bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Background History, Clinical Presentation and Laboratory Profile in Cases of Suspected Neurometabolic Disorders
Authors: Mahbub Mustafa , Azam AZM Mosiul , Mazumder Suraj C , Debnath Bithi , Khan Naila Zaman
Published: December 2016

Background : Neurometabolic disorders (NMD) in children may present at any age with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Unexplained or intractable seizure is one of the important associations. Consanguinity, regression of development and sibling death are the clues to suspect neurometabolic disorders when laboratory support is limited. Laboratory findings however, provide the confirmatory diagnosis which is unavailable in Bangladesh.Objectives : To determine the association of consanguinity, regression of development, seizures, EEG findings and other laboratory investigations in children suspected to have neurometabolic disorders and to aid clinicians working in resourcepoor countries.Methodology : A retrospective analysis was done from the records of the patients suspected to have neurometabolic disorders admitted in the department of Neurosciences, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka during the period of July 2007 to February 2011. Tandem Mass Spectrometry (TMS), biotinidase activity and other enzyme assay were done through a private laboratory in New Delhi, India.Results : Total 128 children were studied and the parents of 39 (31%) had history of consanguineous marriage. Seizure was associated with 96 (75%) children and abnormal EEG findings were recorded in 83 (65%). Plasma ammonia was done in 98 cases and found to be increased in 53 (54%) cases. Plasma lactate was done in 94 cases and found high in 40 (43%). TMS were done in 111 (85%) children and abnormality were found in 70 (63%) cases. Serum biotinidase activity was advised for 41 children as per TMS result and measured in 25 children of which deficient activity was found in 17(68%); borderline in 4 (16%) and normal activity in 4 (16%) cases.Conclusion: Background history and clinical presentation followed by stepwise laboratory investigation is necessary to identify neurometabolic disorders. Early and appropriate intervention can reduce neurodisability in many situations.Bangladesh J Child Health 2015; VOL 39 (1) :24-29
Escobar Syndrome - A Case Report in A Newborn
Authors: Nazme Nure Ishrat , Sultana Jesmin , Chowdhury Rehana Begum
Published: December 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Child Health 2015; VOL 39 (1) :50-53
A Case Report on Jeune Syndrome in a Three Month Old Infant
Authors: Naher Begum Sharifun , Saha Bithi Rani , Naima Kaniz Batul
Published: December 2016

Abstract not availableBangladesh J Child Health 2015; VOL 39 (1) :54-56
Biotransformation of major ginsenoside Rb1 to pharmacologically active ginsenoside Rg3 through fermentation by Weissella hellenica DC06 in newly developed medium
Authors: Huq MA , Akter SK , Kim Yeon Ju , Farh Mohamed El Agamy , Yang Deok Chun
Published: December 2016

The study was conducted to develop an edible and low cost growth medium for cultivation of Weissella hellenica DC06, a lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and to study whether, the medium is suitable for bioconversion of major ginsenoside Rb1 into ginsenoside Rg3 through fermentation by W. hellenica DC06. Fourteen different media compositions were investigated to cultivate W. hellenica DC06. Among these, W. hellenica DC06 exhibited the highest growth in media containing 20 g/l radish, 20 g/l glucose, and 10 g/l yeast extract (Medium 3). The optical density of W. hellenica DC06 cultivated in medium 3 reached 1.8 (1.066 x 1010 CFU/ml) after 24 h of incubation. Importantly, the optimized medium was approximately four times cheaper compared to MRS medium. In addition to being economical, the new medium was also edible. Also W. hellenica DC06 showed strong fermentation ability in newly developed medium regarding on major ginsenoside Rb1 biotransformation. Ginsenoside Rb1 was converted into pharmacologically active ginsenoside Rg3 in new medium. In contrast,W. hellenica DC06 showed weak fermentation ability in MRS medium where ginsenoside Rb1 was converted intoginsenoside Rd. The transformation products were analyzed by TLC, and HPLC. Within seven days of fermentation, almost all ginsenoside Rb1 was decomposed and converted into Rg3 in optimized medium. W. hellenica DC06 hydrolyzed two glucose moieties attached to the C-20 position of the ginsenoside Rb1aglyconeand synthesized Rg3 in newly developed medium.Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 51(4), 271-278, 2016
Removal of Pb and Zn from industrial effluent using humic acid
Authors: Parvin A , Hoque S
Published: December 2016

The present work was conducted to remove Pb and Zn from industrial effluents by coagulating the ions with humic acids. Seven types of effluents were collected from textile, tannery and pharmaceutical industries. Two commercially available humic acids one in a liquid state and another one in a semi-solid state, humic acid extracted from peat were used to remove Pb and Zn from industrial effluents as well as synthetic waste water. Optical property, carbon concentration and coagulation threshold of humic acids were studied. Same carbon concentration (1 x 10-5 g L-1) of all the sources was maintained at neutral pH. The values of water soluble Pb and Zn in effluents were 0.000 - 0.0711 ?g/mL and 0.002 - 0.024 ?g/mL, respectively. Results indicated that liquid humic acid having E4: E6 ratio of 1.2 removed 100% Pb and Zn only from pharmaceutical effluent whereas humic acid extracted from peat having E4: E6 ratio of 3.18 completely (100%) removed these metals from pharmaceutical and tannery effluents. Semi-solid humic acid having the lowest E4: E6 ratio of 1.07 did not form coagulation with the metals. The performance of humic acid extracted from peat was better than that of commercially available humic acids. Bangladesh J. Sci. Ind. Res. 51(4), 279-284, 2016
Integrated Nutrient Management for Potato-Maize-T. Aman Rice Cropping Pattern
Authors: Saha PK , Rahman F , Akter M , Islam R , Hossain ATMS , Ali MG
Published: December 2016

