bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Susceptibility to Liquefaction of Saturated Road Embankment Subjected to Dynamic Loads
Authors: Borowiec Anna , Maciejewski Krzysztof
Published: June 2014

Liquefaction has always been intensely studied in parts of the world where earthquakes occur. However, the seismic activity is not the only possible cause of this phenomenon. It may in fact be triggered by some human activities, such as constructing and mining or by rail and road transport.

In the paper a road embankment built across a shallow water reservoir is analyzed in terms of susceptibility to liquefaction. Two types of dynamic loadings are considered: first corresponding to an operation of a vibratory roller and second to an earthquake.

In order to evaluate a susceptibility of soil to liquefaction, a factor of safety against triggering of liquefaction is used (FSTriggering). It is defined as a ratio of vertical effective stresses to the shear stresses both varying with time. For the structure considered both stresses are obtained using finite element method program, here Plaxis 2D. The plastic behavior of the cohesionless soils is modeled by means of Hardening Soil (HS) constitutive relationship, implemented in Plaxis software.

As the stress tensor varies with time during dynamic excitation, the FSTriggering has to be calculated for some particular moment of time when liquefaction is most likely to occur. For the purposes of this paper it is named a critical time and established for reference point at which the pore pressures were traced in time. As a result a factor of safety distribution throughout embankment is generated.

For the modeled structure, cyclic point loads (i.e., vibrating roller) present higher risk than earthquake of magnitude 5.4. Explanation why considered structure is less susceptible to earthquake than typical dam could lay in stabilizing and damping influence of water, acting here on both sides of the slope.

Analogical procedure is applied to assess liquefaction susceptibility of the road embankment considered but under earthquake excitation. Only the higher water table is considered as it is the most unfavorable.

Additionally the modified factor of safety is introduced, where the dynamic shear stress component is obtained at a time step when its magnitude is the highest - not necessarily at the same time step when the pore pressure reaches its peak (i.e., critical time). This procedure provides a greater margin of safety as the computed factors of safety are smaller.

Method introduced in the paper presents a clear and easy way to locate liquefied zones and estimate liquefaction susceptibility of the subsoil - not only in the road embankment.
Identification of the Carbonation Zone in Concrete using X-Ray Microtomography
Authors: Łydżba Dariusz , Rajczakowska Magdalena , Stefaniuk Damian , Kmita Andrzej
Published: June 2014

The article presents an application of X-ray microtomography for identification of the carbonation zone in concrete material. A concrete specimen subjected earlier to harsh environmental conditions is investigated. The material is firstly checked with the use of chemical corrosion indicators and then is subjected to microstructural analysis performed with the use of X-ray microtomography. Two different settings of scanning parameters are applied implying the image resolutions of approximately 14 μm per 1 pixel and about 7 μm per 1 pixel, respectively. The results obtained are then compared and analyzed. The depth of the carbonation zone is evaluated based on the attenuation curve. The paper highlights also the significance of the corrosion phenomenon in concrete structures. Details of the deterioration mechanisms in concrete are shortly presented.
On the Possibility of Testing Miocene Clay from Cracow Area using Weight Sounding Test (WST)
Authors: Olesiak Sebastian
Published: June 2014

Polish standards concerning field investigation with the use of a Weight Sounding Test (WST) probe give interpretation of results for non-cohesive soils only. The lack of such interpretation for cohesive soils excludes this testing equipment from use. This paper presents the results of geotechnical site investigation and laboratory tests performed for Miocene clays in Carpathian Foredeep in the Cracow area. Based on the analysis of the results a correlation was determined between the characteristic values for the WST probe (number of half-turns NWST) and the selected properties of Miocene clays. The article is an attempt to create a complete interpretation of test results obtained for cohesive soil with WST equipment.
Methodology of Estimation of Methane Emissions from Coal Mines in Poland
Authors: Patyńska Renata
Published: June 2014

Based on a literature review concerning methane emissions in Poland, it was stated in 2009 that the National Greenhouse Inventory 2007 [13] was published. It was prepared firstly to meet Poland’s obligations resulting from point 3.1 Decision no. 280/2004/WE of the European Parliament and of the Council of 11 February 2004, concerning a mechanism for monitoring community greenhouse gas emissions and for implementing the Kyoto Protocol and secondly, for the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol.

The National Greenhouse Inventory states that there are no detailed data concerning methane emissions in collieries in the Polish mining industry. That is why the methane emission in the methane coal mines of Górnośląskie Zagłębie Węglowe - GZW (Upper Silesian Coal Basin - USCB) in Poland was meticulously studied and evaluated. The applied methodology for estimating methane emission from the GZW coal mining system was used for the four basic sources of its emission. Methane emission during the mining and post-mining process. Such an approach resulted from the IPCC guidelines of 2006 [10].

