roads. A highly calibrated and validated Vissim simulation model of a five-intersection segment of 3500 South, an urban corridor in Salt Lake City, Utah, was used as a test environment. Scenarios of various traffic loads and GLOSA activations have been defined and simulated. Outputs from Vissim were used to measure the impact of GLOSA. Vehicular trajectory files were postprocessed in the FHWA Surrogate Safety Assessment Model to analyze vehicular conflict data and thereby evaluate the traffic safety effects of GLOSA. The findings show that GLOSA often significantly affects delay of the side-street traffic. However, in general, GLOSA has only a minor impact on the number of conflicts. Regarding the impact of type of traffic control on GLOSA’s operations, the findings show that the fixed-time signals work better than actuated–coordinated signals, and road geometry and proximity of the signalized intersections affect the impact of GLOSA on the side-street traffic.
Innovative Method for Remotely Fine-Tuning Offsets Along a Diverging Diamond Interchange Corridor
Authors: Kim SangKey , Warchol Shannon , Schroeder Bastian J. , Cunningham Christopher
Published: September 2016

Diverging diamond interchanges (DDIs) are relatively new in the United States, and signal coordination between the crossovers and adjacent intersections is challenging. This paper provides a method for remotely fine-tuning offsets for a DDI and its adjacent intersections. The proposed method uses the dynamic bandwidth analysis tool (DBAT). The tool uses actuated phase times from the signal controller to optimize the dynamic bandwidth on the basis of that entry data set. Four performance measures evaluated the proposed method: delay, stop severity index, maximum queue, and vehicle trajectory plots. The test results confirmed that DBAT provided a better offset solution than other bandwidth optimization tools that generally optimized programmed bandwidth only and did not account for early return to green caused by skipped or gapped-out movements. Under the DBAT offsets, delay for the through movements on the corridor decreased by 52.8% for northbound vehicles and 46.83% for southbound vehicles. The average delay reduction over all measured paths for uncongested and congested scenarios was 13.88% and 3.50%, respectively. The proposed method and workflow can significantly reduce the offset retiming work process. Normally, this manual process takes more than a day, but the proposed method can be completed in less than an hour without visiting the study site. Furthermore, the proposed method can coordinate any set of movements, as well as multiple travel paths. The authors believe that the proposed method and workflow will significantly help both retiming and new timing of arterial signal coordination along DDI corridors and other signal systems.
Multimodal Data Analytics Comparative Visualization Tool: Case Study of Pedestrian Crossing Design
Authors: Khoshmagham Shayan , Head K. Larry , Feng Yiheng , Zamanipour Mehdi
Published: September 2016

The purpose of this paper is to define a visualization method to evaluate the performance of a multimodal traffic signal system. Previous studies have concentrated on performance assessment for single modes, such as delay, travel time of passenger vehicles, and transit running times. The methodology presented in this paper considers an integrated approach to multimodal performance assessment. A tool, called a multimodal performance dashboard, was developed to visualize the relationship between various performance measures and multiple modes. Dashboards can be used to characterize the performance of an existing system and also for before-and-after studies when a new design is implemented. Radar diagrams are the basic element of the multimodal performance dashboard and are constructed for performance measures (e.g., passenger vehicle travel time, transit delay, pedestrian volume, and truck stops) and for each movement at an intersection. An arterial corridor in the SMARTDrive test bed of the Maricopa County, Arizona, Department of Transportation was analyzed with the Vissim microsimulation model to study the effects of different designs and signal timing strategies on several performance measures for vehicles and pedestrians. According to the results of this study, choosing an appropriate control strategy can affect the different movements of different modes (including pedestrians) in a variety of ways. The more modes involved in the system, the more challenging it is to determine the proper control strategy. Using this comparative tool, alongside statistical models, makes it easier for decision makers to understand, visualize, and analyze data.
Understanding the Factors Underlying Variation in Detection Errors of Video- and Thermal-Imaging Cameras
Authors: Yang Jidong , Zuo Bashan , Kim Sung-Hee
Published: September 2016

