bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simple Screening Tests for the Detection of Metallo-β-Lactamase (MBL) Production in Clinical Isolates of Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter
Authors: Anwar Shaheda , Miah Md Ruhul Amin , Saleh Ahmed Abu , Sattar Humayun , Ahmed Sharmeen
Published: November 2015

There are no standard methods for the detection of metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) production in gramnegative organism in routine microbiology practice. The present study was undertaken to evaluatethe screening tests like double disk synergy test (DDST) and disk potentiation test (DPT) usingceftazidime (CAZ) and imipenem (IPM) disks with chelating agents like EDTA, 2-mercaptopropionicacid (2-MPA). A total of 132 Pseudomonas and 76 Acinetobacter isolates were obtained fromBangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Bangladesh Institute of Researchand Rehabilitation for Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders (BIRDEM) hospitals of Dhakacity. A total of 53 and 29 IPM resistant Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter isolates were selected.EDTA-IPM microdilution minimum inhibitory concentration (EDTA-IPM MIC) method detectedMBL in 44 (83%) IPM resistant Pseudomonas and 19 (65.5%) Acinetobacter isolates. DDST withCAZ-0.1M EDTA and CAZ-2-MPA detected MBL in 73.6% and 67.9% of IPM resistant Pseudomonasand 55.2% and 48.3% of Acinetobacter isolates respectively. The detection rate was 67.9% and66.1% in Pseudomonas and 51.7% and 44.8% in Acinetobacter isolates by EDTA-IPM and IPM-2-MPA methods respectively. In comparison to DDST, DPT with CAZ-0.1M EDTA showed highersensitivity (89.7% ) and specificity (100%) for detection of MBL in Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter.The results showed that simple screening tests like DPT with 0.1M EDTA was able to detect MBLproducing Pseudomonas and Acinetobacter from clinical samples with high sensitivity and specificity.Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2010; 4(1): 26-30DOI: 10.3329/imcj.v4i1.5932
Anaesthesia in laparoscopic Bariatric Surgery- Is it some thing special in all respect ?
Authors: Huda Qumrul
Published: November 2015

Journal of BSA, Vol. 21, No. 1, January 2008 1-2
A Comparative Study on Haemodynamic and Recovery Status in Day-Case Anaesthesia Between Infusion of Propofol, Midazolam, Nalbuphine and Ketamine, Diazepam, Tramadol
Authors: Haque M Masudul , Alam Md Rabiul , Mamun Md Al , Hossain Md Mozaffer , Islam Md Zahurul
Published: November 2015

A prospective comparative study was carried out to evaluate haemodynamic and recovery status using infusion of propofol-midazolam-nalbuphine and ketamine-diazepam-tramadol in surgical daycases. Fifty patients of either sex aged within 18-60 years ASA grade I or II requiring routine surgery as day-case basis under GA were selected in Dept of Anaesthesia, CMH, Dhaka during February-May 2006. Cases were randomly divided equally into two groups of 25 each. Group-A received propofolmidazolam- nalbuphine infusion and infusion of ketamine-diazepam-tramadol was used in Group- B for anaesthesia. Haemodynamic parameters, recovery status and home readiness time were monitored and recorded at 10 min intervals. The variations in heart rate, systolic and diastolic BP of both groups were found statistically insignificant (p-values: 0.0524, 0.0513 and 0.0575 respectively). Recovery scores were high in Group-A (p-0.0443) and time for home-readiness were found 242±35 (mean±SD) minutes in Group-A and 367±83 minutes in Group-B (p-0.0329). Drugs used in Group-B were found highly cost effective. It is concluded that by using ketamine, diazepam and tramadol combination (group-B), we can reduce the cost of anaesthesia, which is necessity for majority of patients in our country. On the other hand, propofol, midazolam and nalbuphine combination (group-A), a costlier regime appears suitable for the patients from affluent population. Both the regimes can be practiced with safety.   Journal of BSA, Vol. 21, No. 1, January 2008 36-42
Gender Variation of Lipid Profiles of Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients attended at a Specialized Diabetic Hospital in Dhaka
Authors: Yeasmin Roksana , Nahar Nazmun , Muttalib MA , Bhuiyan Md. Nizamul Hoque , Zahid ATM Zoadur Rahim , Jahan Waseka Akhter
Published: November 2015

Background: The pattern of dyslipidemia varies among the patients of type 2 of diabetes mellitus. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to observe gender difference of lipid abnormalities in type-2 Diabetes Mellitus patients.Methodology: This cross sectional comparative study was conducted in the OPD of Department of medicine at BIRDEM, Dhaka from January, 2014 to July, 2014 for a period of six months. Convenient purposive sampling method was used and data assessed in a prospective manner. Blood sugar (FBS, ABF), lipid profile (TG, TC, LDLC, and HDLC) were measured. Statistical analyses were performed with the SPSS software program.Results: A total number of 400 type 2 DM patients (200 males and 200 females) attending to BIRDEM OPD were recruited in this study. Blood sugar was higher than normal in both male and female (FBS=8.79±.20, 8.64±0.22 respectively and ABF=12.15±0.27, 11.8±0.29 mmol/l respectively). TG level was also higher in two groups of study subjects with male level is slightly more than female (194.99±6.72 and 185.21±15.51 respectively) with no significant difference between the groups (P>.05). Total cholesterol and LDL-C level was within normal physiological level in both groups, where as these levels were higher in female in comparison to male (TC=184.44±3.33 &166.16±3.04 respectively, LDLC=109.68±2.59 & 88.66±2.59 respectively), showing significant difference between the groups (P=.000). HDL-C was below normal in both male (38.28± 48) and female (39.02±2.59); however HDL-C was slightly higher in female than male and the difference was insignificant (p=.330). Conclusion: In conclusion dyslipidemia were observed in a greater proportion of female diabetic patients than male diabetic patients.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, 2015;2(2):34-38
Pregnant Women Presented with Acute Kidney Injury: A Case Report
Authors: Choudhury Farzana Rabee
Published: November 2015