A field experiment on integrated nutrient management (INM) for Potato-Maize-T. Aman cropping pattern was conducted at BRRI RS farm, Rangpur (AEZ-3) during 2007-2010. The objectives were to examine the effect of Potato-Maize-T. Aman cropping on soil fertility and to develop appropriate fertilizer management practices for the above mentioned pattern. Inorganic and organic nutrient sources were tested in six different combinations in Rangpur region. Poultry manure (PM) @ 3.0 t ha-1 + IPNS based inorganic fertilizers for potato (N80, P0, K30, S0, Zn0, Mg4, B1) and maize (N136, P0, K40, S2, Zn1.8, Mg2, B1) crops, and STB dose for T. Aman crop (N65, P3, K27, S8) has been recommended for Potato-Maize-T. Aman cropping pattern in Rangpur region. In fertilized plots, there was an apparent negative balance for N and K. The balances for P and S were positive. Organic C, total N and available P in soil increased due to integration of chemical fertilizer with PM. Results indicate that it is necessary to apply organic manure in combination with chemical fertilizer for sustaining soil fertility. For maize and potato crops, fertilizer dose needs to be updated after every three years of successive crop cultivation under Potato-Maize-T. Aman cropping pattern. Net additional income was the highest in T5 where PM and IPNS based fertilizer applied.Bangladesh Rice j. 2016, 20(1): 51-58
Comparative effectiveness of Dimethyl Sulphoxide (DMSO) and Glycerol as cryoprotective agent in preserving Vero cells
Authors: Siddiqui MSI , Giasuddin M , Chowdhury SMZH , Islam MR , Chowdhury EH
Published: December 2016

Vero cells have been derived from the kidney of African green monkeys (Cercopithecus aethiops) as mammalian continuous cell lines for biological research. Continuous culturing of Vero cells as well as maintenance of frozen stock is important for future use. Dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO) and glycerol are two common cryoprotectants used widely to maintain frozen cell lines. DMSO, as a cryoprotectant in cryopreservation procedures, is detrimental to cells. A study was carried out to compare the effect of DMSO and glycerol as cryoprotectants on Vero cells. Vero cells were cultured and maintained using same nutrients and environment, following the modified protocol of Ammerman et al. (2008). After total cell counting the Vero cells were preserved in Cryocane at liquid nitrogen temperature (-196ºC). Two frozen stocks were made simultaneously from the cell suspensions of same concentrations using DMSO and glycerol. After one year of preservation post-thawed cell viability with glycerol was higher than with DMSO. Solutions of 10% glycerol could be the best choice as cryoprotectant for long-term (1 year) preservation of Vero cellsBangl. vet. 2015. Vol. 32, No. 2, 35-41
Kidney histotexure and serum creatinine level in response to concurrent administration of alcohol and coffee in mice
Authors: Islam MT , Islam MK , Hossain MZ , Wares MA
Published: December 2016

The effect of alcohol and coffee on renal function with pathological changes in kidney was determined in mice. Sixty Albino mice were randomly divided into six equal groups. The mice of group A were maintained as control and remaining five groups were used as treated groups. The mice of control group were supplied with normal mice pellets whereas other groups were supplied with same pellets in addition to 5% coffee (in drinking water), 10% coffee, 10% alcohol, 5% coffee plus 5% alcohol and 10% coffee plus 10% alcohol, for 90 days. The serum creatinine level was significantly (P<0.01) higher in groups supplied with alcohol. There was huge infiltration of reactive cells and mild haemorrhagic spots in kidney of mice that received 10% coffee and 10% alcohol, respectively. It is suggested that long use of high doses of alcohol and coffee impaired kidney function.Bangl. vet. 2015. Vol. 32, No. 2, 42-47
Factors influencing the rates of pregnancy, calving and peri-parturient disorders in heifers at selected char areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain MM , Bhuiyan MMU , Rahman MM , Juyena NS
Published: December 2016

The study was conducted to evaluate the factors affecting the rates of pregnancy, calving and peri-parturient disorders in heifers in selected char areas (low lying flood and erosion-prone areas in or adjacent to major rivers) of Lalmonirhat district of Bangladesh. A total of 101 artificial inseminated (AI) heifers were randomly selected for monitoring rates of pregnancy, calving and peri-parturient disorders with respect to breed of semen, source of semen, breed, age, body weight and body condition score (BCS) of heifers. The overall rates of pregnancy, calving and peri-parturient disorder were 51.5%, 45.5% and 32.6%, respectively. The differences were not significant with respect to the factors evaluated (P>0.05).Bangl. vet. 2015. Vol. 32, No. 2, 65-72
Managing Curricular Innovation and Teacher Training: Bangladesh Perspective
Authors: Kabir Mohammed Humayun
Published: December 2016