Updating the proposed methods (IPCC2006) of estimating the methane emissions of hard coal mines (active and abandoned ones) in Poland, assumes that the methane emission factor (EF) is calculated based on methane coal mine output and actual values of absolute methane content. The result of verifying the method of estimating methane emission during the mining process for Polish coal mines is the equation of methane emission factor EF.
Early Old English Nominal System: Synchronic Declensions in the Vespasian Psalter
Authors: Kolasińska Paulina
Published: June 2014

The study analyzes the Early Old English nominal system from a synchronic perspective, since a diachronic approach is unable to provide an accurate description of the language. The analysis is based on the full text of the Vespasian Psalter interlinear gloss. The nouns were grouped according to their inflectional endings, thus representing the synchronically functioning nominal system of Early Old English, contrary to the traditional, diachronic classification, which uses reconstructed stems to classify nouns. The Vespasian Psalter model is compared and contrasted with the latest ‘classical’ work on Old English, Hogg and Fulk’s A Grammar of Old English. Volume 2: Morphology (2011), which also aims at presenting Old English from a synchronic perspective.
Adult duodenojejunal intussusception due to heterotopic pancreas - a rare entity
Authors: Ahmad Sharique , Lal Nirupma , Fatima Uroos , Gupta Parul , Hingoora Usman Moosa
Published: June 2014

Approximately 95% of intussusception occurs in children, However it is a rare entity in adults accounting for 0.003% to 0.02 % of all the hospital admissions. Various causes of intussusception are well known, However intussusception caused by heterotropic pancreas is extremely rare and the rarity increases manifolds if it is in the duodenum of an adult and the cause being heterotropic pancreas. We report this rare case of intussusception due to pancreatic heterotropia in 43 year old male who presented with acute pain abdomen. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.12781 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.340-342
Elimination of palatoradicular groove: a combined endo-perio effort
Authors: Giri Dhirendra K , Vikram Mannu , Sagtani Alok
Published: June 2014

Palatoradicular groove is an anomaly which is found more frequently in upper lateral and central incisors. This condition may lead to endo-perio lesions. A 19- year- old female presented with chief complaint of swelling and pus discharge from the gums of the right side of the upper front teeth and she also complained of loose tooth and intermittent pain. On clinical examination, probing pocket depth of 10 mm, grade II mobility and extrusion of the tooth was found. A combined endo-perio treatment was performed and elimination of the groove, pain and reduction in probing pocket depth and mobility was achieved. The purpose of this case is to highlight an interdisciplinary approach towards the management of an anomaly which may affect the endodontic status of the tooth and periodontal health of the patient. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.15216 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.345-349
Fauna and habitat of aquatic arthropods of Kashan in 2010
Authors: Dehghani Rouhullah , Zarghi Iran , Aboutalebi Mahbobeh , Barzegari Zohreh , Ghanbari Maryam
Published: June 2014

Background: Given the importance of arthropods in medical and life sciences and information on the composition of such arthropods in this study was conducted during 2010 in the Kashan. Methods: Descriptive study and sampling at 13 locations and over 39 times in 2303 on the number of larvae, nymphs, Pupa and adults were collected from Lentic and Lotic waters. Samples collected after the transfer to the laboratory using a Stereo microscope and identified using morphological keys used were identified. Results: Total 2303 samples over 39 times the sampling of the Order  Diptera, with 1,287 cases (55.8%), crustaceans, with 579 samples (25.2%), Order Trichoptera  with 158 samples (6.9%), Order Ephemeroptera 153 samples (6.7%), Order Odonata with  61 samples (2.6%), Order Heteroptera  with 26 samples (1.1%), Order Coleoptera with 26 samples (1.1%), Order Plecoptera  with 13 sample (0.6) were identified. From Crustacea Class, three orders of the, Amphipoda to 405 numbers (70%) of Lotic water, Ostracoda to 144 (24.9%), Copepoda to 30 (5.1%) from the Lentic waters was collect-ed. Conclusion: In This study, for the first time, from Crustacea subphyllum, order of Ostracoda and Diptera order, Ceratopogonidae, Eryphidae, Dixidae families are reported .Therefore can be concluded that the aquatic arthropods Fauna Kashan is very rich. Considering that some of these insects have a role in the transmission or harassment of human and environmental balance are important, and with molecular methods is recommended that more specific studies done in this field. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.15448 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.306-310
Recto-sigmoid neurofibroma presenting as rectal prolapse in an adult patient with neurofibromatosis - a rare presentation
Authors: Naveed Shah , Quari Hasina , Bashir ShahNawaz , Chrungoo RK , Banday Tanveer H
Published: June 2014

Neurofibroma occurs most frequently in the stomach and jejunum, but the colon may also be involved. Its association with rectal prolapse has not been reported yet. We are reporting here such a rare case report. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.15657 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.356-357
An eye emergency at high altitude on the climber: things not to miss
Authors: Mohd Idrose Alzamani , Fauzi Mohd Hashairi , Asaari Abdullah Abu Hassan , Heng Liang Michael Cheng
Published: June 2014

Risk of eye emergencies at high altitude should be noted by Emergency Physicians or expedition doctors for high altitude missions. Early management and understanding the sequelae of the conditions will make a difference in management and decisions at high altitude. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.16099 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.353-355
Xanthogranulomatous inflammatory lesions: a 10-year clinicopathological study in a teaching hospital
Authors: Laishram Sharmila , Shimray Rachel , Pukhrambam Gayatri Devi , Sarangthem Babina , Sharma Adhikary Barindra
Published: June 2014