Acute Renal Failure is most challenging clinical problem when it occurs during pregnancy. Septic abortion is the most common cause of PRAKI in developing countries but its worldwide incidence has declined significantly. Sometimes septic abortion complicated by multiorgan failure. This 35 yrs multiparous lady having history of induced abortion, presented with multiorgan dysfunction. The patient was successfully treated and discharged with total care.Journal of Current and Advance Medical Research, 2015;2(2):47-48
Characteristics and Treatment Process of Wastewater in a Nylon Fabric Dyeing Plant
Authors: Ali MS , Ahmed S , Khan MMS
Published: November 2015

Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 23 1995-2005
Direct Numerical Simulation of High Reynolds Number Flows by using Third Order Upwind Scheme
Authors: Mondal HN , Khan SH
Published: November 2015

Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 23 1995-2005
Production Optimization of Saldanadi Gas Field by Nodal Analysis Method
Authors: Haq MB , Gomes E , Tamim M
Published: November 2015

Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 23 1995-2005
Kinetics of Dehydration of Alcohols over Different Catalysts
Authors: Mondal SK
Published: November 2015

Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 23 1995-2005
Improved Solar Salt Production using Polythene Line Bed in the Final Chrystallization Step
Authors: Huq MS , Chowdhury MS
Published: November 2015

Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 23 1995-2005
Numerical Analysis of Droplet Combustion in a Cylindrical Furnace
Authors: Mondal HN , Roy S
Published: November 2015

The combustion performance and emissions of liquid fuels are mainly influenced by the atomization of theliquid fuel, the motion and evaporation of the fuel droplets and mixing of fuel and air. A reliabledescription and simulation of spray combustion requires a detailed understanding of droplet ignition andcombustion. Recently, it has become apparent that an understanding of the mechanisms related to spraycombustion is the key to the development of non-polluting and high performance devices. In this studyliquid droplets of Toluene is taken into consideration and their burning characteristics are investigated fordifferent combustor geometries and droplet sizes. Non-adiabatic presumed probability density function(PPDF) model is used with high Reynolds number k-ε model. Droplet breakups are handled with Reitz-Diwakar model. Preliminary investigation shows that droplet size, inlet pattern and oxidizer temperaturehave profound effect on combustion temperature distribution and pollutant formation.Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 24 2006 14-18
Kinetics of Dehydration of Aroids and Developed Dehydrated Aroids Products
Authors: Kamruzzaman M , Islam MN
Published: November 2015

The study was concerned with the dehydration kinetics of aroids in mechanical dryer at different dryingcondition such as variable air dry bulb temperature and air velocity. Fresh aroids with 3, 5 mm slice and 8mm cube were used as raw materials for drying. The experimental results showed that drying rate constantand thickness can be expressed as power law equation. The exponent of the equation for aroids was 1.15indicating presence of significance external mass transfer resistance. Increasing loading density gavedecreased drying rate constant and when air velocity of dryer was increased, drying rate constant was alsoincreased, as higher air velocity reduces the external resistance to mass transfer and also highertemperature gave faster drying rate. The activation energy of diffusion of water from aroids during dryingas per Arrhenius equation was found to be 5.12 k cal/g-mole. The chemical compositions of fresh and driedaroids were determined and it was observed that all the constituent remained almost constant, only fatdecreased slightly possibly due to oxidation. Organoleptic taste testing showed that “chapatti” preparedfrom aroids powder (aroids powder: wheat flour = 1:4) were adjudged to be the best by the panelists using1-9 hedonic scale and ranked as like moderately securing score 7.3.Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 24 2006 19-24
Monitoring and Trend Analysis of Air-Borne Particulate Matter (PM10 and PM2.5) at Major Hot-Spot Areas: Mohakhali and Farmgate in Dhaka City
Authors: Rahman Md Mominur , Kabir Feroz , Begum Bilkis Ara , Biswas Swapan Kumar
Published: November 2015