This study aims at finding out the necessity of teachers training to put into practice the LT(Communicative Language Teaching) based English textbooks (English for Today series i.e. EFT) in Bangladesh at school and college levels where Grammar-Translation-Literature based curriculum had been followed for decades. Using a mixed methods approach, I conducted the study by engaging the teacher participants in the questionnaire response, interviewing them, observing their classes and consulting different official reports and research findings. The study revealed that majority of our English teachers are not trained up at all to use these CLT textbooks though they feel that training might definitely skill them well and make them efficient enough to handle the newly designed EFT textbooks more effectively. It further revealed that even trained up teachers cannot create a truly communicative environment in the classroom as the existing testing system encourages students to memorize answers to some probable questions rather than engage them in communicative activities. This paper ends with some recommendations to overcome this existing hopeless situation.IIUC Studies Vol.12 December 2015: 09-26
Of Motivation and Learning English: A Perspective on EFL Students in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir SM Akramul
Published: December 2016

Motivation and learning tend to be interrelated with each other. Among all other learning variables, motivation is considered the most significant factor in language learning. The More a learner is motivated the more effective learning takes place. Learning a foreign language such as English denotes the preference and zeal of the learner depending on the intensity of motivation. So, in order to help the students to maintain proper strength in English, learning motivation is essential for the teachers in regular teaching procedure. This paper discusses the role of motivation for English language learning in four main sections focusing on EFL students of Bangladesh. Finally, some suggestions are offered to the teachersIIUC Studies Vol.12 December 2015: 139-146
Efficacy of three botanicals and a microbial derivatives acaricide (Abamectin) on the control of jute yellow mite, Polyphagotarsonemus latus (Bank)
Authors: Rahman A , Islam KS , Jahan M , Islam N
Published: December 2016

Three botanical oils and of microbial derivatives an acaricide (Abamectin) were evaluated for their efficacy in controlling yellow mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus in the field laboratory of Entomology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. The selected botanical oils viz. Neem oil, Mahogany oil and Karanja oil and the acaricide Ambush 1.8 EC were tested against jute yellow mite on standing jute plants of the experimental plots and assessed for their effect on the basis of population of the pest at 24, 48 and 72 hours after treatment and the reduction of yellow mite infested plant after 7 and 10 days of spraying. The acaricide Ambush 1.8 EC was highly effective showing reduction of 80.25% mite infested plant. Among the botanicals, Neem oil and Mahogany oil showed better efficacy and caused 60.55 % and 55.89 % reduction of mite infestation. Karanja oil was not found promising in controlling yellow mite of jute. Considering the effectiveness against the mite pest as well as the environmental safety, use of Neem and Mahogany oil and also the reduced risk acaricide, Ambush 1.8 EC might be suggested in the IPM of yellow mite.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 1-6, June 2016
Influences of micro-credit programmes on women empowerment in Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain D , Islam MA , Majumder S
Published: December 2016

The focus of this study was to measure the impact of micro-credit programme on women empowerment in Bangladesh. Six leading NGOs/MFIs which operated micro-credit programmes were considered (namely ASA, BRAC, Grameen Bank, SSS, PROSHIKA and TMSS). A total of 406 credit-receivers were randomly selected from twenty-six villages in eight districts of Bangladesh viz., Dhaka, Mymensingh, Sherpur, Netrokona, Kishoregonj, Sylhet, Lalmonirhat, and Narsingdi. The study revealed that 68.5 percent of the respondents could change their empowerment situation. By the estimated change in empowerment it was realised that 15.8 percent of the respondents experienced positive change in their empowerment situation. The main factors affecting the change in women empowerment were membership of different micro-credit organizations, poverty change due to micro-credit and use of loaned money. In single level logistic regression model, the change in poverty situation due to micro-credit had positive association with the perceived change in women empowerment. On the other hand, in multinomial regression analysis the change in poverty situation due to micro-credit had a negative impact on the estimated change in empowerment situation. This contradiction dictates for further investigation into the issue possibly at different component levels of women empowerment. Finally, this research recommended that micro-credit organizations should increase the amount of loan to at least Tk. 15000 encouraging the clients to invest in less risky business with efficient follow up programme.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 93-100, June 2016
A study on brinjal production in Jamalpur district through profitability analysis and factors affecting the production
Authors: Rahman MZ , Kabir H , Khan M
Published: December 2016

The objectives of this research study are to identify and measure the impact of the factors on brinjal production and to calculate the profit of brinjal production. Primary data collection was carried out at three villages of Islampur Upazila under Jamalpur district. Cobb-Douglas production function was applied to determine the effects of inputs on brinjal production. Human labor, seed cost, MP cost and pesticides have significant impact on brinjal production. The most important factor for variation in costs as identified was human labor and chemical fertilizers cost. Net return and cash margin of brinjal production were BDT 303,358 and BDT 345,415 per ha, respectively while the profit per Kg was BDT 6.63.Thus, Brinjal is a highly profitable enterprise. This study also identified some problems faced by farmers for producing brinjal like insects affect, lack of capital, lack of quality seed, lack of storage facilities, marketing problems. Thus more research and extension service can be adopted to solve the problems in order to increase production and ensure the nutritional food value in Bangladesh.J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 14(1): 113-118, June 2016
Dietary determinant of severe acute malnutrition among infants: Evidence from a case controlled study at a Central Indian district
Authors: Pandey Pavan , Singh Shivendra Kumar
Published: December 2016