Objective: To review the demographic, clinical and histomorphological aspects of xanthogranulomatous inflammation (XGI) in different organs. Material and methods: All the cases diagnosed as XGI by histopathology from the specimens received in the department of Pathology, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal, Manipur, India over the period of 10 years from January 2001 to December 2010 were included in the study. All the available data including age, sex, organ of involvement, association with stone etc. were collected and analyzed retrospectively. All the slides were reviewed. The results were recorded and analyzed. Results: A total of 98 cases of XGI were diagnosed out of a total of 9755 specimens received, constituted by 5382 of gall bladder, 4298 of appendix, 41 of kidney and 24 of tube and tubo-ovarian mass making an overall incidence of 1%. The incidence of XGI in kidney was 12.19%, followed by 4.16% in tube and tubo-ovarian mass, 1.5% in gall bladder and 0.25% in appendix. Maximum number of cases were in the age group of 41-50 years with 33.67%. The female to male sex ratio was 2.5: 1. 90.2% cases in kidney and 86.6 % in gall bladder were associated with calculi. One case was associated with adenocarcinoma of gall bladder. Conclusion: Xanthogranulomatous inflammation which often mimics malignancy clinically and morphologically, is increasingly recognized in different anatomic locations. An accurate diagnosis will relieve the psychological panic of suspected malignancy and prevent the patient from aggressive treatment. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.16266 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.302-305
Evaluation of knowledge and perception of newborn jaundice among parturient mothers in a secondary health care centre in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria
Authors: Okposio Matthias Mariere , Adebanjo Elisabeth Oluwadamilola
Published: June 2014

Background: Newborn jaundice has remained one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality in sub-Saharan Africa. It is believed that delays in detection and/or inappropriate treatment may largely be responsible for this. Given that most mothers are now discharged home 24 hours after a normal delivery, the responsibility to detect jaundice in the new-born and take appropriate decision now rest with the mothers. This study therefore sought to evaluate the knowledge and perception of newborn jaundice among parturient mothers. Method: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among 255 parturient mothers at the lying-in ward of Mariere Memorial Central Hospital. A structured, pre-tested, interviewer administered questionnaire was used to obtain information from the mothers. SPSS version 16 was employed in the analysis of the data. Results: Of the 255 parturient mothers interviewed, only 156 (61.2%) affirmed their awareness of newborn jaundice and only these mothers were further analysed. Their mean age was 30.2±5.4 and a median parity of 2. Thirty-seven (23.7%) of the mothers had tertiary education and just about half (50.6%) of the mothers knew that newborn jaundice presents with yellowish discoloration of the body and sclera. Three (1.9%) of the mothers knew that haemolysis is an underlying cause of jaundice and four (2.6%) mothers each correctly mentioned phototherapy and exchange blood transfusion as treatment modalities. Health talk given at the antenatal clinic was the source of information by 81 (51.9%) of the mothers. Conclusion: This study showed that the knowledge of risk factors/causes, treatment and complication of newborn jaundice by mothers is unsatisfactory. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.16521 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.292-297
Ascariasis in the Gall Bladder - A Rare Case
Authors: Singal Kiran Kumar , Singal Neerja , Gupta Parveen , Jain Nidhi , Talwar Neha , Cheema Yuvraj Singh
Published: June 2014

Settlement of adult form ascariasis parasite in the gall bladder is rare constituting 2.1 % of hepatobiliary ascariasis4. Radiologic imaging methods play an important role in the diagnosis of the parasite in the biliary tree. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are used in the diagnosis of hepatobiliary ascariasis. However, ultrasonography is still the first method and most preferred due to its ease of applicability and the fact that it is inexpensive and non-invasive. We report a rare case of Ascariasis lumbricoides present in gall bladder. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.17740 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.343-344
Spinal anesthesia causing hearing loss: are we aware?
Authors: Hashim Hasme Zam , Mohamad Irfan , Salim Rosdan , Ali Saedah
Published: June 2014

Sensorineural hearing loss can be attributed to many factors. Acoustic trauma, noisy environment, genetic syndromes, inner ear infection and tumors are the known well-established causes. Some of them are treatable but many of those are nonreversible. Recent literatures have shown some data that suggest this type of hearing loss also occurring post anesthesia, particularly in spinal anesthesia cases. Others claim that this hearing loss is temporary and clinically not significant. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.19136 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.251-254
Central Obesity Plays an Important Role for the Development of Type 2 Diabetes in Bangladeshi Women
Authors: Faruque M O , Sultana N , Mannan A , Ali L
Published: June 2014