The objectives of this work were to monitor and quantify the airborne particles (PM10 and PM2.5) and topredict the influence of human and natural activities on their ambient concentrations. Samples of Air-borneParticulate Matter (APM) in the size range 0-2.5 μm (PM2.5) and 0-10 μm (PM10) were collectedsimultaneously using two MiniVol portable air samplers at Mohakhali and Farmgate area in Dhaka city.At Mohakhali effective sampling duration was from May 16 to May 23, 2004 and at Farmgate from June 6to June 13, 2004. Continuous seven day monitoring was carried out to find the effect of meteorology, trafficload and other anthropogenic activities on ambient Particulate Matter (PM) pollution level. Weekday andweekend average traffic number was evaluated by field technicians at both sampling sites. These sites areregarded heavily polluted because of the proximity of major roadways. Daily and weekly averageconcentrations of PM10 and PM2.5 at Mohakhali were found higher than USEPA and Bangladesh 24-hrsaverage guideline values but at Farmgate the concentrations were within the guideline values. Averageproportions of PM2.5 in PM10 were found higher at Farmgate than that at Mohakhali.Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 24 2006 61-67
Referral Pattern of Patients to Psychiatry Department at Neuroscience Institute in Bangladesh
Authors: Uddin MM Jalal , Chowdhury MS Jahirul Hoque , Islam Md Jahidul , Chowdhury Tauhidul Islam , Baqui Morshed , Sarker Poritosh Kumar , Kabir AKM Golam , Alam M Badrul , Mohammad Quazi Deen
Published: November 2015

Background: Significant proportion of psychiatric illnesses has been reported in neurology inpatients and outpatients.Objective: The purpose of the present study was to find out the referral pattern of patients to psychiatry department from different departments of National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS&H) and to make diagnosis of referred patients.Methodology: This descriptive cross sectional study was done in psychiatry department at NINS&H, Dhaka from July 2013 to December 2013. Patients referred to psychiatry department from different outpatients and inpatients departments were taken as study population. Psychiatric diagnoses of the patients were done by the psychiatrist following Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV-Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR) diagnostic criteria. Semi structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data. Ethical issues were maintained strictly.Results: A total number of 477 patients were referred to psychiatry department. Most of the patients 469 (98.32%) were referred from outpatients department and only 8(1.68%) from inpatients department. Among the referred patients 97.28% had psychiatric illness. The commonest psychiatric diagnosis were somatoform disorders 156(32.70%), anxiety disorders 66(13.83%), major depressive disorder 95(19.91%), bipolar mood disorder 27(5.66%), schizophrenia and related disorders 33(6.92%). Next common diagnosis were substance related disorder 18(3.77%), epilepsy 14(2.94%), mental retardation 13(2.73%), autism 10(2.10%), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder 9(1.89%), sleep disorder 9(1.89%).Conclusion: In conclusion there is a large number of psychiatric patients attended at the OPD as well as the IPD of the referral neurological tertiary care hospital of which somatoform disorders is the most commonly found.J. Natl Inst. Neurosci Bangladesh 2015;1(1):8-11
Early Onset Benign Occipital Epilepsy (Panayiotopoulos syndrome): a case Report & Literature Review
Authors: Hussain Md Enayet , Chowdhury Rajib Nayan , Islam Md Nahidul , Khan AFM Al Masum , Miah Md Ferdous
Published: November 2015

Panayiotopoulos syndrome is a type of benign childhood epilepsy syndrome characterized by episodic autonomic and mainly emetic symptoms. It predominantly affects children of 3-6 years of age (13% of those with one or more non-febrile seizures). EEG shows great variability, with occipital, extra-occipital spikes or brief generalised discharges alone or in combination; it may also be consistently normal. Despite the high prevalence of autonomic status epilepticus, the prognosis of Panayiotopoulos syndrome is usually excellent and most do not require anti epileptic medications. Remission usually occurs within 1-2 years from onset. One third have a single seizure but 5-10% may have more than 10 seizures or a more prolonged course. We present a 5 year old boy with this condition, who presented with episodes of severe vomiting, deviation of eyes, focal seizure, altered sensorium, characteristic EEG in the form of multiple occipital spikes and normal neuroimaging studies.J. Natl Inst. Neurosci Bangladesh 2015;1(1):27-30
What we can read and what we cannot read in the mortality curve of the neonatal surgery - the progress of the neonatal surgery in Japan
Authors: Kubota Akio
Published: November 2015

Abstract not availableJ. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 5(1): 1, 2014 (January)
Diagnosis of Congenital Anomalies of Kidney and Ureter by Ultrasonography
Authors: Halim Fathima Nusrath , Sarker Mohammad Ali , Nazlee Farah , Islam Md Nazrul
Published: November 2015

Present study was conducted to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of transabdominal ultrasonography in correlation with IVU in suspected patients of Congenital anomalies of kidney and Ureter. In study, ultrasonography and IVU was done in 50 clinically suspected patients of congenital anomalies of kidney that was admitted in BSMMU, BIRDEM & DMCH during the period of July 2008 to May 2009. Patients of all ages and both sexes were included. Findings of USG and IVU were correlated. Sonographically abnormalities were diagnosed in 46 (92%) cases, out of which 45 (95.7%) also diagnosed by IVU and 1 (33.3) was normal in IVU. Out of 4 (8%) Sonographically demonstrated normal cases, 2 (4.3%) were proved normal by IVU and 2 (66.7%) cases which missed by sonography were diagnosed by IVU. Sensitivity of ultrasonography in diagnosing congenital kidney disease was 95.7% and specificity was 66.7%, positive predictive value was 97.8%, negative predictive value was 50.0% and accuracy was 94.0%. So, we conclude that ultrasonography has significant sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and accuracy in diagnosis of congenital kidney anomalies correlating with IVU. As such, USG can be considered as an appropriate imaging tool for diagnosis of congenital anomalies of kidney.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 5(1): 8-11, 2014 (January)
Evaluation of breast disease by clinical breast examination (CBE): Experience of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Akhter Rehana , Deeba Farzana , Hossain Mir Mosarraf , Nasreen Begum , Banu Jesmin , Amanullah Masuma
Published: November 2015

