bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Taxonomic Integrative Review of Short Message Service (SMS) Methodology
Authors: Holcomb Linda S.
Published: May 2015

Background: To acquire self-management skills that affect clinical outcomes, collaboration and communication with one’s health care team is essential, yet many health care systems are not designed adequately to be responsive to a patient’s efforts to self-manage. This review synthesizes the intervention methodology of current studies facilitating the efforts of health care providers who wish to design, develop, and implement evidence-based SMS programs for patients with diabetes, focusing on clinical outcomes of A1C values, medication adherence rates, and participant satisfaction. Methods: This integrative review was conducted using an integrative taxonomic analysis approach. This approach involves creating a classification system with domains or characteristics, defining the relationships between those domains, and creating a foundation for new theories or constructs. Results: Synthesis of the evidence included in this integrated review suggests the best design for a SMS diabetes management program aimed at improving A1C levels, medication adherence rates, and participant satisfaction is an intervention providing weekly SMS education, with 2-way message direction, that is 3 months in length. Conclusions: The studies in this review have demonstrated that SMS interventions can be an important part of a viable and effective program in the effort to better manage adults with type 2 diabetes.
MDMA for the treatment of mood disorder: all talk no substance?
Authors: Patel Rachel , Titheradge Daniel
Published: May 2015

Background:

Unipolar depression is the third highest contributor to the global burden of disease, yet current pharmacotherapies typically take about 6 weeks to have an effect. A rapid-onset agent is an attractive prospect, not only to alleviate symptoms before first-line antidepressants display therapeutic action, but as a further treatment option in nonresponsive cases. It has been suggested that 3,4-methylene-dioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) could play a part in the treatment of depression, either as a rapid-onset pharmacological agent or as an adjunct to psychotherapy. Whilst these hypotheses are in keeping with the monoamine theory of depression and the principles surrounding psychotherapy, explicit experimental evidence of an antidepressant effect of MDMA has rarely been established.

Aims:

To address the hypothesis surrounding MDMA as a rapid-onset antidepressant by examining pharmacological, psychological and behavioural studies. We consider whether this therapy could be safe by looking at the translation of neurotoxicity data from animals to humans.

Method:

A literature review of the evidence supporting this hypothesis was performed.

Conclusions:

The pharmacology of MDMA offers a promising target as a rapid-onset agent and MDMA is currently being investigated for use in psychotherapy in anxiety disorders; translation from these studies for use in depression may be possible. However, experimental evidence and safety analysis are insufficient to confirm or reject this theory at present.
Getting the Anthropocene so wrong
Authors: Hamilton Clive
Published: May 2015

Rather than clarifying it, a recent paper by Simon Lewis and Mark Maslin (2015), ‘Defining the Anthropocene’, adds to the confusion about the new epoch. The paper does not recognise that a paradigm shift has occurred, one in which environmental science has been displaced by Earth System science. The story tells of an Anthropocene beginning in 1610. It is not credible, as it is not based on an accurate understanding of the Earth System. In addition, in its determination to find a ‘golden spike’ the paper confuses stratigraphic markers for the epoch itself. It finds a marker when there is no event and ignores an event when it cannot find a marker.
The Effect of Intra-articular Corticosteroids on Articular Cartilage
Authors: Wernecke Chloe , Braun Hillary J. , Dragoo Jason L.
Published: May 2015

Background:

Intra-articular (IA) corticosteroid therapy has been used for the treatment of inflammation and pain in the knee since the 1950s.

Purpose:

To review the current literature on the effects of IA corticosteroids on articular cartilage.

Study Design:

Systematic review.

Methods:

A MEDLINE and SCOPUS database search was performed, and studies were selected for basic science and clinical trial research on corticosteroids with direct outcome measures of cartilage health. Preliminary searches yielded 1929 articles, and final analysis includes 40 studies.

Results:

Methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, betamethasone, prednisolone, and triamcinolone were reported to display dose-dependent deleterious effects on cartilage morphology, histology, and viability in both in vitro and in vivo models. The beneficial animal in vivo effects of methylprednisolone, hydrocortisone, and triamcinolone occurred at low doses (usually <2-3 mg/dose or 8-12 mg/cumulative total dose in vivo), at which increased cell growth and recovery from damage was observed; the single human clinical trial indicated a beneficial effect of triamcinolone. However, at higher doses (>3 mg/dose or 18-24 mg/cumulative total dose in vivo), corticosteroids were associated with significant gross cartilage damage and chondrocyte toxicity. Dose and time dependency of corticosteroid chondrotoxicity was supported in the in vitro results, however, without clear dose thresholds.