Background: Diabetes mellitus coexists at a greater frequency with hypertension, obesity, central obesity, and dyslipidemia. Obesity has been identified as the most important modifiable risk factor in the aetiology of type-2 diabetes mellitus. Central obesity has been shown to be the most pathogenically important in the causation of metabolic disorders including type-2 diabetes. Aims: To determine the association of central obesity with type 2 diabetes in Bangladeshi women. Subjects and Methods: A total of 60 type 2 diabetic female subjects along with 60 healthy female subjects were recruited in this study. Anthropometric indices were measured using standard techniques. Serum glucose was measured using glucose-oxidase method, insulin was measured using ELISA and thyroid hormones were measured using chemiluminescence based automated Immulite Auto analyzer (DPC, USA). Insulin secretory capacity and insulin sensitivity were estimated using fasting glucose and fasting insulin by HOMA-CIGMA software. Results: Waist circumference of the control (89±8) subjects was significantly (p=0.046) lower than the diabetic (94±11) subjects. Waist-hip ratio of the control subjects was significantly lower compared to diabetic subjects. Fasting plasma insulin level in control subjects (7.6±2.2) was significantly (p=0.009) lower compared to diabetic subjects (11.8±9.8). Plasma lipid profile and thyroid hormone status in control and diabetic subjects were not found significantly different. Insulin secretory capacity (HOMA %B) and insulin sensitivity (HOMA%S) in control subjects (93±21, 95±39 respectively) were found to be significantly higher com-pared to diabetic subjects (45±32, 67±42 respectively). In age-adjusted binary logistic regression analysis, waist circumference was found to be significantly associated with diabetes. In multiple linear regression analysis TSH was found to be significantly associated with waist circumference. Conclusion: Waist circumference may be an independent indicator for the development type 2 diabetes in Bangladeshi women which may have influenced by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.19149 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.278-284
Articulation of speech of patients treated with radicular attachment assisted obturator following maxillectomy
Authors: Islam Md. Shahidul , Chowdhury Farhana , Yazdi Kazi Shagufa , Azam Md. Saiful , Rahman Md. Masudur , Rahman Syed Atiqur , Nessa Jebun
Published: June 2014

Background: Obturators are used to separate the oro-nasal opening. These improve speech and other oral functions as well as provide psychological support to the patients. Adding radicular attachments in an obturator makes more effective. Objective: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of obturator with radicular attachment and conventional obturator in articulation of speech. Materials and Methods: Fifty patients, age ranged from 18 to 72 years, with maxillectomy defect were selected as the sample of the study. Among them 25 patients were treated with obturator with radicular attachment and another 25 patients were treated with conventional obturator. After insertion of obturator, data were collected on the basis of articulation of speech. Results: Patients treated with obturator with radicular attachment showed significantly better (P value <0.001) articulation of speech. Conclusion: Obturator with radicular attachment is more effective than conventional obturator. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.19152 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.298-301
Tooth in the nose
Authors: Koosha Maryam , Balasubramanian Anusha , Mohamad Irfan , Rahman Wan Faiziah Wan Abdul
Published: June 2014

The finding of intranasal ectopic or supernumerary tooth although have been reported in the past, is still considered a rare presentation. It may remain silent for a long period of time, before manifesting with nasal symptoms. We report the case of a 33-year-old lady with an ectopic pre-molar tooth in the floor of her right nostril, presenting with intermittent epistaxis and foul-smelling nasal discharge. She was referred for a rhinolith in her nose. The tooth was successfully extracted via intranasal endoscopic approach. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.19157 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.336-339
Dentofacial changes in Class II division 1
Authors: Alam Mohammad Khursheed
Published: June 2014

A 19 year-old Bangladeshi female presented with a severe Class II division 1 incisor relation-ship on a Skeletal II base and localized spacing in the upper arch. The lower arch was well aligned. Treatment was commenced using fixed appliances and followed by anterior retraction. This case illustrates the versatility of the fixed appliances in the treatment of those cases exhibiting Class II division 1 malocclusion with spacing. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.19158 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.350-352
Persistent vegetative state after traumatic brain injury - a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Rathor Mohammad Yousuf , Abdul Rani Mohammad Fauzi , Shahrin TCA , Hashim HZ
Published: June 2014

Persistent vegetative state (PVS) is a chronic neurological disorder of consciousness, in which patients appear to be awake, but show no behavioural evidence of awareness. It cannot be diagnosed with certainty and misdiagnosis is very frequent. Its management has become one of the most controversial and emotive issues in medical ethics and medical law over the past few decades. The results of recent neuroimaging studies along with well-documented reports of significant late recovery of some PVS patients have challenged the long-held view that restoration of function in the severely traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients is not possible. Some clinicians believe that PVS is a misused term with the potential consequences of withdrawal and withholding of care, and tendency towards less aggressive management. Further naming these patients as vegetative has been misinterpreted by many groups that the patient is no more a human but vegetable like.  Recently there has been an attempt to replace PVS by new, more appropriate name "Unresponsive Wakefulness Syndrome" (UWS). As opposed to brain death, PVS is not recognized by statute as death in any legal system.  The context within which end of life decisions are being made for these patients has led to outrage especially if decisions were made to terminate hydration and nutrition. We present a case of young boy who is in a PVS following TBI with the aim to review some of the contemporary issues regarding their management. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.19159 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.358-365
Preoperative malignant looking retrobulbar, infratemporal and middle cranial fossa tuberculoma in a young child - a case report
Authors: Chowdhury Forhad Hossain , Haque Mohammod Raziul , Kawsar Khandkar Ali , Haque AFM Momtazul
Published: June 2014