Video-imaging technology has long been used for vehicle detection at signalized intersections. This technology provides many advantages over conventional inductive loops. Video-imaging cameras are easier and safer to install and maintain; the cameras cause no damage to the pavement; and detection zones can be adjusted or redrawn when travel lanes are realigned or reassigned as a result of widening or remarking of the pavement. Despite the advantages, video-imaging cameras are generally susceptible to varying lighting conditions. Thermal-imaging cameras produce images on the basis of the difference in thermal energy emitted by objects and do not rely on visible light. Thus, the cameras are more robust in various lighting conditions. In this paper, both video-imaging and thermal-imaging technologies were evaluated for stop bar vehicle detection at signalized intersections. The detection errors were correlated with concurrent weather and environmental conditions. The performance of both types of cameras appears to be affected by wind and various weather events. In particular, uneven shade appears to be an issue for the video-imaging camera but not for the thermal-imaging camera. The video-imaging camera seems to be more susceptible to false calls at night, likely caused by vehicle headlights. A higher chance of missed calls and calls stuck on was experienced for the thermal-imaging camera at night.
Predictive–Tentative Transit Signal Priority with Self-Organizing Traffic Signal Control
Authors: Moghimidarzi SayedBahman , Furth Peter G. , Cesme Burak
Published: September 2016

Reducing bus delay beyond what can be achieved with conventional transit signal priority requires making and responding to longer-range predictions of bus arrival time, which include dwell time at an upstream stop. At the same time, priority decisions based on such uncertain predictions should be reversible if the dwell time should be much longer than expected. Rules for applying these concepts are proposed for application in the framework of self-organizing traffic signal control developed by authors Cesme and Furth. Predicted arrival time is based on a calculation of expected remaining dwell time and is compared with the earliest time the bus phase can be expected to return to green. One possible decision is to expedite return to green so that secondary extensions (a feature of self-organizing control logic) are inhibited. The other is to hold the green; however, this decision can be reversed if updated predictions of expected remaining dwell time indicate that the bus will arrive after the maximum green extension has expired. Simulation tests on a corridor with nine signalized intersections showed a 75% reduction in bus delay, to only 5 s per intersection, with only a 3% increase in general traffic delay.
Efficient Priority Control Model for Multimodal Traffic Signals
Authors: Zamanipour Mehdi , Head K. Larry , Feng Yiheng , Khoshmagham Shayan
Published: September 2016

The paper presents a model for multimodal traffic signal priority control. The approach is based on an analytical model and a flexible implementation algorithm that considers real-time vehicle actuation. The analytical model considers the needs of different modes in a real-time connected vehicle environment. The model provides an optimal signal schedule that minimizes the total weighted priority request delay. The flexible implementation algorithm is designed to guarantee that the optimal signal schedule is applied with minimum negative impact on regular vehicles. The model has been tested in a simulation framework on two networks: San Mateo, California, and Anthem, Arizona. The simulation experiments showed that the model, when compared with fully actuated control, was able to reduce average delay and travel times for priority vehicles without a significant negative impact on passenger cars. The field results of implementing the priority framework in the nationally affiliated connected vehicles test bed in Anthem showed the effectiveness of the model in the real world.
Safety-Related Guidelines for Time-of-Day Changes in Left-Turn Phasing
Authors: Davis Gary A. , Moshtagh Vahid , Hourdos John
Published: September 2016