Conclusion:

Corticosteroids have a time- and dose-dependent effect on articular cartilage, with beneficial effects occurring at low doses and durations and detrimental effects at high doses and durations. Clinically, beneficial effects are supported for IA administration, but the lowest efficacious dose should be used.
Effects of deferasirox-deferoxamine on myocardial and liver iron in patients with severe transfusional iron overload
Authors: Aydinok Yesim , Kattamis Antonis , Cappellini M. Domenica , El-Beshlawy Amal , Origa Raffaella , Elalfy Mohsen , Kilinç Yurdanur , Perrotta Silverio , Karakas Zeynep , Viprakasit Vip , Habr Dany , Constantinovici Niculae , Shen Junwu , Porter John B.
Published: May 2015

Key Points

DFX-DFO combination followed by DFX monotherapy led to a meaningful decrease in myocardial and liver iron in severe siderosis patients. Substantial liver iron reduction may be helpful in patients needing rapid control of liver iron (eg, pretransplant or planned pregnancy).
Genetic variants in the ADAMTS13 and SUPT3H genes are associated with ADAMTS13 activity
Authors: de Vries Paul S. , Boender Johan , Sonneveld Michelle A. H. , Rivadeneira Fernando , Ikram M. Arfan , Rottensteiner Hanspeter , Hofman Albert , Uitterlinden André G. , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Franco Oscar H. , Dehghan Abbas , de Maat Moniek P. M.
Published: May 2015

Key Points

We identify rs41314453 as the strongest genetic predictor of ADAMTS13 activity, associated with a decrease of >20%. We present evidence of further independent associations with a common variant in SUPT3H, as well as 5 variants at the ADAMTS13 locus.
Factors associated with disability and impact of tension-type headache: findings of the Korean headache survey
Authors: Kim Byung-Su , Chung Chin-Sang , Chu Min Kyung , Chung Yun Kyung , Lee Chung-Bin , Kim Jae-Moon
Published: May 2015

Background

Although mostly mild in symptom severity, tension-type headache (TTH) can cause disability. However, factors associated with disability of TTH have been rarely reported. This study sought to assess the factors associated with TTH-related disability and impact.

Methods

We analyzed data form the Korean Headache Survey, a nation-wide survey regarding headache in all Korean adults aged 19–69 years. TTH-related disability was measured by surveying actual disability and Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6). Actual disability was defined as having one or more days of activity restriction or missed activity due to headache in the last 3 months. The HIT-6 score ≥ 50 was regarded as significant headache impact associated with TTH. We assessed factors associated with TTH-related disability and impact using logistic regression analyses adjusting for sociodemographic variables and headache characteristics.

Results

Among 1507 individuals, the 1-year prevalence rate of TTH was 30.7% (n = 463), of which 4.8% reported actual disability and 21.3% had headache impact, respectively. In univariate analyses, sociodemographic variables were not associated with actual disability and headache impact, respectively. There were relationships between several headache characteristics and actual disability/headache impact. After adjustment of potential confounders, moderate headache intensity was correlated with actual disability (odds ratio [OR]: 4.41, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46–13.27), while an inverse association was observed between no aggravation by routine activity and actual disability (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12–0.88). Multivariate analyses showed that ORs for headache impact were increased in those with higher headache frequency (OR: 2.54, 95% CI: 1.47–4.39 for 1–14 days/month; OR: 23.83, 95% CI: 5.46–104.03 for ≥ 15 days/month), longer headache time duration (OR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.04–3.25 for ≥ 1 and < 4 hours; OR: 2.44 95% CI: 1.17–5.11 for ≥ 4 hours), and phonophobia (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.02–2.95), whereas decreased in those with no aggravation by routine activity (OR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.12–0.88).

Conclusions

Several headache characteristics were associated with actual disability and headache impact among TTH individuals. Our findings suggest that there needs to be consideration careful of troublesome headache characteristics for TTH individuals suffering from disability and impact.
Short hairpin RNA- mediated gene knockdown of FOXM1 inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of human colon cancer cells through reversal of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transformation
Authors: Yang KanKan , Jiang LinHua , Hu You , Yu Jing , Chen HenFeng , Yao YiZhou , Zhu XinGuo
Published: May 2015

Background

The Forkhead box M1 (FOXM1) is an oncogenic transcription factor and plays a significant role in cell EMT, proliferation, metastasis in a multitude of human solid tumors including colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which FoxM1 contributes to epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT) and metastasis have not been fully elucidated in CRC.

Methods

In our study, we investigated FOXM1 protein expression in 87 CRC tissue specimens, invasive lymph nodes and adjacent paired normal colorectal tissues by immunohistochemical analysis. Then we transfected FOXM1 specific shRNA into SW620 cells to examine effect of FOXM1 on proliferation, colony formation, migration and invasion in vitro. Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expression of FOXM1 and EMT-related markers.

Results

FOXM1 was overexpressed in CRC tissues, invasive lymph nodes and CRC cell lines. FoxM1 overexpression was significantly associated with lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), and tumor recurrence (P < 0.001). Moreover, downregulation of FOXM1 in SW620 cells by shRNA approach inhibited cell growth, clonogenicity, migration and invasion in vitro. In addition, decreased FOXM1 expression in SW620 cells reversed the acquisition of EMT phenotype by up-regulating E-cadherin, as well as reduction Vimentin and Snail expressions at protein and mRNA levels.

Conclusions

FOXM1 may regulate CRC cells metastasis through EMT program and FOXM1 may be a potential target for treatment of CRC.
Metformin increases survival in hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive breast cancer patients with diabetes
Authors: Kim Hee Jeong , Kwon Hyunwook , Lee Jong Won , Kim Hwa Jung , Lee Sae Byul , Park Hee Sung , Sohn Guiyun , Lee Yura , Koh Beom Seok , Yu Jong Han , Son Byung Ho , Ahn Sei Hyun
Published: May 2015

Introduction

Metformin use has recently been observed to decrease both the rate and mortality of breast cancer. Our study was aim to determine whether metformin use is associated with survival in diabetic breast cancer patients by breast cancer subtype and systemic treatment.