Tuberculosis involving skull base and brain is relatively common in developing countries. Preoperative neuro-radiological features of such lesions mimic neoplastic lesions of brain & skull base and postoperative histopathological study brings the ultimate diagnosis. Here we present a case of large tubercular lesion involving retrobulbar, infratemporal and middle cranial fossa that preoperatively thought to be a malignant lesion in a young child and was managed surgically with anti-tubercular drugs having a happy termination. Even radiologically malignant looking mass lesion in brain and skull base can be proved as tuberculosis that can bring happiness to the patient and also to the treating neurosurgeons. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjms.v13i3.7518 Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.13(3) 2014 p.323-325
Positioning in the Global Value Chain as a Sustainable Strategy: A Case Study in a Mature Industry
Authors: Albors-Garrigos Jose , De Miguel Molina Blanca , De Miguel Molina Maria
Published: June 2014

As a result of the development of new industrialized countries, such as Brazil, China and other Southern Asian economies, as well as a globalized economy, traditional competitive paradigms based on advantages associated with costs and quality efficiencies or even innovation are no longer sufficient. These previous classical paradigms related competitiveness either to costs or technology innovation and the resources of industry incumbents. However, the combination of adequate knowledge and relationship management with marketing efforts brings forth a reconsideration of the present competitive models that go beyond those analyses from the point of view of global value chains. The objective of this investigation will analyze the governance structure of the territorial value chain in the Spanish and Italian ceramic tile industry, through the understanding of the previous and current roles of several industries involved in the value creation system. By way of both a case study and quantitative methodology approach, we will explore the paradigm change where traditional chain actors are losing their grip on their contribution to the territorial value creation system as new actors appear with a more stable status. The article concludes that proper positioning in the global value chain is a key strategy for the sustainability of the involved firms, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SME).
Deactivation Pattern of a “Model” Ni/MgO Catalyst in the Pre-Reforming of n-Hexane
Authors: Trunfio Giuseppe , Arena Francesco
Published: June 2014

The deactivation pattern of a “model” Ni/MgO catalyst in the pre-reforming of n-hexane with steam (T, 450 °C; P, 5–15 bar) is reviewed. The influence of the steam-to-carbon ratio (S/C, 1.5–3.5) on the rate of catalyst fouling by coking is ascertained. Catalyst fouling leads to an exponential decay in activity, denoting 1st-order dependence of the coking process on active sites availability. Hydrogen hinders the coking process, though slight activity decay is due to sintering of the active Ni phase. Deactivation by thiophene causes a sharp, almost linear, drop to nearly zero activity within only 6 h; this deactivation is likely due to dissociative adsorption of thiophene with subsequent strong, irreversible chemical adsorption of S-atoms on active Ni sites, i.e., irreversible poisoning. Modeling of activity decay curves (α, at/a0) by proper kinetic equations allows assessing the effects of temperature, pressure, S/C, H2 and thiophene feed on the deactivation pattern of the model Ni/MgO catalyst by coking, sintering, and poisoning phenomena.
Coarse Dynamics for Coarse Modeling: An Example From Population Biology
Authors: Bush Justin , Mischaikow Konstantin
Published: June 2014

Networks have become a popular way to concisely represent complex nonlinear systems where the interactions and parameters are imprecisely known. One challenge is how best to describe the associated dynamics, which can exhibit complicated behavior sensitive to small changes in parameters. A recently developed computational approach that we refer to as a database for dynamics provides a robust and mathematically rigorous description of global dynamics over large ranges of parameter space. To demonstrate the potential of this approach we consider two classical age-structured population models that share the same network diagram and have a similar nonlinear overcompensatory term, but nevertheless yield different patterns of qualitative behavior as a function of parameters. Using a generalization of these models we relate the different structure of the dynamics that are observed in the context of biologically relevant questions such as stable oscillations in populations, bistability, and permanence.
Batch Growth of Chlorella Vulgaris CCALA 896 versus Semi-Continuous Regimen for Enhancing Oil-Rich Biomass Productivity
Authors: Vaičiulytė Sigita , Padovani Giulia , Kostkevičienė Jolanta , Carlozzi Pietro
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to induce lipid accumulation in Chlorella cells by creating stressful growth conditions. Chlorella vulgaris CCALA 896 was grown under various batch growth modes in basal and modified BG-11 and Kolkwitz culture broths, using a continuous light regimen of 150 µE/m2/s, at 30 °C. In order to perform the experiments, two indoor photobioreactor shapes were used: a cylindrical glass photobioreactor (CGPBR) with a working volume of 350 mL, and a flat glass photobioreactor (FGPBR) with a working volume of 550 mL. Stress-eliciting conditions, such as nitrogen and phosphorous starvation, were imposed in order to induce lipid accumulation. The results demonstrated that more than 56% of the lipids can be accumulated in Chlorella biomass grown under two-phase batch growth conditions. The highest biomass productivity of 0.30 g/L/d was obtained at the highest nominal dilution rate (0.167 day−1) during a semi-continuous regimen, using a modified Kolkwitz medium. During the pH-stress cycles, the amount of lipids did not increase significantly and a flocculation of Chlorella cells was noted.
Evaluating the Impact of Environmental Temperature on Global Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 Outbreaks in Domestic Poultry
Authors: Zhang Zhijie , Chen Dongmei , Chen Yue , Wang Bo , Hu Yi , Gao Jie , Sun Liqian , Li Rui , Xiong Chenglong
Published: June 2014