The goal of this research was to develop safety-related guidelines for time-of-day use of permissive left-turn phasing that could be implemented with flashing yellow arrows. This effort required describing the variation in left-turn crash risk throughout a representative day and was accomplished by developing statistical models that related the hourly risk on an approach to left-turn demand, opposing traffic volume, and a classification of the approach with respect to operational and geometric features. The models were then embedded in a spreadsheet tool that allowed signal operators to enter—for a candidate intersection approach—a turning movement count and a classification of the approach according to speed limit, left-turn protection, and sight distance availability. The user receives a prediction of how the risk of left-turn crash occurrence varies throughout the day, relative to a user-specified reference condition.
Characterizing Emergency Vehicle Preemption Operation with High-Resolution Traffic Signal Event Data
Authors: Chou Chih-Sheng , Nichols Andrew P.
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes the use of a signal phase spectrum plot to analyze high-resolution traffic signal event data. Specifically, the controller performance related to emergency vehicle preemption operation is characterized in an effort to identify performance measures that will allow a traffic engineer to understand better the impact that various configurations have on intersection operations. Performance measures for individual intersections in coordinated systems include preemption duration, transition duration, and total interruption time. Performance measures for networks are based on an emergency vehicle reidentification process for deriving an emergency vehicle’s trajectory through a network, and the results can further be used to estimate travel time, travel speed, and origin–destination. These performance measures are illustrated by simulated signal system in Morgantown, West Virginia. Transition modes are varied in the simulation network to determine the relative performance measures. Case studies are presented for using high-resolution data to troubleshoot field preemption operation using signal systems in Morgantown and Huntington, West Virginia.
Evaluation of Structural Behavior of Precast Prestressed Concrete Pavement with Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Kim Kukjoo , Tia Mang , Greene James
Published: September 2016

A full-scale precast prestressed concrete pavement (PPCP) system was constructed and evaluated under actual traffic load conditions to develop the design guideline under Florida conditions. This test section showed good load transfer efficiency and riding quality. However, information was lacking about its structural response and potential performance. A three-dimensional finite element model was developed for stress analysis of PPCP under critical loading conditions. The developed three-dimensional model was calibrated by using deflection data obtained with a falling weight deflectometer. The model was used to perform a parametric analysis to determine the effects of critical loading location, concrete modulus, coefficient of thermal expansion of concrete, loss of prestress force, and subgrade stiffness under typical Florida conditions. Results of the parametric study indicate that the maximum stresses in the concrete increased significantly as the concrete modulus and coefficient thermal expansion increased. Because of the increase in flexural strength associated with the increase in elastic modulus of the concrete, an increase in elastic modulus of the concrete results in a decrease in the computed stress-to-strength ratio under critical load–temperature conditions. The PPCP system that was evaluated appeared to have a good predicted pavement performance with a computed stress-to-strength ratio of less than 0.5, with up to an additional loss of 20% of prestress force in the longitudinal and transverse directions. Variations in the base and subbase properties were found to have a minimal effect on the maximum induced stresses in concrete. This finding indicates that the PPCP system is appropriate for a wide variety of subbase and subgrade conditions.
Effect of Wide-Base Tires on Nationwide Flexible Pavement Systems: Numerical Modeling
Authors: Hernandez Jaime A. , Gamez Angeli , Al-Qadi Imad L.
Published: September 2016

The pavement responses obtained from the validated finite element modeling of new-generation wide-base tires (NG-WBTs) and a conventional dual-tire assembly (DTA) are presented. Features of the adopted finite element model, such as three-dimensional contact forces, dynamic analysis, and nonlinear anisotropic base materials, are not considered in the conventional analysis of flexible pavements. Furthermore, the input for the model was intended to simulate a large range of scenarios for the national pavement system. The NG-WBT showed consistently higher pavement responses than the DTA, and the difference decreased as pavement thickness increased. (Pavement thickness varied from 225 to 1,012.5 mm.) The average percentage difference of the longitudinal tensile strain at the bottom of the asphalt concrete layer was 14.7% and 23.2% for thick and thin pavements, respectively. In a few cases of vertical shear strain in the subgrade for thin pavement, the response was higher for the DTA than for the NG-WBT. For the same responses in thick pavement, the average percentage difference was 4.4%. If critical pavement strains are used as inputs into transfer functions, which estimate pavement life, results of this study could serve as indicators of increased potential damage when NG-WBTs are used. However, market penetration of the NG-WBT and its use within the truck axle configuration need to be taken into consideration. Additionally, environmental and economic benefits of using NG-WBTs may offset the potential increase in pavement costs.
Calibration of Pavement Rutting Prediction in Colorado Using Layer-Specific Rutting Model Coefficients for Hot-Mix Asphalt in AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design
Authors: Bhattacharya Biplab B. , Mallela Jagannath , Titus-Glover Leslie , Goldbaum Jay
Published: September 2016