Methods

Data from the Asan Medical Center Breast Cancer Database from 1997 to 2007 were analyzed. The study cohort comprised 6,967 nondiabetic patients, 202 diabetic patients treated with metformin, and 184 diabetic patients that did not receive metformin. Patients who were divided into three groups by diabetes status and metformin use were also divided into four subgroups by hormone receptor and HER2-neu status.

Results

In Kaplan-Meier analysis, the metformin group had a significantly better overall and cancer specific survival outcome compared with non metformin diabetic group (P <0.005 for both). There was no difference in survival between the nondiabetic and metformin groups. In multivariate analysis, Compared with metformin group, patients who did not receive metformin tended to have a higher risk of metastasis with HR 5.37 (95 % CI, 1.88 to 15.28) and breast cancer death with HR 6.51 (95 % CI, 1.88 to 15.28) on the hormone receptor-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer. The significant survival benefit of metformin observed in diabetic patients who received chemotherapy and endocrine therapy (HR for disease free survival 2.14; 95 % CI 1.14 to 4.04) was not seen in diabetic patients who did not receive these treatments.

Conclusion

Patients receiving metformin treatment when breast cancer diagnosis show a better prognosis only if they have hormone receptor-positive, HER2-positive tumors. Metformin treatment might provide a survival benefit when added to systemic therapy in diabetic patients.
Novel APC promoter and exon 1B deletion and allelic silencing in three mutation-negative classic familial adenomatous polyposis families
Authors: Lin Yiing , Lin Shin , Baxter Melanie D , Lin Lawrence , Kennedy Susan M , Zhang Zhengyan , Goodfellow Paul J , Chapman William C , Davidson Nicholas O
Published: May 2015

Background

The overwhelming majority (approximately 80%) of individuals with classic familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) exhibit mutations in the coding sequence of the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene. Families without detectable APC mutations are unable to benefit from the use of genetic testing for clinical management of this autosomal dominant syndrome.

Methods

We used exome sequencing and linkage analysis, coupled with second-generation sequencing of the APC locus including non-coding regions to investigate three APC mutation-negative classical FAP families.

Results

We identified a novel ~11 kb deletion localized 44 kb upstream of the transcription start site of APC that encompasses the APC 1B promoter and exon. This deletion was present only in affected family members of one kindred with classical FAP. Furthermore, this same deletion with identical breakpoints was found in the probands of two additional APC mutation-negative classical FAP kindreds. Phasing analysis of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) around the deletion site in the three probands showed evidence of a shared haplotype, suggesting a common founder deletion in the three kindreds. SNP analysis within the coding sequence of APC, revealed that this ~11 kb deletion was accompanied by silencing of one of the APC alleles in blood-derived RNA of affected individuals.

Conclusions

These results support the causal role of a novel promoter deletion in FAP and suggest that non-coding deletions, identifiable using second-generation sequencing methods, may account for a significant fraction of APC mutation-negative classical FAP families.
JAFFA: High sensitivity transcriptome-focused fusion gene detection
Authors: Davidson Nadia M , Majewski Ian J , Oshlack Alicia
Published: May 2015

Genomic instability is a hallmark of cancer and, as such, structural alterations and fusion genes are common events in the cancer landscape. RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) is a powerful method for profiling cancers, but current methods for identifying fusion genes are optimised for short reads. JAFFA (https://github.com/Oshlack/JAFFA/wiki) is a sensitive fusion detection method that outperforms other methods with reads of 100 bp or greater. JAFFA compares a cancer transcriptome to the reference transcriptome, rather than the genome, where the cancer transcriptome is inferred using long reads directly or by de novo assembling short reads.
A study of development of transmission systems for next-generation terrestrial 4 K UHD and HD convergence broadcasting
Authors: Oh Jong Gyu , Won Yong Ju , Lee Jin Seop , Kim Yong-Hwan , Paik Jong Ho , Kim Joon Tae
Published: May 2015

The worldwide transition from analog to digital broadcasting has now been completed, and the need to study next-generation standards for ultra-high-definition TV (UHDTV) broadcasting, as well as broadcasting and communication convergence systems is rapidly growing. In particular, high-resolution mobile broadcasting services are needed to satisfy recent consumer demands. Therefore, the development of highly efficient convergence broadcasting systems that provide fixed/mobile broadcasting through a single channel is needed. In this paper, a service scenario and the requirements for providing 4 K UHD and high-definition (HD) convergence broadcasting services through a terrestrial single channel are analyzed by employing the latest transmission and video codec technologies. Optimized transmission parameters for 6- and 8-MHz terrestrial bandwidths are drawn, and receiving performances are measured under additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and time-varying typical urban (TU)-6 channel to find the threshold of visibility (TOV). From the results, reliable receiving of HD layer data can be achieved at a 6-MHz bandwidth when the maximum receiver velocity is 140 km/h and no higher due to the limit of bandwidth. When the bandwidth is extended to 8 MHz, reliable receiving of both 4 K UHD and HD layer data can be achieved under a very fast fading multipath channel.
CCR2 deficiency leads to increased eosinophils, alternative macrophage activation, and type 2 cytokine expression in adipose tissue
Authors: Bolus W Reid , Gutierrez Dario A , Kennedy Arion J , Anderson-Baucum Emily K , Hasty Alyssa H
Published: May 2015

Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation during obesity is mediated by immune cells and closely correlates with systemic insulin resistance. In lean AT, eosinophils are present in low but significant numbers and capable of promoting alternative macrophage activation in an IL-4/IL-13-dependent manner. In WT mice, obesity causes the proportion of AT eosinophils to decline, concomitant with inflammation and classical activation of AT macrophages. In this study, we show that CCR2 deficiency leads to increased eosinophil accumulation in AT. Furthermore, in contrast to WT mice, the increase in eosinophils in CCR2−/− AT is sustained and even amplified during obesity. Interestingly, a significant portion of eosinophils is found in CLSs in AT of obese CCR2−/− mice, which is the first time eosinophils have been shown to localize to these inflammatory hot spots. CCR2−/− bone marrow precursors displayed increased expression of various key eosinophil genes during in vitro differentiation to eosinophils, suggesting a potentially altered eosinophil phenotype in the absence of CCR2. In addition, the proportion of eosinophils in AT positively correlated with local expression of Il5, a potent eosinophil stimulator. The increase in eosinophils in CCR2−/− mice was detected in all white fat pads analyzed and in the peritoneal cavity but not in bone marrow, blood, spleen, or liver. In AT of CCR2−/− mice, an increased eosinophil number positively correlated with M2-like macrophages, expression of the Treg marker Foxp3, and type 2 cytokines, Il4, Il5, and Il13. This is the first study to link CCR2 function with regulation of AT eosinophil accumulation.
Automatic inversion of deep-directional-resistivity measurements for well placement and reservoir description
Authors: Dupuis Christophe , Denichou Jean-Michel
Published: May 2015

Deep-directional-resistivity (DDR) logging-while-drilling (LWD) technology has gained acceptance as an efficient method for horizontal well landing, geosteering, and reservoir and fluid-contact mapping. The largest part of the value lies in the automatic inversion of the measurements, improving the detection of geologic and fluid boundaries within a radius of investigation of more than 30 m around the wellbore in real time. The tool and its sensors were designed to acquire a data set with sensitivity to a number of formation properties ensuring the concurrent deployment of a robust inversion. Based on this, an inversion method implemented on computer clusters statistically samples (or explores) the multidimensional inversion space, returning the distribution of formation models that fit the available data. The most noticeable aspect to operators is that this is done without introducing bias. There is no need to commit to a number of layers or to the position, thickness, resistivity, or dip of the layers to generate the continuous images on which all DDR interpretation is based, which translates into several theoretical and practical advantages. In practice, this gives users a higher level of quality control and more confidence in interpreting the subsurface within a larger diameter around the wellbore, which is useful for integrating the information into a geomodel. This derisks current and future operation, improves real-time and planning decisions, and ultimately drives better well placement, completion, production, and return on investment.
The SEG Wiki: Be skeptical — then contribute
Authors: Farley Isaac
Published: May 2015

I wrote last month about the honoring of Leon Thomsen at the GSH/SEG Spring Symposium. Part of my time at the symposium involved presenting a workshop on the SEG Wiki. As I said in the article about the event, during the wiki presentation, Thomsen introduced himself as a “wiki skeptic.” He was not the first and will not be the last to do so. As with others, I welcomed his skepticism. After all, skepticism is a cornerstone of science, so it is no surprise that Thomsen and other scientists would have questions about the process behind contributing to a wiki and the accuracy of the content therein.
Coming to Castile with Cortés: Indigenous “Servitude” in the Sixteenth Century
Authors: van Deusen Nancy E.
Published: May 2015

“Coming to Castile with Cortés: Indigenous ‘Servitude’ in the Sixteenth Century” examines the circumstances of three indigenous criados (servants)—Pedro, Juan, and Francisco Manuel—with direct or indirect ties of patronage to the Spanish conqueror Hernán Cortés. As nonelite indios (Indians) displaced from Mexico to Castile, they experienced the transition from freedom to bondage in unique ways. Because the New Laws (1542) stated that, in principle, indios could be free in Spanish territories, all three initiated lawsuits before the tribunals of the House of Trade or the Council of the Indies. The trial depositions reveal the circumscribed life narratives of free indios whom others saw as slaves and whose lives were entwined with others more powerful than they. Each life story emphasizes the importance of hierarchical relations of power among masters, slaves, and servants, writ large in sixteenth-century Castile.
Control of Wnt5b secretion by Wntless modulates chondrogenic cell proliferation through fine-tuning fgf3 expression
Authors: Wu Bo-Tsung , Wen Shih-Hsien , Hwang Sheng-Ping L. , Huang Chang-Jen , Kuan Yung-Shu
Published: May 2015