The emergence and spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A virus subtype H5N1 in Asia, Europe and Africa has had an enormously socioeconomic impact and presents an important threat to human health because of its efficient animal-to-human transmission. Many factors contribute to the occurrence and transmission of HPAI H5N1 virus, but the role of environmental temperature remains poorly understood. Based on an approach of integrating a Bayesian Cox proportional hazards model and a Besag-York-Mollié (BYM) model, we examined the specific impact of environmental temperature on HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in domestic poultry around the globe during the period from 1 December 2003 to 31 December 2009. The results showed that higher environmental temperature was a significant risk factor for earlier occurrence of HPAI H5N1 outbreaks in domestic poultry, especially for a temperature of 25 °C. Its impact varied with epidemic waves (EWs), and the magnitude of the impact tended to increase over EWs.
Environmental Factors and Multiple Sclerosis Severity: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Mandia Daniele , Ferraro Ottavia , Nosari Guido , Montomoli Cristina , Zardini Elisabetta , Bergamaschi Roberto
Published: June 2014

Growing evidence suggests that environmental factors play a key role in the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). This study was conducted to examine whether environmental factors may also be associated with the evolution of the disease. We collected data on smoking habits, sunlight exposure and diet (particularly consumption of vitamin D-rich foods) from a sample of 131 MS patients. We also measured their serum vitamin D concentration. The clinical impact of MS was quantified using the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS); MS was considered “severe” in patients with MSSS ≥ 6, and “mild” in patients with MSSS ≤ 1. The results showed a strong association between serum vitamin D concentration and both sunlight exposure (26.4 ± 11.9 ng/mL vs. 16.5 ± 12.1 ng/mL, p = 0.0004) and a fish-rich diet (23.5 ± 12.1 ng/mL vs. 16.1 ± 12.4 ng/mL, p = 0.005). Patients reporting frequent sunlight exposure had a lower MSSS (2.6 ± 2.4 h vs. 4.6 ± 2.6 h, p < 0.001). The mild MS patients reported much more frequent sunlight exposure (75% mild MS vs. 25% severe MS p = 0.004, Chi square test). A higher serum vitamin D concentration determined a lower risk of developing severe MS, adjusted for sunlight exposure (OR = 0.92 for one unit increase in vitamin D, 95% CI: 0.86–0.97, p = 0.005). A stronger inverse association emerged between frequent sunlight exposure and the risk of severe MS (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09–0.71, p = 0.009). Our data show that an appropriate diet and adequate expose to sunlight are associated with less aggressive MS.
Does Prop-2-ynylideneamine, HC≡CCH=NH, Exist in Space? A Theoretical and Computational Investigation
Authors: Osman Osman , Elroby Shaaban , Aziz Saadullah , Hilal Rifaat
Published: June 2014

MP2, DFT and CCSD methods with 6-311++G** and aug-cc-pvdz basis sets have been used to probe the structural changes and relative energies of E-prop-2-ynylideneamine (I), Z-prop-2-ynylideneamine (II), prop-1,2-diene-1-imine (III) and vinyl cyanide (IV). The energy near-equivalence and provenance of preference of isomers and tautomers were investigated by NBO calculations using HF and B3LYP methods with 6-311++G** and aug-cc-pvdz basis sets. All substrates have Cs symmetry. The optimized geometries were found to be mainly theoretical method dependent. All elected levels of theory have computed I/II total energy of isomerization (ΔE) of 1.707 to 3.707 kJ/mol in favour of II at 298.15 K. MP2 and CCSD methods have indicated clearly the preference of II over III; while the B3LYP functional predicted nearly similar total energies. All tested levels of theory yielded a global II/IV tautomerization total energy (ΔE) of 137.3–148.4 kJ/mol in support of IV at 298.15 K. The negative values of ΔS indicated that IV is favoured at low temperature. At high temperature, a reverse tautomerization becomes spontaneous and II is preferred. The existence of II in space was debated through the interpretation and analysis of the thermodynamic and kinetic studies of this tautomerization reaction and the presence of similar compounds in the Interstellar Medium (ISM).
Two Octaves Supercontinuum Generation in Lead-Bismuth Glass Based Photonic Crystal Fiber
Authors: Buczynski Ryszard , Bookey Henry , Klimczak Mariusz , Pysz Dariusz , Stepien Ryszard , Martynkien Tadeusz , McCarthy John , Waddie Andrew , Kar Ajoy , Taghizadeh Mohammad R.
Published: June 2014