The Colorado Department of Transportation (DOT) recently concluded a study to adopt the AASHTO Mechanistic–Empirical Pavement Design Guide (MEPDG) and the accompanying software into its routine pavement design practice. Implementation of the MEPDG in Colorado required local calibration of the MEPDG prediction models for distress and smoothness. This paper presents a discussion of the calibration of the “global” rutting model to account for Colorado’s unique climate, traffic, and soil conditions as well as the various asphalt concrete (AC) mix types used in the state. A key challenge during the local calibration effort was to produce a rutting coefficient for each AC mix type: Marshall, Superpave®, and polymer-modified asphalt (PMA). Local calibration of the MEPDG global models by using Colorado DOT input data was performed with a nonlinear model optimization tool available in the SAS statistical software. Global model coefficients were adjusted through local calibration for AC rutting, unbound aggregate base rutting, and subgrade rutting. Four of the 10 model coefficients were adjusted. The local calibration coefficient β r1 turned out to be different for each of the three primary Colorado DOT ACs. As expected, of the three asphalt mixes, the PMA had the coefficient with the lowest value for β r1, and as a result this mix had the lowest AC rutting. The goodness of fit and bias test results indicated an adequate goodness of fit with minimal bias. This local calibration effort improved the overall prediction accuracy of the rutting model and its standard error.
Estimation of Origin and Destination Information from Bluetooth and Wi-Fi Sensing for Transit
Authors: Dunlap Matthew , Li Zhibin , Henrickson Kristian , Wang Yinhai
Published: September 2016

Public urban transit offers a convenient, affordable, and sustainable mode of transportation for many. However, limited subsidies and revenue collected from bus fares place restrictions on the number of bus lines that can operate; these restrictions in turn limit the number of individuals who can benefit from public transit. To make well-informed operational decisions for transit planning and operations, understanding the origin and destination patterns of riders is crucial. However, traditional methods of transit data collection are labor-intensive and costly. Although some transit agencies use data from smart card transactions to obtain trip origin information readily, the trip destination information cannot be directly inferred. To aid in transit data acquisition efforts, this study presents a new technique that uses the Bluetooth and wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) sensing technologies to estimate the origin and destination information for transit lines. Sensors were installed on four buses to collect Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS location data for a 4-week period. New methods for data processing and reduction were introduced to exclude invalid detections. On the basis of valid samples, the origin and destination information at different bus stops was estimated for a university operated transit line. The developed methods have the potential to be applied for large-scale transit networks.
Diagnosis and Prediction of Traffic Congestion on Urban Road Networks Using Bayesian Networks
Authors: Kim Jiwon , Wang Guangxing
Published: September 2016

This paper proposes a Bayesian network (BN) analysis approach to modeling the probabilistic dependency structure of causes of congestion on a particular road segment and analyzing the probability of traffic congestion given various roadway condition scenarios. A BN approach was used to encode the joint probability distribution over a set of random variables that described scenario variables, which represented factors affecting the congestion level of a target segment such as time of day, incident, weather, and traffic states on adjacent links, as well as output variables, which represented traffic performance measures of the target segment such as flow, density, and speed. The study developed a method to build a BN model according to historical traffic and event data and demonstrated the BN-based traffic analysis with a study network in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The paper discusses applications of the proposed BN model in urban traffic congestion management, by focusing on identifying leading causes for congestion diagnosis and identifying critical scenarios for congestion prediction.
Comparison of Supervised Classification Techniques for Vision-Based Pavement Crack Detection
Authors: Mokhtari Soroush , Wu Liuliu , Yun Hae-Bum
Published: September 2016

In this study, the application of four classification techniques for computer vision–based pavement crack detection systems was investigated. The classification methods—artificial neural network (ANN), decision tree, k–nearest neighbor, and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS)—were selected on the basis of the complexity and clarity of their procedures. These methods were evaluated for ( a) prediction performance, ( b) computation time, ( c) stability of results for highly imbalanced data sets, ( d) stability of the classifiers’ performance for pavements in different deterioration stages, and ( e) interpretability of results and clarity of the procedure. According to the results, the ANN and ANFIS methods not only provide superior performance but also are more flexible and compatible for the crack detection application. The ANFIS method is called a “white-box classifier,” and the inferred knowledge from its membership functions can be used to characterize the imagery properties of detected image components.
Surgical Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation with Electhocautery during Mitral Valve Replacement
Authors: Sarker Rampada , Sarker Manoz Kumar , Ali Md Ataher , Beg Abdul Khaleleque
Published: September 2016