Wnts and Fgfs regulate various tissues development in vertebrates. However, how regional Wnt or Fgf activities are established and how they interact in any given developmental event is elusive. Here, we investigated the Wnt-mediated craniofacial cartilage development in zebrafish and found that fgf3 expression in the pharyngeal pouches is differentially reduced along the anteroposterior axis in wnt5b mutants and wntless (wls) morphants, but its expression is normal in wnt9a and wnt11 morphants. Introducing fgf3 mRNAs rescued the cartilage defects in Wnt5b- and Wls-deficient larvae. In wls morphants, endogenous Wls expression is not detectable but maternally deposited Wls is present in eggs, which might account for the lack of axis defects in wls morphants. Secretion of endogenous Wnt5b but not Wnt11 was affected in the pharyngeal tissue of Wls morphants, indicating that Wls is not involved in every Wnt secretion event. Furthermore, cell proliferation but not apoptosis in the developing jaw was affected in Wnt5b- and Wls-deficient embryos. Therefore, Wnt5b requires Wls for its secretion and regulates the proliferation of chondrogenic cells through fine-tuning the expression of fgf3 during jaw cartilage development.
SEA you later alli-GATOR – a dynamic regulator of the TORC1 stress response pathway
Authors: Dokudovskaya Svetlana , Rout Michael P.
Published: May 2015

Cells constantly adapt to various environmental changes and stresses. The way in which nutrient and stress levels in a cell feed back to control metabolism and growth are, unsurprisingly, extremely complex, as responding with great sensitivity and speed to the ‘feast or famine, slack or stress’ status of its environment is a central goal for any organism. The highly conserved target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) controls eukaryotic cell growth and response to a variety of signals, including nutrients, hormones and stresses, and plays the key role in the regulation of autophagy. A lot of attention has been paid recently to the factors in this pathway functioning upstream of TORC1. In this Commentary, we focus on a major, newly discovered upstream regulator of TORC1 – the multiprotein SEA complex, also known as GATOR. We describe the structural and functional features of the yeast complex and its mammalian homolog, and their involvement in the regulation of the TORC1 pathway and TORC1-independent processes. We will also provide an overview of the consequences of GATOR deregulation in cancer and other diseases.
Groundwater Quality Assessment in Jazan Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alhababy Adel , Al-Rajab Abdul
Published: May 2015

Jazan province is an arid area, located at the southwestern part of Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea coast. Groundwater is the only resource of drinking water in this area; thus, its suitability for drinking and domestic uses is of public and scientific concern. In this study, groundwater samples were collected from 23 sites in Jazan area during fall 2014; measurements and analysis of water quality parameters including pH, total dissolved solids TDS, turbidity, hardness, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, sulfate, calcium, magnesium, chloride, iron and fluoride were carried out with references to WHO and Gulf Standardization Organization GSO. TDS values exceeded the permissible limit of 600 mg/l in 30.4% of samples, total hardness values exceeded the permissible limits of 300 mg/l in 34.8% of samples, and nitrate concentration exceeded the permissible limit of 50 mg/l in only one sample. However, the concentrations of investigated parameters in the groundwater samples were within the permissible limits of WHO. Our results showed that the water quality of groundwater in Jazan area is acceptable and could be used safely for drinking and domestic purposes. However, a special attention should be paid to the concentration of TDS and nitrate in groundwater in future studies.
Assessment of Mineral Composition of Irrigated Water from Different Wells Around Ta’if City, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Qari Huda
Published: May 2015

The chemical composition of water collected from different wells in Ta’if city was evaluated in order to determine the suitability as a potable or at least for irrigation. This study indicated that most of the chemical parameters such as . Ba, Cd, Cr, Zn & Fe do not fall within the permissible limit. Anions varied greatly between water sampled collected from different wells. Cl- varied between 32 - 955 mg L-1,which is higher than EPA standards (200 mg L-1). NO3-2 ranged between 14.6- 2088 mg L-1, which is much higher that allowed levels by EPA (10 mg L-1). Similarly, NH4 was relatively higher than standards of 10 mg L-1 in three wells out of the ten wells examined. Cations also showed similar trend, as they showed maximum in samples collected from some wells and lower concentrations and even BDL in samples collected from others. Na+ and Mg+ exceeded the standard levels (200 and 30mg L-1 respectively). K+ was lower than EPA standards of 30 mg L-1 in all samples Five metals out of the 10 elements analysed in the water samples from suburban water wells were found in concentrations exceeding various standards, which are Al, B, P , Cu and Pb However other trace metals (Fe, Ba, Cd, Cr and Zn) were not detected in all water samples.
Heavy Metals’ Concentration in Textile and Garments Industries’ Wastewater of Bhaluka Industrial Area, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
Authors: Sarker Biddut , Baten Md. Abdul , Haque Md. Eqram-Ul , Das Alok , Hossain Ahmed , Hasan Md. Zahedul
Published: May 2015