In this paper we report a two octave spanning supercontinuum generation in a bandwidth of 700–3000 nm in a single-mode photonic crystal fiber made of lead-bismuth-gallate glass. To our knowledge this is the broadest supercontinuum reported in heavy metal oxide glass based fibers. The fiber was fabricated using an in-house synthesized glass with optimized nonlinear, rheological and transmission properties in the range of 500–4800 nm. The photonic cladding consists of 8 rings of air holes. The fiber has a zero dispersion wavelength (ZDW) at 1460 nm. Its dispersion is determined mainly by the first ring of holes in the cladding with a relative hole size of 0.73. Relative hole size of the remaining seven rings is 0.54, which allows single mode performance of the fiber in the infrared range and reduces attenuation of the fundamental mode. The fiber is pumped into anomalous dispersion with 150 fs pulses at 1540 nm. Observed spectrum of 700–3000 nm was generated in 2 cm of fiber with pulse energy below 4 nJ. A flatness of 5 dB was observed in 950–2500 nm range.
Ytterbium-Phosphate Glass for Microstructured Fiber Laser
Authors: Stępień Ryszard , Franczyk Marcin , Pysz Dariusz , Kujawa Ireneusz , Klimczak Mariusz , Buczyński Ryszard
Published: June 2014

In the paper, we report on the development of a synthesis and melting method of phosphate glasses designed for active microstructured fiber manufacturing. Non-doped glass synthesized in a P2O5-Al2O3-BaO-ZnO-MgO-Na2O oxide system served as the matrix material; meanwhile, the glass was doped with 6 mol% (18 wt%) of Yb2O3, as fiber core. The glasses were well-fitted in relation to optical (refractive index) and thermal proprieties (thermal expansion coefficient, rheology). The fiber with the Yb3+-doped core, with a wide internal photonic microstructure for a laser pump, as well as with a high relative hole size in the photonic outer air-cladding, was produced. The laser built on the basis of this fiber enabled achieving 8.07 W of output power with 20.5% slope efficiency against the launched pump power, in single-mode operation M2 = 1.59, from a 53 cm-long cavity.
Siphonaxanthin, a Green Algal Carotenoid, as a Novel Functional Compound
Authors: Sugawara Tatsuya , Ganesan Ponesakki , Li Zhuosi , Manabe Yuki , Hirata Takashi
Published: June 2014

Siphonaxanthin is a specific keto-carotenoid in green algae whose bio-functional properties are yet to be identified. This review focuses on siphonaxanthin as a bioactive compound and outlines the evidence associated with functionality. Siphonaxanthin has been reported to potently inhibit the viability of human leukemia HL-60 cells via induction of apoptosis. In comparison with fucoxanthin, siphonaxanthin markedly reduced cell viability as early as 6 h after treatment. The cellular uptake of siphonaxanthin was 2-fold higher than fucoxanthin. It has been proposed that siphonaxanthin possesses significant anti-angiogenic activity in studies using human umbilical vein endothelial cells and rat aortic ring. The results of these studies suggested that the anti-angiogenic effect of siphonaxanthin is due to the down-regulation of signal transduction by fibroblast growth factor receptor-1 in vascular endothelial cells. Siphonaxanthin also exhibited inhibitory effects on antigen-induced degranulation of mast cells. These findings open up new avenues for future research on siphonaxanthin as a bioactive compound, and additional investigation, especially in vivo studies, are required to validate these findings. In addition, further studies are needed to determine its bioavailability and metabolic fate.
Synthesis and Characterisation of ETS-10/Acetate-based Ionic Liquid/Chitosan Mixed Matrix Membranes for CO2/N2 Permeation
Authors: Casado-Coterillo Clara , Del Mar López-Guerrero María , Irabien Ángel
Published: June 2014

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were prepared by incorporating organic surfactant-free hydrothermally synthesised ETS-10 and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquid (IL) to chitosan (CS) polymer matrix. The membrane material characteristics and permselectivity performance of the two-component membranes were compared with the three-component membrane and the pure CS membrane. The addition of IL increased CO2 solubility of the polymer, and, thus, the CO2 affinity was maintained for the MMMs, which can be correlated with the crystallinity, measured by FT-IR, and void fraction calculations from differences between theoretical and experimental densities. The mechanical resistance was enhanced by the ETS-10 nanoparticles, and flexibility decreased in the two-component ETS-10/CS MMMs, but the flexibility imparted by the IL remained in three-component ETS-10/IL/CS MMMs. The results of this work provide insight into another way of facing the adhesion challenge in MMMs and obtain CO2 selective MMMs from renewable or green chemistry materials.
Inclusion of Pork Meat in the Diets of Young Women Reduces Their Intakes of Energy-Dense, Nutrient-Poor Foods: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: McArthur Jennifer , Gough Natalie , Petocz Peter , Samman Samir
Published: June 2014

Adherence of young women to dietary recommendations has been examined predominantly by surveys. This study aimed to determine the quality of women’s diets relative to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating (AGHE); and to evaluate dietary changes during an intervention trial with pork meat or an iron supplement. A 12-week randomized trial was conducted in young women who were assigned to one of three groups. They maintained three, seven-day food diaries while continuing their routine diet (CG); taking an iron supplement (SG); or incorporating into their diets 500 g/week of pork (PG). Participants (n = 58) provided dietary information on 1218 diary-days. The serves consumed from the vegetable, fruit and dairy groups were lower (p < 0.001), and from the meat and alternatives group greater (p < 0.001) than the recommended serves. PG consumed significantly fewer (p < 0.001) serves of “extra” foods, and ate fruit more frequently (p < 0.001) than CG and SG. The participants’ dietary self-assessment showed poor agreement with the AGHE description of “serve”. The inclusion of pork in the diets of young women is associated with the reduced consumption of energy-dense nutrient-poor “extra” foods and increased frequency of fruit intake. The effect may be explained by diverse factors such as increased food knowledge, cooking skills and the effect of pork on satiety.
Development and Pilot Testing of 24-Hour Multiple-Pass Recall to Assess Dietary Intake of Toddlers of Somali- and Iraqi-Born Mothers Living in Norway
Authors: Grewal Navnit , Mosdøl Annhild , Aunan Marte , Monsen Carina , Torheim Liv
Published: June 2014