Background: The Maze procedure is the surgical treatment that can alleviate the three complications of atrial fibrillation- tachycardia, thrombo-embolism and hemodynamic compromise. We attempted ablation of atrial fibrillation with monopolar eletrocautery.Our objective was to evaluate the results of surgical treatment of atrial fibrillation by ablation of the left atrial wallaround the pulmonary veins with conventional electrocautery during mitral valve replacement.Methods:This retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Cardiac Surgery, National Institute of cardiovascular diseases, Dhaka, Bangladesh,from January 2014 to February 2016. Ablation of AF with monopolar electrocautery was done during mitral valve replacement. Recurrence of atrial fibrillation, any new arrhythmia, complete heart block, bleeding and perforation was noted during the operation and in postoperative period. Patients were followed up upto three months after the surgery.Results: All the Patients were free from atrial fibrillation after the procedure. At discharge 100 %, after I month 96.2% and after 3 months 92.3 % patient were free from atrial fibrillation. No patients developed complete heart block requiring pace maker and there was no incidence of atrial perforation at the sites of ablation.Conclusion: The surgical treatment of the atrial fibrillation with elcetrocautery during mitral valve replacement is able to reverse this arrhythmia in a significant number of patients during short term follow-up without any complication.Cardiovasc. j. 2016; 9(1): 9-12
Effectiveness, Safety and Tolerability of Combination of Amlodipine and Valsartan in Hypertensive Patients
Authors: Islam Mohammad Nazrul , Hasanat MA , Rana Md Nabiul Hassan , Rahman Md Toufiqur , Khan Kaisar Nasrullah , Ali Tanvir Mobarak , Rahman Md Mahfuzur
Published: September 2016

Background: Hypertension is a major public health challenge worldwide and majority of patients fail to achieve blood pressure control with monotherapy. The purpose of the present study was to assess effectiveness of single pill combination of amlodipine and valsartan as anti-hypertensive therapy under real life conditions.Methods: This prospective, non-interventional, open-label, non-comparative observational, multicenter study was conducted from July 2013 to October 2014. This study was carried out among the hypertensive patients who were treated with single pill of amlodinpine and valsartan. Data were collected at baseline and end of study time points.The study was considered as completed for an individual patient when the treatment was completed approximately 26 ± 8 weeks.The assignment of the patient to the therapy was decided within the current practice and the medical indication, and was clearly separated from the decision to include the patient in the study.Results: The study enrolled 278 patients. Of these 236(84.9%) patients completed the study. Nonserious adverse events were reported in 19(6.8%) cases. During enrollment of the study majority patients were in the more than 140 mmHg systolic BP group which was 205(73.7%) patients which was gradually decreased to 101(36.3%) and 59(21.2%) at 2nd and final visit respectively (p=<0.05). The proportion of patients in the group of more than 90 mmHg diastolic BP was gradually decreasing from baseline to the final visit during the single pill combination of amlodinpine/valsartan which was 95(34.2%) during enrollment followed by 42(15.1%) and 33(11.9%) patients in 2nd visit and final visit respectively. Considering the diabetes mellitus (DM) patients the high SBP was gradually decreased from 74(77.9%) to 50(52.6%) patients during enrollment and final visit respectively. Again in DM patients the high DBP (>80 mmHg) was gradually decreased from 61(64.2%) patients to 29(30.5%) patients during enrollment and final visit respectively.Conclusion: The single pill combination of amlodipine/valsartan is significantly reduced the blood pressure among the hypertensive patients in real world settings.Cardiovasc. j. 2016; 9(1): 13-18
Role of Endothelin-1 Receptor Antagonist in Reducing Perioperative Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension after Surgical Correction of Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Sarker Rampada , Islam ASMS , Mandal SC , Hasan Kazi Abul , Sarker Manoz Kumar , Salam ABM Abdus , Razzaque Sk Abdur
Published: September 2016