Breast feeding and complementary feeding practices ultimately determine the nutritional status of newborn at the end of infancy. The objective of the present study was to find the possible causes of malnutrition in context of breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices adopted by families of infants aged 6-12 month old. A community-based, unmatched, case-controlled study was conducted involving 78 cases and 156 controls in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh, India. The study included infants aged 6- 12 months who were enrolled in the Integrated Child Development Scheme. Cases and controls were selected through a multi-staged sampling strategy. Cases were those with severe acute malnutrition and controls were those with no malnutrition as per the World Health Organization criteria. Data related to the breastfeeding, pre-lacteal feeding and complementary feeding practices were collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out. P-value and Odds ratios were calculated. The proportion of exclusive breastfeeding among cases and control was 10.3% and 24.4% respectively. The high odds of malnutrition were related to lack of exclusively breastfeeding [COR(95% CI) = 4.69(2.50- 6.53)], lack of feeding semisolid food, less frequent complementary feedings [COR(95% CI) = 5.69(3.01- 8.93)], lack of hand washing by caregivers [COR(95% CI) =2.44 (1.10-3.19)], and lack of use of disinfected drinking water for infants. Proper health education should be imparted not only to mothers but also other family members involved in the childs care.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(1) 2016: 32-39
Women empowerment through health seeking behavior in Bangladesh: Evidence from a national survey
Authors: Hasan Md Nazmul , Uddin M Sheikh Giash
Published: December 2016

Empowering women is an important subject to achieve targets for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Bangladesh. There are several indicators to measure the empowerment of women. Health seeking information is one of the most important indicators in this regard. This study aims at identifying the levels and patterns of women empowerment in relation to health seeking behavior in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2011 data was used for the study. A total of 16635 women of reproductive age were included in this study. Only 42% of recently married women participated in all the four discussions regarding their own health care, major household purchases, child health care, and visiting their family or relatives. Cross tabulation and logistic regression analyses were performed to know about women empowerment in relation to health seeking behavior on decision making, controlling the effect of other independent variables. The results showed that about 63% women were empowered (either by themselves or jointly with their husbands) to decide on their own healthcare seeking and around 67% in healthcare seeking for their children. Working women were 1.734 times more likely to seek their own healthcare than non-working women. Again rural women appeared to be 21% less likely to seek child healthcare compared to urban women. The results of this study showed that seeking health information empowered women to promote their self-confidence, filter the information, manage life problems successfully, feel strength against health problems and disabilities, and be encouraged to seek more information.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(1) 2016: 40-45
Acridine orange for diagnosis of malaria  Our experience
Authors: Jangale Neeta , Waghmare Ashwini
Published: December 2016

Light microscopy of Romanowsky stained peripheral blood smear examination is the age old and commonest method for laboratory diagnosis of malaria. However it is labor intensive, time consuming and requires qualified personnel. So fluorescent microscopy variation that is Quantitative Buffy Coat method( QBC) came into vogue. But QBC imposes cost limitation despite its high performance. Therefore we decided to evaluate fluorescent method using acridine orange in our set up. In this study we have compared Acridine Orange staining with Leishmans staining as gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of acridine orange was 99.28% and 97.19% respectively, while positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predicitive value was 89.93% and 99.82% respectively.South East Asia Journal of Public Health Vol.6(1) 2016: 49-51
Maximum Efficiency per Torque Control of Permanent-Magnet Synchronous Machines
Authors: Guo Qingbo , Zhang Chengming , Li Liyi , Zhang Jiangpeng , Wang Mingyi
Published: December 2016

High-efficiency permanent-magnet synchronous machine (PMSM) drive systems need not only optimally designed motors but also efficiency-oriented control strategies. However, the existing control strategies only focus on partial loss optimization. This paper proposes a novel analytic loss model of PMSM in either sine-wave pulse-width modulation (SPWM) or space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) which can take into account both the fundamental loss and harmonic loss. The fundamental loss is divided into fundamental copper loss and fundamental iron loss which is estimated by the average flux density in the stator tooth and yoke. In addition, the harmonic loss is obtained from the Bertotti iron loss formula by the harmonic voltages of the three-phase inverter in either SPWM or SVPWM which are calculated by double Fourier integral analysis. Based on the analytic loss model, this paper proposes a maximum efficiency per torque (MEPT) control strategy which can minimize the electromagnetic loss of PMSM in the whole operation range. As the loss model of PMSM is too complicated to obtain the analytical solution of optimal loss, a golden section method is applied to achieve the optimal operation point accurately, which can make PMSM work at maximum efficiency. The optimized results between SPWM and SVPWM show that the MEPT in SVPWM has a better effect on the optimization performance. Both the theory analysis and experiment results show that the MEPT control can significantly improve the efficiency performance of the PMSM in each operation condition with a satisfied dynamic performance.
N2O Decomposition over Cu–Zn/γ–Al2O3 Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Runhu , Hua Chao , Wang Bingshuai , Jiang Yan
Published: December 2016