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second most common cancer (10.4 % of all cancer incidence, both sexes counted) and the fifth most common cause of cancer death in the world. In 2005, breast cancer caused 502,000 deaths worldwide. Clinical evaluation could function as a valuable diagnostic tool. Clinical evaluation, however, is a simple method to detect cases as it is inexpensive and non-invasive and if found to be accurate, might be of great value.Aim: To evaluate patients referred to colposcopy clinic in BSMMU for breast symptoms by clinical breast examination (CBE).Material and method: The study design was cross sectional study done in the colposcopy clinic in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, under the Establishment of National centre for cervical and breast cancer screening and training at BSMMU and Cervical and breast cancer screening and training in BSMMU projects.Result: A total of 752 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria , demographic features are demonstrated in mean age of the patients was 35.1±9.2 years, mean BMI was 22.5±2.1, about 30% subjects were postmenopausal and about 2% patients had history of breast cancer. Presenting complaint was a self-detected breast mass and found to have a mass on examination by her physician in 204 patients. 308 subjects complained of mastalgia; 34 patients complained of nipple discharge. Only 5 patients complained of axillary lymph node enlargement. Nipple abnormalities like retracted and cracked nipple was complained by 4% cases. Most patients (58%) were found to have normal findings. Palpable mass was found in 121 cases and bilateral in one case. Nipple abnormalities found in 10 cases. Tenderness and nipple discharge found in 15% and 4% cases respectively. Regarding the characteristics of the masses proved by cytology (FNAC), 109 were benign and 12 were malignant.Conclusion: CBE is an important screening procedure to identify breast pathology. Out of 752 patients breast pathology were identified in about 41% of patients and 10% breast lumps were malignant. So CBE should be done every three yearly in <40 and yearly in above 40 years women.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 5(1): 20-24, 2014 (January)
A Comparative Study between the Outcome of Laparoscopic Appendectomy and Open Appendectomy in Children
Authors: Ferdous Nazmus Sakib , Huq Ashraf Ul , Hasina Kaniz , Khatun Masuda
Published: November 2015

Background: Laparoscopic surgery for acute appendicitis in children has been proposed to have advantages over conventional surgery.Introduction: Appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency in childhood. 1 For decades, Open appendectomy (OA) has been the standard treatment for all forms of appendicitis with excellent results.2 Since its description in the early 1980s, laparoscopic appendectomy (LA) became an acceptable approach for simple appendicitis in children.3, 4, 5However, its role in the treatment of complicated appendicitis is controversial. Today, in developed countries about 8% of the population is appendectomized for acute appendicitis during their lifetime.7Materials and method: We are conducting a prospective comparative study with the intention to observe the outcome of 60 purposively selected patients of acute appendicitis in the Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dhaka Medical College & Hospital (DMCH), Dhaka, over a period of 12 months from October, 2013 to October, 2014. The patients are going to be divided into 2 groups by random sampling- Group A- OA Group (patients underwent open appendectomy) and Group B- LA Group (patients underwent laparoscopic appendectomy) for uncomplicated appendicitis. Children up to 14 years are planned to be selected as study subjects. All children are subjected to investigate for white blood cell (WBC) count, plain X- ray KUB region, urine R/E, preoperatively and to observe the amount of analgesics in postoperative pain management and cosmesis on first week, first month, and third month of operation. Structured questionnaire is used to collect information regarding pain, fever, other association preoperatively and operative procedure, duration of operation, per operative findings and post operative follow up. Informed written consent from parents or legal guardian is taken after describing the study objectives. Ethical clearance has been sought from the Ethical Committee of Dhaka Medical College.Results: Total 23 patients are studied till now, 16 in LA group and 7 in OA group. From this limited data we have seen that there is apparently minimum difference between two groups of study population regarding postoperative outcomes.Conclusion: This is an on-going study. Definite conclusion could not be drawn at this preliminary stage. Laparoscopic appendectomy for uncomplicated appendicitis in children is feasible and safe. It is associated with a significantly less use of post operative pain killer, lower incidence of wound infection, and reduced length of hospital stay when compared with patients who had open appendectomy.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 5(1): 25-29, 2014 (January)
Multi-Bit Data Hiding Scheme for Compressing Secret Messages
Authors: Kuo Wen-Chung , Kuo Shao-Hung , Wuu Lih-Chyau
Published: November 2015

The goal of data hiding techniques usually considers two issues, embedding capacity and image quality. Consequently, in order to achieve high embedding capacity and good image quality, a data hiding scheme combining run-length encoding (RLE) with multi-bit embedding is proposed in this paper. This work has three major contributions. First, the embedding capacity is increased 62% because the secret message is compressed before embedding into the cover image. Secondly, the proposed scheme keeps the multi-bit generalized exploiting modification direction (MGEMD) characteristics, which are effective to reduce modified pixels in the cover image and to maintain good stego image quality. Finally, the proposed scheme can prevent modern steganalysis methods, such as RS steganalysis and SPAM (subtractive pixel adjacency matrix), and is compared to MiPOD (minimizing the power of the optimal detector) scheme. From our simulation results and security discussions, we have the following results: First, there are no perceivable differences between the cover images and stego images from human inspection. For example, the average PSNR of stego images is about 44.61 dB when the secret message (80,000 bits) is embedded for test cover images (such as airplane, baboon, Lena) of size 512×512. Secondly, Appl. Sci. 2015, 5 1034 on average, 222,087 pixels were not modified after embedding for the cover image. That is to say, 12% less pixels are modified as compared to the MGEMD method. From the performance discussions, the proposed scheme achieves high embedding capacity and good image quality, but also maintains stego image security.
Beyond Screening: Can the Mini-Mental State Examination be Used as an Exclusion Tool in a Memory Clinic?
Authors: Xu Xin , Chong Eddie , Hilal Saima , Ikram Mohammad , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Chen Christopher
Published: November 2015