Background: This study was designed to determine the role of oral ambrisentan, an endothelin-1 receptor, in reducing perioperative pulmonary arterial hypertension during surgical correction of ventricular septal defect.Methods: This study was carried out among 54 patients of ventricular septal defect with pulmonary arterial hypertension undergoing surgical correction. The patients were divided into two groups; study group received oral ambrisentan, an endothelin-1 receptor antagonist peri-operatively, starting one week before surgery. Pulmonary arterial pressure was measured by echocardiography, cardiac catheterization and directly from pulmonary artery during surgical procedure.Results: Pulmonary arterial pressure was reduced significantly in the group in which oral amrisentan was given perioperatively. There was further reduction of pulmonary arterial pressure at discharge from hospital and at one month follow-up.Conclusion: Oral ambrisentan can reduce pulmonary arterial pressure perioperatively in patients underwent surgical correction of ventricular septal defect.Cardiovasc. j. 2016; 9(1): 55-59
Causes of Delayed Hospitalization In Periampullary Carcinoma and Its Correlation With Perioperative Outcome
Authors: Sobhan Sarwar Ahmed , Khan Arif Salam , Das Bidhan Chandra , Chowdhury Md Mohsen , Khan Md Zulfiqur Rahman , Sharmin Farzana
Published: September 2016

Abstract not availableJ Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 24, No.1, April, 2015, Page 17-23
Comparison of Mini-Mental State Examination (Mmse) and Bangla Mini-Mental State Examination (Mmse-B) Among Healthy Elderly in Bangladesh
Authors: Ghose Swapon Kumar , Chowdhury Ahmed Hossain , Hasan ATM Hasibul , Khan Muhammad Zillur Rahman , Karim ASM Rezaul , Saha Kanol , Habib Mansur , Hoque Md Azharul , Alam Md Badrul , Mohammad Quazi Deen
Published: September 2016

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of modified Bangla version of mini mental state examination (MMSE-B) with mini mental state examination (MMSE) for using among Bangladeshi healthy elderly.Methods: This is a descriptive type of observational study carried out in Department of Neurology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, from January to December of 2013. A total of 200 healthy elderly (patient attendants at the clinic) who met the inclusion criteria, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire containing information on age, sex, residence, educational backgrounds and questions set at MMSE English version (MMSE-E) and modified Bangla version for MMSE-B (Figure-1). MMSE and MMSE-B both were applied in 1:1 ration. The literate people were asked whether they are comfortable to answer in English (MMSE-E) or they would like the translated form and we applied the form of MMSE (MMSE-T) according to their wish. But in other group of people the modified Bangla version (MMSE-B) was used irrespective of level of education.Results: The mean age at presentation was 58.1±7.8 and 94% were within 50-70 years of age. Male were more common (80, 66) in both the groups and most of them belonging to rural areas. MMSE-B were mostly employed on people having only primary level of education (up to class five, n=80) or no education (n=2), whereas MMSE-E were employed up on people having a level of education higher than class five (n=96). Every question in each item of cognitive domain correlated well (correlation co-efficient range from 0.801- 0.971) except the 7th (correlation co-efficient 0.418) which had higher mean score for MMSE-B than those of MMSE-E (0.90 versus 0.54). The mean score of MMSE-B was greater than the mean score of MMSE-E for most of questions except the 1st question that is related to orientation of time. The mean of total score in MMSE-E and MMSE-B were 24.04 and 24.91 respectively with a correlation co-efficient of 0.940.Conclusion: MMSE-B is comparable to MMSE and it is even better in some segments of cognitive assessment for using among Bangladeshi people irrespective of level of education.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 24, No.1, April, 2015, Page 30-35
Non Hodgkins Lymphoma In Herniated Sigmoid Colon Presenting as Irreducible Left Sided Inguinal Hernia  A Case Report And Review of Literature
Authors: Saha Tapan Kumar , Hakim HA Nazmul , Banik Sanjit Kumar , Haque Md Rajibul , Chowdhury Tanvir Naz , Talukder Md Tuhin
Published: September 2016