Cu–Zn/γ–Al2O3 catalysts were prepared by the impregnation method. Catalytic activity was evaluated for N2O decomposition in a fixed bed reactor. The fresh and used catalysts were characterized by several techniques such as BET surface area, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The Cu–Zn/γ–Al2O3 catalysts exhibit high activity and stability for N2O decomposition in mixtures simulating real gas from adipic acid production, containing N2O, O2, NO, CO2, and CO. Over the Cu–Zn/γ–Al2O3 catalysts, 100% of N2O conversion was obtained at about 601 °C at a gas hourly space velocity (GHSV) of 7200 h−1. Cu–Zn/γ–Al2O3 catalysts also exhibited considerably good durability, and no obvious activity loss was observed in the 100 h stability test. The Cu–Zn/γ–Al2O3 catalysts are promising for the abatement of this powerful greenhouse gas in the chemical industry, particularly in adipic acid production.
Synthesis of PtNi Alloy Nanoparticles on Graphene-Based Polymer Nanohybrids for Electrocatalytic Oxidation of Methanol
Authors: Yung Tung-Yuan , Liu Ting-Yu , Wang Kuan-Syun , Liu Che-Chun , Wang Shih-Hsuan , Chen Po-Tuan , Chao Chi-Yang
Published: December 2016

We have successfully produced bimetallic PtNi alloy nanoparticles on poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA)-modified graphene nanosheets (PtNi/PDDA-G) by the “one-pot” hydrothermal method. The size of PtNi alloy nanoparticles is approximately 2–5 nm. The PDDA-modified graphene nanosheets (PDDA-G) provides an anchored site for metal precursors; hence, the PtNi nanoparticles could be easily bond on the PDDA-G substrate. PtNi alloy nanoparticles (2–5 nm) display a homogenous alloy phase embedded on the PDDA-G substrate, evaluated by Raman, X-ray diffractometer (XRD), thermal gravity analysis (TGA), electron surface chemical analysis (ESCA), and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). The Pt/Ni ratio of PtNi alloy nanoparticles is ~1.7, examined by the energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectra of transmitting electron microscopy (EDS/TEM spectra) and mapping technique. The methanol electro-oxidation of PtNi/PDDA-G was evaluated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in 0.5 M of H2SO4 and 0.5 M of CH3OH. Compared to Pt on carbon nanoparticles (Pt/C) and Pt on Graphene (Pt/G), the PtNi/PDDA-G exhibits the optimal electrochemical surface area (ECSA), methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) activity, and durability by chrono amperometry (CA) test, which can be a candidate for MOR in the electro-catalysis of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC).
Photoassisted Oxidation of Sulfides Catalyzed by Artificial Metalloenzymes Using Water as an Oxygen Source
Authors: Herrero Christian , Nguyen-Thi Nhung , Hammerer Fabien , Banse Frédéric , Gagné Donald , Doucet Nicolas , Mahy Jean-Pierre , Ricoux Rémy
Published: December 2016

The Mn(TpCPP)-Xln10A artificial metalloenzyme, obtained by non-covalent insertion of Mn(III)-meso-tetrakis(p-carboxyphenyl)porphyrin [Mn(TpCPP), 1-Mn] into xylanase 10A from Streptomyces lividans (Xln10A) as a host protein, was found able to catalyze the selective photo-induced oxidation of organic substrates in the presence of [RuII(bpy)3]2+ as a photosensitizer and [CoIII(NH3)5Cl]2+ as a sacrificial electron acceptor, using water as oxygen atom source.
Multivariate Surprisal Analysis of Gene Expression Levels
Authors: Remacle Francoise , Goldstein Andrew , Levine Raphael
Published: December 2016

We consider here multivariate data which we understand as the problem where each data point i is measured for two or more distinct variables. In a typical situation there are many data points i while the range of the different variables is more limited. If there is only one variable then the data can be arranged as a rectangular matrix where i is the index of the rows while the values of the variable label the columns. We begin here with this case, but then proceed to the more general case with special emphasis on two variables when the data can be organized as a tensor. An analysis of such multivariate data by a maximal entropy approach is discussed and illustrated for gene expressions in four different cell types of six different patients. The different genes are indexed by i, and there are 24 (4 by 6) entries for each i. We used an unbiased thermodynamic maximal-entropy based approach (surprisal analysis) to analyze the multivariate transcriptional profiles. The measured microarray experimental data is organized as a tensor array where the two minor orthogonal directions are the different patients and the different cell types. The entries are the transcription levels on a logarithmic scale. We identify a disease signature of prostate cancer and determine the degree of variability between individual patients. Surprisal analysis determined a baseline expression level common for all cells and patients. We identify the transcripts in the baseline as the “housekeeping” genes that insure the cell stability. The baseline and two surprisal patterns satisfactorily recover (99.8%) the multivariate data. The two patterns characterize the individuality of the patients and, to a lesser extent, the commonality of the disease. The immune response was identified as the most significant pathway contributing to the cancer disease pattern. Delineating patient variability is a central issue in personalized diagnostics and it remains to be seen if additional data will confirm the power of multivariate analysis to address this key point. The collapsed limits where the data is compacted into two dimensional arrays are contained within the proposed formalism.
MicroRNAs, DNA Damage Response, and Cancer Treatment
Authors: He Mingyang , Zhou Weiwei , Li Chuang , Guo Mingxiong
Published: December 2016