This study explores whether the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) could reliably exclude definite dementia and dementia-free cases from requiring more extensive neuropsychological investigations in memory clinic settings in Singapore. Patients with memory complaints referred for possible dementia underwent the MMSE, followed by standardized neuropsychological and clinical assessments which led to a consensus diagnosis. MMSE cut-off points were derived stratified for education (less and equal/above primary level). Results show that after education stratification, using an optimal Positive Likelihood Ratio (PLR) and optimal Negative Likelihood Ratio (NLR), a higher percentage of patients were correctly identified as having dementia or dementia-free, with minimal misclassification rate. The finding suggests the MMSE can be used to exclude patients not requiring full neuropsychological assessments in a memory clinic.
Online Capacity Estimation of Lithium-Ion Batteries Based on Novel Feature Extraction and Adaptive Multi-Kernel Relevance Vector Machine
Authors: Zhang Yang , Guo Bo
Published: November 2015

Prognostics is necessary to ensure the reliability and safety of lithium-ion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles or satellites. This process can be achieved by capacity estimation, which is a direct fading indicator for assessing the state of health of a battery. However, the capacity of a lithium-ion battery onboard is difficult to monitor. This paper presents a data-driven approach for online capacity estimation. First, six novel features are extracted from cyclic charge/discharge cycles and used as indirect health indicators. An adaptive multi-kernel relevance machine (MKRVM) based on accelerated particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to determine the optimal parameters of MKRVM and characterize the relationship between extracted features and battery capacity. The overall estimation process comprises offline and online stages. A supervised learning step in the offline stage is established for model verification to ensure the generalizability of MKRVM for online application. Cross-validation is further conducted to validate the performance of the proposed model. Experiment and comparison results show the effectiveness, accuracy, efficiency, and robustness of the proposed approach for online capacity estimation of lithium-ion batteries.
Power Management Strategy of Hybrid Electric Vehicles Based on Quadratic Performance Index
Authors: Xia Chaoying , Zhang Cong
Published: November 2015

An energy management strategy (EMS) considering both optimality and real-time performance has become a challenge for the development of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in recent years. Previous EMSes based on the optimal control theory minimize the fuel consumption, but cannot be directly implemented in real-time because of the requirement for a prior knowledge of the entire driving cycle. This paper presents an innovative design concept and method to obtain a power management strategy for HEVs, which is independent of future driving conditions. A quadratic performance index is designed to ensure the vehicle drivability, maintain the battery energy sustainability and average and smooth the engine power and motor power to indirectly reduce fuel consumption. To further improve the fuel economy, two rules are adopted to avoid the inefficient engine operation by switching control modes between the electric and hybrid modes according to the required driving power. The derived power of the engine and motor are related to current vehicle velocity and battery residual energy, as well as their desired values. The simulation results over different driving cycles in Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR) show that the proposed strategy can significantly improve the fuel economy, which is very close to the optimal strategy based on Pontryagin’s minimum principle.
Thermal Decomposition of Anhydrous Alkali Metal Dodecaborates M2B12H12 (M = Li, Na, K)
Authors: He Liqing , Li Hai-Wen , Akiba Etsuo
Published: November 2015

Metal dodecaborates M2/nB12H12 are regarded as the dehydrogenation intermediates of metal borohydrides M(BH4)n that are expected to be high density hydrogen storage materials. In this work, thermal decomposition processes of anhydrous alkali metal dodecaborates M2B12H12 (M = Li, Na, K) synthesized by sintering of MBH4 (M = Li, Na, K) and B10H14 have been systematically investigated in order to understand its role in the dehydrogenation of M(BH4)n. Thermal decomposition of M2B12H12 indicates multistep pathways accompanying the formation of H-deficient monomers M2B12H12−x containing the icosahedral B12 skeletons and is followed by the formation of (M2B12Hz)n polymers. The decomposition behaviors are different with the in situ formed M2B12H12 during the dehydrogenation of metal borohydrides.
Effect of Magnesium Fluoride on Hydrogenation Properties of Magnesium Hydride
Authors: Jain Pragya , Dixit Viney , Jain Ankur , Srivastava Onkar , Huot Jacques
Published: November 2015

