bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STRATEGI PEMENUHAN KEBUTUHAN INFORMASI PERTANIAN MELALUI PEMANFAATAN CYBER EXTENSION DI PROPINSI LAMPUNG
Authors: Gultom Dame Trully
Published: April 2017

Production of some vegetables in  Lampung Province showed to decline in  the past five years, due to agricultural information technology does not distribute evenly, while the cyber extension could be used to search the agricultural information. The aims of study are (1)  Analyze the factors that influence the horticulture farmers communication behavior to fulfill the need of agricultural information, (2) Formulating the strategy of fulfillment need of agriculture information through the use of cyber extension.  Research design was Sequential Explanatory Design (Mixed Methods). The research was conducted in 16 villages in West Lampung District and Tanggamus District, from October 2014 to January 2015. Respondent samples were taken with sampling quota as many as 180 farmers. The data used were primary and secondary data.  Data analyzed by descriptive analyzed  and inferential analyzed by The Structural Equation Model  (SEM). The results of the study concluded that farmers communication behavior is positively influenced by the individual characteristics, the environmental factors, the potential of cyber extension information source and the potential of conventional information source.  The need fulfillment of  agricultural information  is influenced  by the farmers communication behavior.
Mark Twain at Home and Abroad
Authors: Hayes Kevin J.
Published: April 2017

The clash between home and away, here and elsewhere, which is central to Mark Twain's writings, has inspired three recent books. One looks at the importance of home in Twain's life and the theme of domesticity in his writings. Conversely, another examines Twain's overseas travel, emphasizing its significance to both his literary career and his family life. Continuing with the international theme, a third book studies how China and the Chinese figure in Twain's writings and how his works continue to reverberate in China today.
Translating Theatre from the Periphery
Authors: Calderon Santiago Farias
Published: April 2017

This piece aims to give evidence of some ways in which translating theatre from non-canonical languages can contribute to a better understanding of the source culture, its identity, and its traditions, thus resulting in a shift in power from the centre to the periphery. Using examples from Mexican theatre, this article can serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultures through the visual and verbal discourse systems found in theatre.
Collaboration Means De-Normalizing Normal
Authors: Stanley Sarah Garton
Published: April 2017

With Indie-led, paradigm-shifting meetings in Toronto, and rural gatherings on Manitoulin Island, “de-normalizing normal” takes us through the hidden landscapes of cultural privilege and asks us to look at how easy it can be to perpetuate the problem while simultaneously working to fix it.
Chamber Theatre Hintonburg Avoids Beautiful Lies
Authors: Laflamme Donnie , Zanyk Lisa
Published: April 2017

Chamber Theatre Hintonburg offers a how-to guide to performing full plays in taverns and small venues. Applying the principles of Grotowski’s poor theatre, CTH has developed a model for creating theatre with minimal resources, in which less is not only necessary but actually becomes “more:” more engaging and effective.
Synthesis and Characterisation of Bridged Morpholine Derivatives Fused to a Phenanthrene Ring System
Authors: Rao H. Surya Prakash , Vijjapu Satish
Published: April 2017

The synthesis of conformationally restricted and facially biased bridged morpholine derivatives fused to a phenanthrene ring system was prepared in a three-step sequence involving: (i) Voight rearrangement; (ii) stereoselective reduction of ketone and (iii) iodine mediated cyclisation, the α-allyl-α-hydroxy-ketones gave the corresponding bridged N-substituted morpholines. One of the bridged morpholine derivatives fused to a phenanthrene ring system was optically active. The NMR spectral analysis and theoretical studies show that substitution on nitrogen prefers exo-orientation, possibly to avoid steric interactions with the phenanthrene moiety.
Wintering Behaviour and Spatial Ecology of Eurasian Wigeon Anas Penelope in a Coastal Mediterranean Wetland Complex (Guerbes-Sanhadja) of Northeastern Algeria
Authors: Bouchaala Laid , Elafri Ali , Charchar Nabil , Boukhemza Mohamed , Houhamdi Moussa
Published: April 2017