As a result of various stresses, lesions caused by DNA-damaging agents occur constantly in each cell of the human body. Generally, DNA damage is recognized and repaired by the DNA damage response (DDR) machinery, and the cells survive. When repair fails, the genomic integrity of the cell is disrupted—a hallmark of cancer. In addition, the DDR plays a dual role in cancer development and therapy. Cancer radiotherapy and chemotherapy are designed to eliminate cancer cells by inducing DNA damage, which in turn can promote tumorigenesis. Over the past two decades, an increasing number of microRNAs (miRNAs), small noncoding RNAs, have been identified as participating in the processes regulating tumorigenesis and responses to cancer treatment with radiation therapy or genotoxic chemotherapies, by modulating the DDR. The purpose of this review is to summarize the recent findings on how miRNAs regulate the DDR and discuss the therapeutic functions of miRNAs in cancer in the context of DDR regulation.
Differential Cellular Responses to Hedgehog Signalling in Vertebrates—What is the Role of Competence?
Authors: Kiecker Clemens , Graham Anthony , Logan Malcolm
Published: December 2016

A surprisingly small number of signalling pathways generate a plethora of cellular responses ranging from the acquisition of multiple cell fates to proliferation, differentiation, morphogenesis and cell death. These diverse responses may be due to the dose-dependent activities of signalling factors, or to intrinsic differences in the response of cells to a given signal—a phenomenon called differential cellular competence. In this review, we focus on temporal and spatial differences in competence for Hedgehog (HH) signalling, a signalling pathway that is reiteratively employed in embryos and adult organisms. We discuss the upstream signals and mechanisms that may establish differential competence for HHs in a range of different tissues. We argue that the changing competence for HH signalling provides a four-dimensional framework for the interpretation of the signal that is essential for the emergence of functional anatomy. A number of diseases—including several types of cancer—are caused by malfunctions of the HH pathway. A better understanding of what provides differential competence for this signal may reveal HH-related disease mechanisms and equip us with more specific tools to manipulate HH signalling in the clinic.
Large-Scale Mapping of Tree-Community Composition as a Surrogate of Forest Degradation in Bornean Tropical Rain Forests
Authors: Fujiki Shogoro , Aoyagi Ryota , Tanaka Atsushi , Imai Nobuo , Kusma Arif , Kurniawan Yuyun , Lee Ying , Sugau John , Pereira Joan , Samejima Hiromitsu , Kitayama Kanehiro
Published: December 2016

Assessment of the progress of the Aichi Biodiversity Targets set by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and the safeguarding of ecosystems from the perverse negative impacts caused by Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation Plus (REDD+) requires the development of spatiotemporally robust and sensitive indicators of biodiversity and ecosystem health. Recently, it has been proposed that tree-community composition based on count-plot surveys could serve as a robust, sensitive, and cost-effective indicator for forest intactness in Bornean logged-over rain forests. In this study, we developed an algorithm to map tree-community composition across the entire landscape based on Landsat imagery. We targeted six forest management units (FMUs), each of which ranged from 50,000 to 100,000 ha in area, covering a broad geographic range spanning the most area of Borneo. Approximately fifty 20 m-radius circular plots were established in each FMU, and the differences in tree-community composition at a genus level among plots were examined for trees with diameter at breast height ≥10 cm using an ordination with non-metric multidimensional scaling (nMDS). Subsequently, we developed a linear regression model based on Landsat metrics (e.g., reflectance value, vegetation indices and textures) to explain the nMDS axis-1 scores of the plots, and extrapolated the model to the landscape to establish a tree-community composition map in each FMU. The adjusted R2 values based on a cross-validation approach between the predicted and observed nMDS axis-1 scores indicated a close correlation, ranging from 0.54 to 0.69. Histograms of the frequency distributions of extrapolated nMDS axis-1 scores were derived from each map and used to quantitatively diagnose the forest intactness of the FMUs. Our study indicated that tree-community composition, which was reported as a robust indicator of forest intactness, could be mapped at a landscape level to quantitatively assess the spatial patterns of intactness in Bornean rain forests. Our approach can be used for large-scale assessments of tree diversity and forest intactness to monitor both the progress of Aichi Biodiversity Targets and the effectiveness of REDD+ biodiversity safeguards in production forests in the tropics.
The Refining Mechanism of Super Gravity on the Solidification Structure of Al-Cu Alloys
Authors: Yang Yuhou , Song Bo , Yang Zhanbing , Song Gaoyang , Cai Zeyun , Guo Zhancheng
Published: December 2016