A cost effective catalyst is of great importance for consideration of MgH2 as potential hydrogen storage material. In this regard, we investigated the catalytic role of alkaline metal fluoride on the hydrogen storage behavior of MgH2. Samples were synthesized by admixing 5 mol % MgF2 into MgH2 powder using planetary ball mill. Hydrogenation measurements made at 335 °C showed that in comparison to only 70% absorption by pure MgH2, catalyzed material absorbed 92% of theoretical capacity in less than 20 min and desorbed completely in almost the same time. Sorption studies done at lower temperatures revealed that complete absorption at temperature as low as 145 °C is possible. This is due to uniform distribution of MgF2 nano particles within the MgH2 powder. X-ray diffraction patterns also showed the presence of stable MgF2 phase that does not decompose upon hydrogen absorption-desorption. Cyclic measurements done at 310 °C showed negligible loss in the overall storage capacity with cycling. These results reveal that the presence of the chemically inert and stable MgF2 phase is responsible for good reversible characteristic and improved kinetics.
Gas-Phase Thermal Tautomerization of Imidazole-Acetic Acid: Theoretical and Computational Investigations
Authors: Aziz Saadullah , Osman Osman , Elroby Shaaban , Hilal Rifaat
Published: November 2015

The gas-phase thermal tautomerization reaction between imidazole-4-acetic (I) and imidazole-5-acetic (II) acids was monitored using the traditional hybrid functional (B3LYP) and the long-range corrected functionals (CAM-B3LYP and ωB97XD) with 6-311++G** and aug-cc-pvdz basis sets. The roles of the long-range and dispersion corrections on their geometrical parameters, thermodynamic functions, kinetics, dipole moments, Highest Occupied Molecular Orbital–Lowest Unoccupied Molecular Orbital (HOMO–LUMO) energy gaps and total hyperpolarizability were investigated. All tested levels of theory predicted the preference of I over II by 0.750–0.877 kcal/mol. The origin of predilection of I is assigned to the H-bonding interaction (nN8→σ*O14–H15). This interaction stabilized I by 15.07 kcal/mol. The gas-phase interconversion between the two tautomers assumed a 1,2-proton shift mechanism, with two transition states (TS), TS1 and TS2, having energy barriers of 47.67–49.92 and 49.55–52.69 kcal/mol, respectively, and an sp3-type intermediate. A water-assisted 1,3-proton shift route brought the barrier height down to less than 20 kcal/mol in gas-phase and less than 12 kcal/mol in solution. The relatively high values of total hyperpolarizability of I compared to II were interpreted and discussed.
Alzheimer’s Disease: Mechanism and Approach to Cell Therapy
Authors: Amemori Takashi , Jendelova Pavla , Ruzicka Jiri , Urdzikova Lucia , Sykova Eva
Published: November 2015

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. The risk of AD increases with age. Although two of the main pathological features of AD, amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, were already recognized by Alois Alzheimer at the beginning of the 20th century, the pathogenesis of the disease remains unsettled. Therapeutic approaches targeting plaques or tangles have not yet resulted in satisfactory improvements in AD treatment. This may, in part, be due to early-onset and late-onset AD pathogenesis being underpinned by different mechanisms. Most animal models of AD are generated from gene mutations involved in early onset familial AD, accounting for only 1% of all cases, which may consequently complicate our understanding of AD mechanisms. In this article, the authors discuss the pathogenesis of AD according to the two main neuropathologies, including senescence-related mechanisms and possible treatments using stem cells, namely mesenchymal and neural stem cells.
Carbon Fluxes between Primary Metabolism and Phenolic Pathway in Plant Tissues under Stress
Authors: Caretto Sofia , Linsalata Vito , Colella Giovanni , Mita Giovanni , Lattanzio Vincenzo
Published: November 2015

Higher plants synthesize an amazing diversity of phenolic secondary metabolites. Phenolics are defined secondary metabolites or natural products because, originally, they were considered not essential for plant growth and development. Plant phenolics, like other natural compounds, provide the plant with specific adaptations to changing environmental conditions and, therefore, they are essential for plant defense mechanisms. Plant defensive traits are costly for plants due to the energy drain from growth toward defensive metabolite production. Being limited with environmental resources, plants have to decide how allocate these resources to various competing functions. This decision brings about trade-offs, i.e., promoting some functions by neglecting others as an inverse relationship. Many studies have been carried out in order to link an evaluation of plant performance (in terms of growth rate) with levels of defense-related metabolites. Available results suggest that environmental stresses and stress-induced phenolics could be linked by a transduction pathway that involves: (i) the proline redox cycle; (ii) the stimulated oxidative pentose phosphate pathway; and, in turn, (iii) the reduced growth of plant tissues.
The Estrogen Receptor-β Expression in De Quervain’s Disease
Authors: Shen Po-Chuan , Wang Ping-Hui , Wu Po-Ting , Wu Kuo-Chen , Hsieh Jeng-Long , Jou I-Ming
Published: November 2015

Stenosing tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the wrist (a.k.a. de Quervain’s disease) is common but how estrogen is involved is still unknown. We previously reported that inflammation was involved in the pathogenesis of this ailment. In the present study, we extended our investigation of estrogen receptor (ER)-β expression to determine whether estrogen is involved in the pathogenesis of de Quervain’s. Intraoperative retinaculum samples were collected from 16 patients with the ailment. Specimens were histologically graded by collagen structure and immunohistochemically evaluated by quantifying the expression of ER-β, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 (inflammatory cytokines), cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 (an inflammatory enzyme), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and Von Willebrand’s factor (vWF). De Quervain’s occurs primarily in women. The female:male ratio in our study was 7:1. We found that ER-β expression in the retinaculum was positively correlated with disease grade and patient age. Additionally, disease severity was associated with inflammatory factors—IL-1β and IL-6, COX-2, and VEGF and vWF in tenosynovial tissue. The greater the levels of ER-β expression, tissue inflammation, and angiogenesis are, the more severe de Quervain’s disease is. ER-β might be a useful target for novel de Quervain’s disease therapy.
On Optimal Multi-Sensor Network Configuration for 3D Registration
Authors: Aliakbarpour Hadi , Prasath V. , Dias Jorge
Published: November 2015