The aim of this study was to develop, test, and evaluate a 24-h recall procedure to assess the dietary intake of toddlers of Somali- and Iraqi-born mothers living in Norway. A protocol for a 24-h multiple-pass recall procedure, registration forms, and visual tools (a picture library for food identification and portion size estimation) was developed and tested in 12 mothers from Somalia and Iraq with children aged 10–21 months. Five female field workers were recruited and trained to conduct the interviews. Evaluation data for the 24-h recall procedure were collected from both the mothers and the field workers. Nutrient intake was calculated using a Norwegian dietary calculation system. Each child’s estimated energy intake was compared with its estimated energy requirement. Both the mothers and the field workers found the method feasible and the visual tools useful. The estimated energy intake corresponded well with the estimated energy requirement for most of the children (within mean ± 2 SD, except for three). The pilot study identified the need for additional foods in the picture library and some crucial aspects in training and supervising the field workers to reduce sources of error in the data collection.
Crop Condition Assessment with Adjusted NDVI Using the Uncropped Arable Land Ratio
Authors: Zhang Miao , Wu Bingfang , Yu Mingzhao , Zou Wentao , Zheng Yang
Published: June 2014

Crop condition assessment in the early growing stage is essential for crop monitoring and crop yield prediction. A normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI)-based method is employed to evaluate crop condition by inter-annual comparisons of both spatial variability (using NDVI images) and seasonal dynamics (based on crop condition profiles). Since this type of method will generate false information if there are changes in crop rotation, cropping area or crop phenology, information on cropped/uncropped arable land is integrated to improve the accuracy of crop condition monitoring. The study proposes a new method to retrieve adjusted NDVI for cropped arable land during the growing season of winter crops by integrating 16-day composite Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) reflectance data at 250-m resolution with a cropped and uncropped arable land map derived from the multi-temporal China Environmental Satellite (Huan Jing Satellite) charge-coupled device (HJ-1 CCD) images at 30-m resolution. Using the land map’s data on cropped and uncropped arable land, a pixel-based uncropped arable land ratio (UALR) at 250-m resolution was generated. Next, the UALR-adjusted NDVI was produced by assuming that the MODIS reflectance value for each pixel is a linear mixed signal composed of the proportional reflectance of cropped and uncropped arable land. When UALR-adjusted NDVI data are used for crop condition assessment, results are expected to be more accurate, because: (i) pixels with only uncropped arable land are not included in the assessment; and (ii) the adjusted NDVI corrects for interannual variation in cropping area. On the provincial level, crop growing profiles based on the two kinds of NDVI data illustrate the difference between the regular and the adjusted NDVI, with the difference depending on the total area of uncropped arable land in the region. The results suggested that the proposed method can be used to improve the assessment of early crop condition, but additional evaluation in other major crop producing regions is needed to better assess the method’s application in other regions and agricultural systems.
Isolation and Epitope Mapping of Staphylococcal Enterotoxin B Single-Domain Antibodies
Authors: Turner Kendrick , Zabetakis Dan , Legler Patricia , Goldman Ellen , Anderson George
Published: June 2014

Single-domain antibodies (sdAbs), derived from the heavy chain only antibodies found in camelids such as llamas have the potential to provide rugged detection reagents with high affinities, and the ability to refold after denaturation. We have isolated and characterized sdAbs specific to staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) which bind to two distinct epitopes and are able to function in a sandwich immunoassay for toxin detection. Characterization of these sdAbs revealed that each exhibited nanomolar binding affinities or better. Melting temperatures for the sdAbs ranged from approximately 60 °C to over 70 °C, with each demonstrating at least partial refolding after denaturation and several were able to completely refold. A first set of sdAbs was isolated by panning the library using adsorbed antigen, all of which recognized the same epitope on SEB. Epitope mapping suggested that these sdAbs bind to a particular fragment of SEB (VKSIDQFLYFDLIYSI) containing position L45 (underlined), which is involved in binding to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). Differences in the binding affinities of the sdAbs to SEB and a less-toxic vaccine immunogen, SEBv (L45R/Y89A/Y94A) were also consistent with binding to this epitope. A sandwich panning strategy was utilized to isolate sdAbs which bind a second epitope. This epitope differed from the initial one obtained or from that recognized by previously isolated anti-SEB sdAb A3. Using SEB-toxin spiked milk we demonstrated that these newly isolated sdAbs could be utilized in sandwich-assays with each other, A3, and with various monoclonal antibodies.