An investigation was made to ascertain heavy metals concentration in effluent samples collected from textile industries located at Bhaluka industrial area, Mymensingh, Bangladesh during August to November, 2013. Atomic absorption spectrometer (AAS) was used to evaluate the concentration of Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Lead (Pb) in the samples. The study revealed that heavy metals were present in variable amounts, where the concentrations of Cu (0.0405 ppm) and Pb (0.0003 ppm) were found lower than recommended level for industrial waste water. Among the present trace metals, the highest concentration (0.2-1.0 ppm) was found in Zn. Although the concentration is suitable for irrigation, it is unsafe for aquaculture. Besides, all of the wastewater samples possessed no Cr, Cd and Ni, which comprised less of the minimum acceptance level, indicating no possibility of contamination. However, comparing findings of this study with the safe limits for industrial wastewater, it can be concluded that the waste water of the study area except some sampling sites can be used for irrigation and aquaculture.
Determination of Shadow Price of Iran Electricity Market Using the Fuzzy Electricity Generation Planning
Authors: Hashemlou Bahareh , Masaeli Arashk , Sadeghi Hossein , Nasseri Alireza , Hajian Mohammadhadi
Published: May 2015

The present economies are so dependent on the electricity that even the short electricity outages cannot be tolerated. Decisions in Iran’s Electricity Grid are made on basis of the effective security of the units, which is rather distant from the price and market based planning. The present research was conducted to forecast the shadow price in Iran’s electricity market, for providing efficient tools for operators and transmitters of the market. Linear programming is among the powerful instruments for making instant balance and revealing the shadow price of electricity industry. Considering the uncertainty of the parameters involved in electricity grid models, implementation of fuzzy logic can be effective in regulating such parameters. Toward this aim, the present research was conducted using the shadow price of Iran’s electricity market within a time period from 20-Mar-2013 to 20-Mar-2014 using the fuzzy linear programming model. The results showed the shadow prices as 343 IRR and 383 IRR for the days with maximum and minimum use, respectively.
Consequences of Promoting Less-Populated Rural Areas to Urban Areas: A Case Study, Bushehr Province
Authors: Bastin Ali
Published: May 2015

The modified law of Iranian Administrative divisions has greatly altered the pattern of settlement in recent decades. The promotion of rural areas to urban areas has shifted from mere population standard to combined population-administrative standards. However, all censuses suggest that many rural areas reported as smaller than the minimum population standard have been promoted to urban areas. In the last two decades, this is a clearly prominent phenomenon in the urban system of Iran. This paper evaluates the effects and consequences of promoting small and sparsely populated rural areas to urban areas in the Bushehr province. The used methodology is analytic-descriptive using a questionnaire distributed among 380 members of the target population. Data analysis is conducted in physical, economic, social and urban servicing domains using one-sample T-test and the utility range. The results show that promotion of rural areas to urban areas has positive outcomes such as improved waste disposal system, improved quality of residential buildings, increased monitoring of the construction, increased income, prevented migration and improved health services. However, the results of utility range show that the negative consequences of this policy are more than its positive outcomes, which have been studied in detail.
Heavy Metal Concentration in Some Common Spices Available at Local Market as well as Branded Spicy in Chittagong Metropolitan City, Bangladesh
Authors: Das Prabhangshu , Halder Milton , Mujib A , Islam Faridul , Mahmud Abu , Akhter Samina , Joardar Jagadish
Published: May 2015

A study has been conducted to evaluate some metal concentration of spicy from local market of Chittagong metropolitan city, Bangladesh. Total 30 spicy samples of red chili or chili red, coriander, turmeric were collected from five different spot (Khatungonj, Chakbazar, Muradpur, Baluchora, Amanbazar) under Chittagong metropolitan city and metal as Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe concentration was measured. Metal concentration in red chili, coriander, turmeric were found as increasing order as CuKhatungonj>Muradpur>Baluchora>Amanbazar,Khatungonj>Chakbazar>Amanbazar>Muradpur>Baluchora,Khatungonj>Chakbazar>Baluchora>Amanbazar>Muradpur,Khatungonj>Chakbazar>Muradpur>Amanbazar>Baluchora,Khatungonj>Chakbazar> Baluchora >Amanbazar>Muradpur respectively. So, Spicy of Khatungonj was the highly contaminated with metal followed by chakbazar spicy and least metal concentrated spicy was in Amanbazar at Chittagong city. According to WHO (World Health Organization), Cr and Fe concentrations exceeded the permissible limit of heavy metals in spicy but other metal concentrations was within tolerable limit. The current research’s findings will convey a strong message for the government body, policy maker to establish rules and regulation in order to protect food chain contamination, environment pollution and will be helpful for public awareness. An immediate attention from the concerned authorities is required in order to protect food chain contamination and environment pollution.
Distribution and Current Status of the Reptiles of Khirthar Protected Area Complex (KPAC) and Adjoining Areas in Districts Karachi, Jamshoro and Thatta, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Ghalib Syed , Khan Muhammad , Zehra Afsheen , Begum Abeda , Hussain Babar , Khan Abdur , Hussain Saquib , Ali M , Tabbassum Fozia , Samreen Naseem , Lateef Tahira
Published: May 2015

In this study, surveys were undertaken during 2008 – 2013, to record the distribution and status of reptiles of the area, during the study 41 species of reptiles were recorded. Twenty two important habitats for reptiles in the area were identified and listed. Indian Spiny-tailed Lizard (Saara hardwickii) was found to be under threat in its localized habitat in Jhimpir Wind Corridor block in Thatta district and Indian Fat–tail Gecko (Eublepharis macularius) was noted to have been almost disappeared from most of the area due to large scale capture of the species for sale in the local markets.
Simultaneous Desalination of Sea water and Electricity Production with New Membrane Technology, Air-Cathode Microbial Desalination Cells
Authors: Asadi-Ghalhari Mahdi , Mehrdadi Nasser , Nabi-Bidhendi Gholamreza
Published: May 2015