Multi-sensor networks provide complementary information for various taskslike object detection, movement analysis and tracking. One of the important ingredientsfor efficient multi-sensor network actualization is the optimal configuration of sensors.In this work, we consider the problem of optimal configuration of a network of coupledcamera-inertial sensors for 3D data registration and reconstruction to determine humanmovement analysis. For this purpose, we utilize a genetic algorithm (GA) based optimizationwhich involves geometric visibility constraints. Our approach obtains optimal configurationmaximizing visibility in smart sensor networks, and we provide a systematic study usingedge visibility criteria, a GA for optimal placement, and extension from 2D to 3D.Experimental results on both simulated data and real camera-inertial fused data indicate weobtain promising results. The method is scalable and can also be applied to other smartnetwork of sensors. We provide an application in distributed coupled video-inertial sensorbased 3D reconstruction for human movement analysis in real time.
Microstructural Evolution at Micro/Meso-Scale in an Ultrafine-Grained Pure Aluminum Processed by Equal-Channel Angular Pressing with Subsequent Annealing Treatment
Authors: Xu Jie , Li Jianwei , Zhu Xiaocheng , Fan Guohua , Shan Debin , Guo Bin
Published: November 2015

Micro-forming with ultrafine-grained (UFG) materials is a promising direction for the fabrication of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) components due to the improved formability, good surface quality, and excellent mechanical properties it provides. In this paper, micro-compression tests were performed using UFG pure aluminum processed by equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) with subsequent annealing treatment. Microstructural evolution was investigated by electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that microstructural evolutions during compression tests at the micro/meso-scale in UFG pure Al are absolutely different from the coarse-grained (CG) materials. A lot of low-angle grain boundaries (LAGBs) and recrystallized fine grains are formed inside of the original large grains in CG pure aluminum after micro-compression. By contrast, ultrafine grains are kept with few sub-grain boundaries inside the grains in UFG pure aluminum, which are similar to the original microstructure before micro-compression. The surface roughness and coordinated deformation ability can be signmicrostructure; micro/meso-forming; ultrafine grains; ECAP; aluminumificantly improved with UFG pure aluminum, which demonstrates that the UFG materials have a strong potential application in micro/meso-forming.
Immunomodulatory Potential of the Polysaccharide-Rich Extract from Edible Cyanobacterium Nostoc commune
Authors: Liao Hui-Fen , Wu Tai-Jung , Tai Jia-Liang , Chi Meng-Chun , Lin Long-Liu
Published: November 2015

A dry sample of Nostoc commune from an organic farm in Pingtung city (Taiwan) was used to prepare polysaccharide-rich (NCPS) extract. The conditioned medium (CM) from NCPS-treated human peripheral blood (PB)-mononuclear cells (MNC) effectively inhibited the growth of human leukemic U937 cells and triggered differentiation of U937 monoblast cells into monocytic/macrophagic lines. Cytokine levels in MNC-CMs showed upregulation of granulocyte/macrophage-colony stimulatory factor and IL-1β and downregulation of IL-6 and IL-17 upon treatment with NCPS. Moreover, murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells treated with NCPS exhibited the stimulatory effects of nitric oxide and superoxide secretion, indicating that NCPS might activate the immunity of macrophages. Collectively, the present study demonstrates that NCPS from N. commune could be potentially used for macrophage activation and consequently inhibited the leukemic cell growth and induced monocytic/macrophagic differentiation.
Evaluating the Effect of Cell Culture on Gene Expression in Primary Tissue Samples Using Microfluidic-Based Single Cell Transcriptional Analysis
Authors: Januszyk Michael , Rennert Robert , Sorkin Michael , Maan Zeshaan , Wong Lisa , Whittam Alexander , Whitmore Arnetha , Duscher Dominik , Gurtner Geoffrey
Published: November 2015

Significant transcriptional heterogeneity is an inherent property of complex tissues such as tumors and healing wounds. Traditional methods of high-throughput analysis rely on pooling gene expression data from hundreds of thousands of cells and reporting a population-wide average that is unable to capture differences within distinct cell subsets. Recent advances in microfluidic technology have permitted the development of large-scale single cell analytic methods that overcome this limitation. The increased granularity afforded by such approaches allows us to answer the critical question of whether expansion in cell culture significantly alters the transcriptional characteristics of cells isolated from primary tissue. Here we examine an established population of human adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) using a novel, microfluidic-based method for high-throughput transcriptional interrogation, coupled with advanced bioinformatic analysis, to evaluate the dynamics of single cell gene expression among primary, passage 0, and passage 1 stem cells. We find significant differences in the transcriptional profiles of cells from each group, as well as a considerable shift in subpopulation dynamics as those subgroups better able to adhere and proliferate under these culture conditions gradually emerge as dominant. Taken together, these findings reinforce the importance of using primary or very early passage cells in future studies.
Photostabilizing Efficiency of PVC in the Presence of Schiff Bases as Photostabilizers
Authors: Yousif Emad , Al-Amiery Ahmed , Kadihum Abdulhadi , Kadhum Abdul , Mohamad Abu
Published: November 2015