There is far less study of the refining effect of super gravity fields on solidification structures of metals than of the effects of electrical currents, magnetic and ultrasonic fields. Moreover, the refining mechanisms of super gravity are far from clear. This study applied a super gravity field to Al-Cu alloys to investigate its effect on refining their structures and the mechanism of interaction. The experimental results showed that the solidification structure of Al-Cu alloys can be greatly refined by a super gravity field. The major refining effect was mainly achieved when super gravity was applied at the initial solidification stage; only slight refinement could be obtained towards the end of solidification. No refinement was obtained by the super gravity treatment on pure liquid or solid stages. The effectiveness of super gravity results from its promoting the multiplication of crystal nuclei, which we call “Heavy Crystal Rain”, thereby greatly strengthening the migration of crystal nuclei within the alloy. Increasing the solute Cu content can increase nucleation density and restrict the growth of crystals, which further increases the refining effect of super gravity. Within this paper, we also discuss the motile behavior of crystals in a field of super gravity.
Microbiological Quality of Fresh Nopal Juice
Authors: Hernández-Anguiano Ana , Landa-Salgado Patricia , Eslava-Campos Carlos , Vargas-Hernández Mateo , Patel Jitendra
Published: December 2016

The consumption of fresh nopal cactus juice is widely popular among health-conscious consumers in Mexico. The juice is prepared from fresh cladodes that have only been rinsed with tap water and are not subjected to a pasteurization or terminal bacterial reduction process. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microbial quality of commercially available fresh juices (n = 162) made with nopal in Texcoco, State of Mexico, during the summer and spring season. Standard microbiological methods, the PCR technique and the serological method were used for isolation and identification of bacteria. All samples contained total coliforms and 91% were positive for Escherichia coli. Although total coliforms and E. coli were detected throughout the study, their populations were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in winter and spring, respectively. Citrobacter youngae was found in 20% of the samples, an unidentified species of Citrobacter in 10%, C. freundii and Proteus mirabilis in 3%, and Salmonella Javiana in 1%. The presence of these microorganisms, especially Salmonella, in the nopal juices is unacceptable due to its health significance. The information generated in this study is relevant for human health risk assessment associated with the consumption of unpasteurized nopal juices and potential interventions to minimize pathogen contamination.
Interactions of Bovine Serum Albumin with Anti-Cancer Compounds Using a ProteOn XPR36 Array Biosensor and Molecular Docking
Authors: Zhang Ling , Cai Qiao-Yan , Cai Zhi-Xiong , Fang Yi , Zheng Chun-Song , Wang Li-Li , Lin Shan , Chen Da-Xin , Peng Jun
Published: December 2016

The aim of the work was to determine the interactions of a set of anti-cancer compounds with bovine serum albumin (BSA) using a ProteOn XPR36 array biosensor and molecular docking studies. The results revealed that a total of six anti-cancer compounds: gallic acid, doxorubicin, acteoside, salvianolic acid B, echinacoside, and vincristine were able to reversibly bind to the immobilized BSA. The sensorgrams of these six compounds were globally fit to a Langmuir 1:1 interaction model for binding kinetics analysis. There were significant differences in their affinity for BSA, with doxorubicin, the weakest binding compound having 1000-fold less affinity than salvianolic acid B, the strongest binding compound. However, compounds with a similar KD often exhibited markedly different kinetics due to the differences in ka and kd. Molecular docking experiments demonstrated that acteoside was partially located within sub-domain IIA of BSA, whereas gallic acid bound to BSA deep within its sub-domain IIIA. In addition, the interactions between these compounds and BSA were dominated by hydrophobic forces and hydrogen bonds. Understanding the detailed information of these anti-cancer compounds can provide important insights into optimizing the interactions and activity of potential compounds during drug development.
Zerumbone, a Bioactive Sesquiterpene, Ameliorates Diabetes-Induced Retinal Microvascular Damage through Inhibition of Phospho-p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Nuclear Factor-κB Pathways
Authors: Liu Wayne , Tzeng Thing-Fong , Liu I-Min
Published: December 2016

Zerumbone ameliorates retinal damage by blocking advanced glycation end products and their receptor system in streptozotocin-diabetic rats. Because of the multiple factors involved in diabetic retinopathy (DR) etiology, the mechanisms of zerumbone that are mainly responsible for its ameliorative effect on DR need to be further clarified. In the present study, zerumbone (20 mg or 40 mg/kg) or fenofibric acid (100 mg/kg) was orally administered to diabetic rats by intragastric gavage once daily for three consecutive months. Zerumbone displayed similar characteristics to fenofibric acid in reducing retinal vascular permeability and leukostasis in diabetic rats. Fundus photographs showed that large retinal vessel diameters were decreased in zerumbone-treated diabetic rats. Zerumbone not only down-regulated the gene expression of retinal angiogenic parameters, but also reduced the expression of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the retina of diabetic rats. Moreover, zerumbone reduced the p38 MAPK phosphorylation and abrogated the nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in the retina of diabetic rats. In conclusion, treatment of diabetic rats with zerumbone attenuates the severity of retinal inflammation and angiogenesis, via inhibition of p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways. These benefits of zerumbone for DR appear to be linked to its antihyperglycemic and antihyperlipidemic effects.
Natural Terpenes as Penetration Enhancers for Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Chen Jun , Jiang Qiu-Dong , Chai Ya-Ping , Zhang Hui , Peng Pei , Yang Xi-Xiong
Published: December 2016