As rare and threatened species, ecological information about common waterbirds is needed to assess priorities for wetland management. In this study, we attempt to provide information about the spatial ecology and wintering behaviour of one of the most common species of the coastal Mediterranean wetland complex of northeastern Algeria, the Eurasian Wigeon Anas penelope. Over the three winters of the study the maximum number of recorded Eurasian Wigeon across all sites rose from 1,096 in 2010/11 to 1,397 in 2012/13. This represents a 27% increase over three years in the Guerbes-Sanhadja region. Among these wetland complex sites abundance varied markedly during the three wintering periods of study, being highest in Garaet Hadj-Tahar and Garaet Beni Mhamed (ranging from 300–700 individuals), and lowest in the remaining sites, which never exceeded 150 individuals. Bird abundance often peaked in January of each year and decreased as winter progressed. Wigeon have similar patterns of migration phenology among years at Garaet Hadj-Tahar and Garaet Beni Mhamed. At the remaining sites, they exhibited a different pattern. The multiple regression analysis for all seasons showed a marginally significant correlation between Wigeon abundance changes and three environmental variables of the wetland complex exclusively in the spring seasons (depth, vegetation and temporariness). A roosting area is identified as a functional role of the Guerbes-Sanhadja wetland complex for this anatid, since they spent all of the daytime sleeping, swimming (ranged from 30 to 40%), and resting (from 15 to 25%) in all winters. Despite their semi-permanent and unprotected status (apart from only three sites), these patched wetlands provide suitable conditions for this sensitive species, and therefore should receive the attention of wetland management.
Weather and the Jacobite Rebellion of 1719
Authors: Klinger Patrick J.
Published: April 2017

In late 1718, King Philip of Spain and his Prime Minister Giulio Alberoni joined with James Francis Edward Stuart and the Duke of Ormonde of the Jacobites to fight a common enemy. Together in early 1719, they launched a remarkably ambitious naval invasion of Britain whose purpose was to raise a rebellion of Scots and disaffected Englishmen in order to overthrow Hanoverian monarch, George I. This paper examines the weather that affected the invasion attempt. Although weather affects many events, the interference of weather is greater at certain times than others. The success of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1719, at least for some of the participants, was thwarted by a storm. This example showed that not all storms are equal in their effect on events, and understanding the distinct features of different storms is important. Because of this, studying the nature of storms and studying the (meteorological) knowledge of those who planned the military expeditions becomes important to our understanding of the events themselves. The Jacobite Rebellion of 1719 was an example of this and this paper argues that the storm and related weather events that occurred in 1719 were beyond the meteorological understanding of the Rebellion's planners. The reactions of contemporaries to this storm and the failed Jacobite Rebellion of 1719 are important to our understanding of early modern meteorological knowledge and of the effect of weather on war and politics during the same period.
A Historical View on Coastal Erosion: The Case of Furadouro (Portugal)
Authors: de Freitas Joana Gaspar , Dias João Alveirinho
Published: April 2017

The village of Furadouro, on the north-western coast of Portugal, is emblematic of current problems of coastal management. The purpose of this article is to analyse the interaction between human communities and the coast in Furadouro, in order to understand how practices and arrangements have contributed to potentiate coastal erosion effects in the last century. The conceptual tools of 'socio-natural sites'; 'co-evolution'; and 'socio-natural sites as nexus of practices and arrangements' guide this investigation. The methodology adopted is socio-ecological long-term research. Data used comes mainly from primary historical sources (church registers, minutes of local authorities' meetings and newspapers) and secondary literature (local writers and monographs). Historical information was cross-referenced with geomorphological data to allow for a more global approach to the coastal erosion phenomenon. The analysis of the evolution of Furadouro shows that human activities determined the increase of coastal erosion problems, not only by contributing to the decrease of sand on the beach, but also by destroying its natural protection structures - the dunes. The reconstruction of past coastal landscapes and human intervention gives us a better understanding of the complex and intertwined history of this socio-ecological site, also offering a model of analysis and interpretation that can be applied to other cases around the world.
Alzheimer's Disease Pathology in Non-Demented Elderly
Authors: Kazee Ann M. , Johnson Eileen M.
Published: April 2017

The purpose of this study was to quantitate the extent of neuropathological lesions (neurofilbrillary tangles and senile plaques) characteristic of Alzheimer's disease in cognitively intact elderly control subjects. The subjects included twenty-six elderly individuals who were autopsied at a university-based Alzheimer's Disease Center. The mean age at autopsy was 78 years (range 51–99 years); there were 15 males and 11 females. All of these control subjects had a few neurons containing neurofibrillary tangles in the hippocampus, but no neurofibrillary tangles in the neocortex. Twelve of the 26 subjects (46%) had some senile plaques in the neocortex, while fourteen (54%) did not. Six subjects (23%) had substantial numbers of senile plaques in the neocortex. Neither the number of neurons containing neurofibrillary tangles nor the number of senile plaques correlated with age in these subjects. Possible conclusions are that there are many elderly individuals with incipient Alzheimer's Disease, or that one can have some degree of these lesions and still be cognitively normal. These data point out the need to have better pathological markers of the disease process and better diagnostic criteria to define Alzheimer's Disease.
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Wevers Andrea , Schröder Hannsjörg
Published: April 2017