Water and energy shortages, has increased the need for methods that can provide low energy for desalination of sea water. Microbial desalination cell is one of the most important of these methods. In this study we use air cathode MDC for desalination of seawater. The maximum voltage, power and current density was 607mV, 521mW/m2 and 858mA/m2 (25mM PBS) and 701mV, 695mW/m2 and 992mA/m2 (50mM PBS) respectively. During the period of the voltage generation in 50mM PBS was about 1.5 times of 25mM PBS. Under this situation, EC of seawater with initial electrical conductivity declined by 48.31±3% (25mM PBS) and 46.71±2.73% (50mM PBS). As well as decrease of salt from sea water in the middle chamber, EC in synthetic wastewater and catholyte slightly increased. So that Change percent of EC in synthetic wastewater was 44.20 ± 11.94(25mM PBS) and 27.94 ± 3 (50 mM PBS) and in catholyte was 211.66 ± 22.41(25mM PBS) and 119.24 ± 11.25 (50 mM PBS) respectively. These results show that the MDC can also be used as a pretreatment to reverse osmosis; simultaneously the energy required in this process is also partly meet.
Is Metal Contamination A Health Risk In Study Subjects From Urban Vadodara?
Authors: Chandorkar Suneeta , Bajaj Priyanka , Deota Prachi
Published: May 2015

Metal contamination of food is a major food safety concern emerging at global as well as national level. Air, water and soil are the major routes through which metals enter the food chain. Gujarat being the second most industrialized state of India and Vadodara having the highest number of chemical factories in Gujarat is at a higher risk of metal toxicity. Research has also been done to analyze metal contamination of raw food hence in the present study investigations were done on metal contamination of total diets. The objective was to analyze each meal of the day and water sample of the subjects for metal content by duplicate diet method. Duplicate diets, which included separate food samples for each food groups and drinking water were collected from sixty subjects from free living population of Vadodara. Food samples were digested using wet digestion method. In all 250 foods and 24 water samples were analyzed for metals namely, Aluminum, Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury, Nickel and Lead using ICP-MS. Amongst all food groups pulse based product had highest contamination of Aluminum, Cadmium and Lead. Nickel contamination was highest in eggs. Arsenic contamination was highest in other items. Maximum Aluminum, Arsenic and Nickel in diets were contributed from cereals whereas maximum Lead and Cadmium was contributed from pulses in the diets. Aluminum, Lead, Cadmium and Nickel were in higher amounts in foods compared to their cutoffs. There is therefore an urgent need to look into possible factors for the high presence of metals in food and take remedial measures to reduce metal contamination.
Depreciation in Ambient Air Quality in Iron Ore Mining Region of Goa
Authors: Singh Gurdeep , Perwez Atahar
Published: May 2015

Goa is one of the most famous international tourist destinations of the world. Export of Iron ore extracted from the midland of Goa is a major economic activity. However, there is a serious concern of air pollution due to iron ore mining activities. In order to assess the impact of mining activities on the environmental regime, the air quality depreciation index was adopted for this study due to its realistic and meaningful presentation of deterioration in ambient air quality. The index had been applied to the ambient air quality monitoring results of thirty four locations in the iron ore mining region of Goa. To envisage upon the deterioration in air quality due to various activities, eight stations were selected around mines, twelve in the buffer zone (within 4 Km radius of the core mining activities) and fourteen along the ore transportation routes for monitoring of SPM, PM10, SO2 and NOX. The deterioration of air quality in the iron ore mining region of Goa is clearly apparent as the depreciation in air quality was found < -1 from the most desired value of 0 at all the stations. In general, the air quality was found most depreciated along the ore transportation routes, which is also evidenced by a considerable load of particulate matters observed. This infers that ore transportation is the most devastating activity in the iron ore mining region of Goa and accordingly mitigation plan should be adopted.
Role of NGOs in Solid Waste Management: A Study in Different Municipalities of Manipur, India
Authors: Singh Ch. Raghumani , Dey Mithra
Published: May 2015

The quantity of solid waste produced in city depends on the type of the city, its population, living standards of the residents and degree of commercialization and various activities prevailing in the city. The generation of waste mainly depends on the increase in population and the type of activity. Improper municipal solid waste management (MSWM) causes various health hazards and leads to environmental degradation. The present paper highlights the existing status of the municipal solid waste management in the three municipalities of Manipur – Imphal, Thoubal and Bishnupur Municipality. The study involved both primary and secondary data. Study of the physical composition of the waste generated helps in the better management of the waste. The physical characterization of the waste and existing management system like collection system practiced, storage, transportation and disposal systems used were studied. Physical characterization revealed that organic waste was the highest in all the three municipality i.e. 60.59%, 60.08% and 57.71% for Imphal, Thoubal and Bishnupur respectively and followed by plastics and paper and least was leather. The present paper tries to analyze the scenario of management of municipal solid waste in the three municipalities of Manipur and the role NGOs play in their efficient management. NGOs were found to be operative only in Imphal municipality and not in the other two. It is suggested that generating awareness among the public and their participation along with initiatives of NGOs is essential and integral part for efficient solid waste management.
Variation in Groundwater Quality with Seasonal Fluctuation in Jharia Coal Mine Region, Jharkhand, India
Authors: Panigrahy Binay , Singh Prasoon , Tiwari Ashwani , Kumar Bijendra
Published: May 2015