The greatest hindrance for transdermal drug delivery (TDD) is the barrier property of skin, especially the stratum corneum (SC). Various methodologies have been investigated and developed to enhance the penetration of drugs through the skin. Among them, the most popular approach is the application of penetration enhancers (PEs), including natural terpenes, a very safe and effective class of PEs. In the present paper, we focused on terpenes as skin PEs for TDD. The mechanism of their action, the factors affecting their penetration enhancement effect, as well as their possible skin toxicity were discussed. Terpenes abundant in nature have great potential in the development of PEs. Compared to synthetic PEs, natural terpenes have been proved to possess higher enhancement activity. Interaction with SC intercellular lipids is the main mechanism of action for terpenes. The key factor affecting the enhancement effect is the lipophilicity of both terpenes and drug molecules. In addition, a lot of terpenes have also been proved to be much less toxic compared to azone, the classic synthetic PE. In summary, terpenes may be preferred over the chemically synthesized compounds as safe and effective PEs to promote the percutaneous absorption of drugs.
The Effect of Thermal History on the Fast Crystallization of Poly(l-Lactide) with Soluble-Type Nucleators and Shear Flow
Authors: Shen Tianfeng , Ma Piming , Yu Qingqing , Dong Weifu , Chen Mingqing
Published: December 2016

The N1,N1ʹ-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis(N2-phenyloxalamide) (OXA) is a soluble-type nucleator with a dissolving temperature of 230 °C in poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA) matrix. The effect of thermal history and shear flow on the crystallization behavior of the PLLA/OXA samples was investigated by rheometry, polarized optical microscopy (POM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystallization process of the PLLA/OXA-240 sample (i.e., pre-melted at 240 °C) was significantly promoted by applying a shear flow, e.g., the onset crystallization time (tonset) of the PLLA at 155 °C was reduced from 1600 to 200 s after shearing at 0.4 rad/s for even as short as 1.0 s, while the crystallinity (Xc) was increased to 40%. Moreover, the tonset of the PLLA/OXA-240 sample is 60%–80% lower than that of the PLLA/OXA-200 sample (i.e., pre-melted at 200 °C) with a total shear angle of 2 rad, indicating a much higher crystallization rate of the PLLA/OXA-240 sample. A better organization and uniformity of OXA fibrils can be obtained due to a complete pre-dissolution in the PLLA matrix followed by shear and oscillation treatments. The well dispersed OXA fibrils and flow-induced chain orientation are mainly responsible for the fast crystallization of the PLLA/OXA-240 samples. In addition, the shear flow created some disordered α′-form crystals in the PLLA/OXA samples regardless of the thermal history (200 or 240 °C).
Qu’est-ce que l’intelligence selon Platon ?
Authors: Delcomminette Sylvain
Published: December 2016

Dans cet article, j’examine la signification du terme νοῦς chez Platon à partir d’un recensement exhaustif de ses occurrences dans les Dialogues. Cet examen montre que le νοῦς est avant tout chez Platon quelque chose que l’on acquiert, que l’on possède et que l’on utilise : le νοῦς n’est pas inné, il est engendré dans l’âme par le biais de l’éducation. Contrairement à une interprétation courante, il ne peut donc être confondu ni avec une partie de l’âme, ni avec une faculté, mais s’identifie bien plutôt à l’activité de la connaissance comme faculté de penser. En tant que tel, il n’est présent qu’au moment où on l’exerce et où on l’utilise, c’est-à-dire lorsqu’on connaît. C’est à ce titre qu’il s’identifie également à la vertu véritable et peut se faire producteur de biens par l’intermédiaire de l’âme en laquelle il réside. Mais son effet le plus remarquable est sans doute la liberté qu’il procure au philosophe qui s’y attache comme à son guide.
CHEMISTRY IN A FORMING PROTOPLANETARY DISK: MAIN ACCRETION PHASE
Authors: Yoneda Haruaki , Tsukamoto Yusuke , Furuya Kenji , Aikawa Yuri
Published: December 2016

We investigate the chemistry in a radiation-hydrodynamics model of a star-forming core that evolves from a cold (∼10 K) prestellar core to the main accretion phase in ∼105 years. A rotationally supported gravitationally unstable disk is formed around a protostar. We extract the temporal variation of physical parameters in ∼1.5 × 103 SPH particles that end up in the disk, and perform post-processing calculations of the gas-grain chemistry adopting a three-phase model. Inside the disk, the SPH particles migrate both inward and outward. Since a significant fraction of volatiles such as CO can be trapped in the water-dominant ice in the three-phase model, the ice mantle composition depends not only on the current position in the disk, but also on whether the dust grain has ever experienced higher temperatures than the water sublimation temperature. Stable molecules such as H2O, CH4, NH3, and CH3OH are already abundant at the onset of gravitational collapse and are simply sublimated as the fluid parcels migrate inside the water snow line. On the other hand, various molecules such as carbon chains and complex organic molecules (COMs) are formed in the disk. The COMs abundance sensitively depends on the outcomes of photodissociation and diffusion rates of photofragments in bulk ice mantle. As for S-bearing species, H2S ice is abundant in the collapse phase. In the warm regions in the disk, H2S is sublimated to be destroyed, while SO, H2CS, OCS, and SO2 become abundant.