Tumors presenting in the inguinal hernia sac are considered to be extremely rare, with the more common neoplasms metastazing from the gastro-intestinal tract, ovary and prostate. A case of non-Hodgkins lymphoma was identified in herniated sigmoid colonduring hernia repair while the hernia sac appeared unusual to the operating surgeon and the surgeon found sigmoid colon formed the posterior wall of hernia sac. This part of sigmoid colon could not be reduced and contained a firm growth, evaluation by the pathologists showed a malignant neoplasm, composed of anaplastic lymphocyte having excentical plasma nuclei and abundant cytoplasm. Histologic diagnosis is non-Hodgkins lymphoma. This is the first report of non-Hodgkins lymphoma found in herniated sigmoid colon. This case was reported in the Department of Surgery, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, and illustrates the value of routine microscopic evaluation of hernia sacs found from inguinal/femoral herniorraphies as it may be the primary presentation of an asymptomatic metastatic lymphoma. Additionally, it underscores the importance of surgeons role in screening by submitting only macroscopically abnormal specimans for microscopic evaluation.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 24, No.1, April, 2015, Page 73-75
Meigs Syndrome Associated With Elevated Ca 125 Level  A Rare Case
Authors: Ghani Tabassum , Sultana Nilufar , Hussain Taufiqua , Begum Afrina , Paul Subinoy Krisno , Noorjahan - , Hossain Md Sakhawat
Published: September 2016

Meigs syndrome is a rare but well known syndrome. It is a triad of ovarian fibroma with ascites and pleural effusion that resolves after resection of the tumour. Postmenopausal women with solid adnexal masses, ascites and pleural effusion with elevated CA125 level are highly suggestive for malignant ovarian tumour. Only few cases of Meigs, syndrome with elevated CA 125 have been reported in different literatures. Here we report a case of Meigs syndrome due to right sided ovarian fibroma with elevated CA 125 level in postmenopausal woman.J Dhaka Medical College, Vol. 24, No.1, April, 2015, Page 76-78
Performance study of some T. aman varieties under normal transplanting and double transplanting system
Authors: Yasmeen R , Akter S , Halder T , Biswas A , Rahman MM , Ferdousi L
Published: September 2016

The experiment was conducted to study the performance of three T. Aman varieties (BR22, BRRI dhan46 and BRRI dhan49) under normal transplanting with 30, 45 and 60 days old seedlings and double transplanting ( 30 days + 30 days) system at Plant Physiology Division of Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, Joydebpur, Gazipur during T. Aman season, 2013. Interaction effect was significant only for days to maximum flowering and sterility percentage. BR22 required longer duration to complete flowering when transplanted with 60 days old seedlings, while sterility percentage was higher in BRRIdhan 49 when transplanted with same aged seedlings. Photosynthetic rate, LAI, total dry matter production, yield contributing characters and harvest index of tested varieties were insignificant under different transplanting methods; these parameters contributed to produce similar grain yield. The results revealed that rice varieties BR22, BRRI dhan46 and BRRI dhan49 showed similar performance under normal transplanting with different aged seedlings and double transplanting in respect of photosynthetic rate, tillering pattern, LAI, total dry matter production and grain yield during T. Aman season.SAARC J. Agri., 14(1): 37-45 (2016)
Interaction of Meloidogyne incognita and Fusarium oxysporum in carnation and physiological changes induced in plants due to the interaction
Authors: Meena K Sankari , Ramyabharathi SA , Raguchander T , Jonathan EI
Published: September 2016

Two pot culture experiments were carried out in carnation var. redking in two different seasons to study the interactive effect of Fusarium oxysporum and Meloidogyne incognita on the growth, yield and changes in physiological parameters of the plant. Highest reduction of growth and yield parameters were observed in the plants that received sequential inoculation of the nematode followed by fungus. Significant reduction in the nematode population was observed in the sequential inoculation of the fungus followed by nematodes and combined inoculation of the two pathogens. Reduced chlorophyll content and increased protein and sugar content were observed in the plants due to the interaction of nematode and fungus.SAARC J. Agri., 14(1): 59-69 (2016)
Genetic divergence among 22 strawberry (Fragaria x Ananassa Duch.) genotypes for bioactive compounds grown in northwest Himalayas
Authors: Lal S , Singh DB
Published: September 2016