The photostabilization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) films by Schiff bases was investigated. Polyvinyl chloride films containing 0.5 wt % Schiff bases were produced using the same casting method as that used for additive-free PVC films from tetrahydrofuran (THF) solvent. The photostabilization activities of these compounds were determined by monitoring the carbonyl, polyene and hydroxyl indices with irradiation time. The changes in viscosity average molecular weight of PVC with irradiation time were also monitored using THF as a solvent. The quantum yield of chain scission (Φcs) for the studied complexes in PVC was estimated to range between 4.72 and 8.99 × 10−8. According to the experimental results, several mechanisms were suggested, depending on the structure of the additive. Ultra violet (UV) absorption, peroxide decomposition and radical scavenging were suggested as the photostabilizing mechanisms.
Oral Fat Sensing and CD36 Gene Polymorphism in Algerian Lean and Obese Teenagers
Authors: Daoudi Hadjer , Plesník Jiří , Sayed Amira , Šerý Omar , Rouabah Abdelkader , Rouabah Leila , Khan Naim
Published: November 2015

Growing number of evidences have suggested that oral fat sensing, mediated by a glycoprotein CD36 (cluster of differentiation 36), plays a significant role in the development of obesity. Indeed, a decreased expression of CD36 in some obese subjects is associated with high dietary fat intake. In the present study, we examined whether an increase in body mass index (BMI) is associated with altered oleic acid lingual detection thresholds and blood lipid profile in young Algerian teenagers (n = 165). The obese teenagers (n = 83; 14.01 ± 0.19 years; BMI z-score 2.67 ± 0.29) exhibited higher lingual detection threshold for oleic acid than lean participants (n = 82, 13.92 ± 0.23 years; BMI z-score 0.03 ± 0.0001). We also studied the association between rs1761667 polymorphism of CD36 gene and obesity. The AA and AG genotypes were more frequent in obese teenagers, whereas GG genotype was more common in lean participants. The A-allele frequency was higher in obese teenagers than that in lean children. We report that rs1761667 polymorphism of CD36 gene and oro-gustatory thresholds for fat might play a significant role in the development of obesity in young teenagers.
Use of MODIS Images to Quantify the Radiation and Energy Balances in the Brazilian Pantanal
Authors: Teixeira Antônio , Padovani Carlos , Andrade Ricardo , Leivas Janice , Victoria Daniel , Galdino Sergio
Published: November 2015

MODIS images during the year 2012 were used for modelling of the radiation and energy balance components with the application of the SAFER algorithm (Simple Algorithm for Evapotranspiration Retrieving) in the Brazilian Pantanal area. Pixels from the main sub-regions of Barão de Melgaço (BR), Paiaguás (PA) and Nhecolândia (NH) were extracted in order to process microclimatic comparisons. In general, the net radiation (Rn) relied much more on the global solar radiation (RG) levels than on water conditions and ecosystem types, in accordance with the low Rn standard deviation values. The fraction of the available energy used as latent heat flux (λE) were, on average, 65, 50 and 49% for the BR, PA and NH sub-regions, respectively. Horizontal heat advection, identified by the negative values of sensible heat flux (H), made several pixels with λE values higher than those for Rn in the middle of the year. Taking the evaporative fraction (Ef) as a surface moisture indicator, the Tree-Lined Savanna (TLS) was considered the moister ecosystem class, with 58% of the available energy being used as λE, while the driest one was the modified ecosystem Anthropogenic Changes (AC), presenting a λE/Rn fraction of 0.46. According to the spatial and temporal consistencies, and after comparisons with other previous point and large-scale studies, the SAFER algorithm proved to have sensibility to quantify and compare the large-scale radiation and energy balance components in the different ecosystems of the Brazilian Pantanal. The algorithm is useful for monitoring the energy exchange dynamics among the different terrestrial and aquatic ecosystem types throughout the seasons of the year.
Automated Identification of River Hydromorphological Features Using UAV High Resolution Aerial Imagery
Authors: Casado Monica , Gonzalez Rocio , Kriechbaumer Thomas , Veal Amanda
Published: November 2015

European legislation is driving the development of methods for river ecosystem protection in light of concerns over water quality and ecology. Key to their success is the accurate and rapid characterisation of physical features (i.e., hydromorphology) along the river. Image pattern recognition techniques have been successfully used for this purpose. The reliability of the methodology depends on both the quality of the aerial imagery and the pattern recognition technique used. Recent studies have proved the potential of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to increase the quality of the imagery by capturing high resolution photography. Similarly, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) have been shown to be a high precision tool for automated recognition of environmental patterns. This paper presents a UAV based framework for the identification of hydromorphological features from high resolution RGB aerial imagery using a novel classification technique based on ANNs. The framework is developed for a 1.4 km river reach along the river Dee in Wales, United Kingdom. For this purpose, a Falcon 8 octocopter was used to gather 2.5 cm resolution imagery. The results show that the accuracy of the framework is above 81%, performing particularly well at recognising vegetation. These results leverage the use of UAVs for environmental policy implementation and demonstrate the potential of ANNs and RGB imagery for high precision river monitoring and river management.