Jharia coal mining areas is one of the most important coal mining areas in India. It is roughly elliptical or sickles – shaped, located in Dhanbad district of Jharkhand. For the assessment of groundwater quality, Twenty Nine groundwater samples were collected from Jharia coalfield. The pH of the analysed water samples is slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in nature in both the season. The quality assessment of groundwater shows that in general, the water is suitable for domestic purposes with some exceptions. In majority of the samples, the analyzed parameters are well within the desirable limits and water is potable for drinking purposes. However, concentrations of EC, TDS, TH, SO42-, Na+, Ca2+ and Mg2+exceed the desirable limit at few sites. The water level fluctuation shows in the study area for year 2013 is 1.29 to 6.9 mbgl. West and some part of the northern area are facing extreme scarcity due to lower availability of groundwater resource. However, eastern region of the study area has sufficiently available of groundwater resources in the Jharia coalfield. This study is useful for utilization of groundwater resources in mining area and helps in future water resource planning for the area.
Technical Efficiency of Shrimp Farming in Andhra Pradesh: Estimation and Implications
Authors: Sivaraman I , Krishnan M , Ananthan P , Satyasai KJS , Krishnan L , Haribabu P , Ananth P
Published: May 2015

Shrimp farming is a key subsector of Indian aquaculture which has seen a remarkable growth in the past decades and has a tremendous potential in future. The present study analyzes the technical efficiency of the shrimp famers of East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh using the Stochastic Production Frontier Function with the technical inefficiency effects. The estimates mean technical efficiency of the farmers was 93.06 % which means the farmers operate at 6.94 % below the production frontier production. Age, education, experience of the farmers and their membership status in farmers associations and societies were found to have a significant effect on the technical efficiency. The variation in the technical efficiency also confirms the differences in the extent of adoption of the shrimp farming technology among the farmers. Proper technical training opportunities could facilitate the farmers to adopt the improved technologies to increase their farm productivity.
Phytoplanktonic Diversity and Its Relation to Physico-chemical Parameters of Water at Dogarwada Ghat of River Narmada
Authors: Sharma Jyoti , Parashar Alka , Bagare Pratibha , Qayoom Imtiyaz
Published: May 2015

Present study was undertaken to assess the spatial and temporal distribution of phytoplanktons with respect to the changes in various physico-chemical parameters of Dongarwada ghat of river Narmada Madhya Pradesh. The study was carried for a year from March 2010 to February 2011.The results revealed presence of total of 27 taxa of phytoplanktons belonging to 4 families were found in order of Chlorophyceae (47%) >Cyanophyceae (27%) >Bacillariophyceae (23%)>Euglenophyceae (3%).Diversity parameters such as Shannon index ranged from 1.092-0.37, Simpson index from 0.6622-0.6202, evenness diversity index ranged from 0.9932 -0.7288 and Margelef index between 0.5459-0.2951.Various physico-chemical parameters of water analyzed depicted a positive correlation with diversity and distribution of Phytoplankton.
Phytoplankton Abundance and Species Diversity in Ranjit Sagar Wetland, Punjab (India)
Authors: Brraich Onkar , Saini Sunil
Published: May 2015

Species diversity, dominance and abundance of the phytoplankton community of the Ranjit Sager Wetland were studied during June, 2012 to May, 2014 on monthly basis. The main aim was to provide information about overall phytoplankton diversity of this wetland. Phytoplankton samples were collected using phytoplankton net and preserved in 5% formaldehyde solution on the spot, then brought to the laboratory for further analysis. Algae belonging to Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae and Bacillariophyceae were recorded. The Bacillariophyceae was the most dominant group followed by the Chlorophyceae and Cyanophyceae. A total of 26 genera were recorded, 12 were belonged to Bacillariophyceae, 11 to Chlorophyceae and 3 to Cyanophyceae. The different types of indices such as Margalef’s index, Simpson index, Shannon-Weaver index and species evenness index were employed to analysis the data. Phytoplankton converts light energy to chemical energy by the process of photosynthesis so they act as primary producers and food for variety of aquatic organisms. Phytoplankton are also act as efficient bio-indicators to measure quality of water.
Composting of Calotropis gigantea Leaves In Presence of Sheep Dung
Authors: Shah Mayur , Kansara Jaldip , Shilpkar Prateek
Published: May 2015

Calotropis gigantea is a plant grown almost everywhere and has no economic use. Leaves of Calotropis gigantea plants were composted with sheep dung. Composting conditions were maintained and samples were withdrawn at 30, 60 and 90 days of composting and analysed for pH, electrical conductivity, Ca2+, Mg2+, Cl1-, total organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus and available potassium. Results show that contents of these parameters changes with time and at 90 days nutrient rich compost is obtained with decreased concentration of chloride.