To analyze genetic divergence 22 strawberry genotypes (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) were studied for six bioactive compounds traits at Central Institute of Temperate Horticulture (CITH), Srinagar, India. The maximum PCV and GCV were estimated for the total phenol content (23.78 and 23.87) followed by vitamin C (22.39 and 22.48). The heritability was highest for total phenols (99.61%) and DDPH (99.18). Genotypic correlation was of higher magnitude to the corresponding phenotypic ones. Titrable acidity exhibited highly negative association with vitamin C whereas total phenol content was showed significantly negative correlation with vitamin C but positive association with titrable acidity and total anthocyanin contents. DPPH and vitamin C negatively correlated, however DPPH exhibited highly positive and significant association with titrable acidity, total anthocyanin and total phenol contents. In path analysis, highest positive direct effect was exhibited by total phenol content (0.937) the highest negative direct effect by total flavonols (-0.055). The selection based on higher total phenols, titrable acidity and total anthocyanin contents will be beneficial for enhancing the total antioxidant potential attributes of strawberry germplam for commercial utilization and processing. The information also could be utilized to increase the nutritional value of different foods and diets in the prevention of chronic human diseases using strawberry genotypes having higher bioactive compounds.SAARC J. Agri., 14(1): 81-91 (2016)
Use of carbon disulfide as attractant for trapping and rodenticide baiting of Bandicota bengalensis (GRAY)
Authors: Alam Md Shah , Hasanuzzaman ATM
Published: September 2016

Management of rodent with rodenticide and trapping is frequently ineffective due to bait or trap shyness and neophobia. A study was conducted in the laboratory of Vertebrate Pest Division, BARI, Gazipur and field to increase the attractiveness of bait or trap to B. bengalensis and enhance the consumption of novel food by using different concentration of carbon disulfide (CS2). Study revealed that addition of CS2 improved bait acceptance of food. Five ppm concentration of CS2, rat consumed significantly greater amount of cereal bait than untreated plain wheat bait. In semi-natural field test, significantly greater number (59%) of rat was trapped in CS2 scented bait than without scented bait (41%). In the field study higher population reduction (85-91%) was achieved with CS2 scented zinc phosphide bait than without scented zinc phosphide bait (50%). That is 80% higher reduction of rodent population was achieved with CS2 treated zinc phosphide bait. From this study we conclude that CS2 can improve the efficiency and consumption of poison bait and can increase trap success.SAARC J. Agri., 14(1): 93-101 (2016)
Editorial: The first issue of NJVET in a new shape
Authors: Andersson Per , Köpsén Susanne , Aakre Bjørn Magne
Published: September 2016

Welcome to the Nordic Journal of Vocational Education and Training (NJVET). With this journal, we want to create a forum for research on vocational and professional education and training, with a particular focus on issues at stake for vocational education and training (VET) in the Nordic countries. The journal is published online and open access, and there are no submission or article processing charges. This is the first issue of NJVET in its new shape. We have put effort into the renewal of our website, submission and publishing system, guidelines for contributions etc. Altogether we hope that this will contribute to strengthening the quality of our journal, and also of Nordic VET research in general. In this first issue we can present contributions from four Nordic countries – Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Nevertheless, relevant contributions from outside the Nordic countries are most welcome! We encourage publication of articles in English, which makes the audience of our research results much broader, but we also offer the opportunity to publish in the Nordic languages. In this issue, articles are published in English, Danish, and Norwegian. You should also note that we make a difference between research articles, which have undergone a double-blind peer-review by at least two anonym viewers, and magazine articles that contain other types of materials, discussions, minor studies of VET etc. The magazine articles are not subject to double-blind peer review, but are reviewed by the editors. We also welcome relevant book reviews. However, this issue does not include any book review.