Nicotinic cholinoceptive dysfunction associated with cognitive impairment is a leading neurochemical feature of Alzheimer's disease. There-fore, nicotinic acetylcholine receptors have attracted considerable interest as potential therapeutic targets. The deficit of nicotine binding sites in Alzheimer's disease may be related to alterations of nicotinic receptor synthesis on the levels of (i) transcription, (ii) translation and post-translational modifications, (iii) receptor transport and turnover, including membrane insertion. Current approaches aim at the elucidation of molecular changes at all three levels. Although a com-prehensive picture has not yet been achieved, currently available data can be summarized as follows: (i) there are no changes at the level of transcription of subunit mRNAs studied so far, (ii) evidence is accumulating for a distinct decrease on the protein level in the expression especially of the α4-subunit, and (iii) preliminary findings point to a possible correlation of cytoskeletal changes (hyperphosphorylation of ô-protein) with decreased nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expression.
The Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Villareal Dennis T. , Morris John C.
Published: April 2017

Dementia constitutes a growing public health crisis. Early and accurate diagnosis of dementia is essential in order to provide patient and family counseling and appropriate treatment, including with specific antidementia drugs as they become increasingly available. Age-related cognitive decline, as compared with dementia, does not seriously interfere with usual activities. The optimal approach to early detection of dementia is clinical examination that incorporates information from a reliable collateral source about how the patient's cognitive abilities have declined relative to past performance. Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, can be diagnosed clinically with high accuracy (≥ 85%) using standardized criteria. Even incipient AD can be detected with clinical methods alone. Although the typical picture of AD is characterized by gradual onset and progression of memory and other cognitive deficits, in other respects the disease is marked by heterogeneity. Early and late-onset AD represent the most easily recognized subtypes. Research continues towards characterizing a biologic marker but, as of yet, no candidate marker surpasses the high diagnostic accuracy of clinical assessments alone. At present, the diagnosis of AD rests primarily in the hands of the clinician.
Neurite-Outgrowth Regulating Functions of the Amyloid Protein Precursor of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Small D.H. , Clarris H.L. , Williamson T.G. , Reed G. , Key B. , Mok S.S. , Beyreuther K. , Masters C.L. , Nurcombe V.
Published: April 2017

Many studies have shown that breakdown of the amyloid protein precursor (APP) to produce the amyloid protein is an important step in the pathogenic mechanism which causes Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, little is known about the normal function of APP. Developmental studies show that APP expression increases during the period of brain development when neurite outgrowth and synaptogenesis is maximal. APP is expressed highly within growing neurites and in growth cones, and purified APP has been shown to stimulate neurite outgrowth from cells in culture. Thus APP may regulate neurite outgrowth or synaptogenesis in vivo. APP is actively secreted from many cells, and the C-terminally secreted APP has been shown to associate with components of the extracellular matrix, such as the heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Two putative heparin-binding domains on APP have been reported. Binding of HSPGs to an N-terminal heparin-binding domain (HBD-1) stimulates the effect of substrate-bound APP on neurite outgrowth. In the mature nervous system, APP may play an important role in the regulation of wound repair. It is highly likely that studies on the normal functions of APP will shed further light on aspects of the pathogenesis of AD.
Is Understanding the Biological Function of APP Important in Understanding Alzheimer's Disease?
Authors: Saitoh Tsunao , Mook-Jung Inhee
Published: April 2017

The presence of mutations around the Aβ sequence in APP provides strong argument for the involvement of APP, and Aβ in particular, in pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). In vitro studies demonstrated that Aβ may cause neuronal death, supporting the hypothetical involvement of Aβ in neurodegeneration in AD. However, concentrations of Aβ required for neuronal death are nonphysio-logically high. Nevertheless, the predominant idea in the field is that it is sufficient to postulate Aβ as a major culprit in AD development. The question we pose is whether the potentially important involvement of Aβ precludes the etiological (primary) involvement (not pathological, i.e., secondary) of APP functions. We do not have an adequate answer to this question. Current knowledge about APP functions indicates that APP is critically required for the maintenance of neuronal and synaptic structure and function. Because AD is a disease of neuronal and synaptic deterioration, APP may be involved during the course of AD pathogenesis, perhaps secondarily. To ponder the question whether APP may be etiologically involved in AD, much needs to be learned about APP functions. This article is intended to provide a foundation for this challenging task.
Elevated Levels of Tau in Cerebrospinal Fluid: Implications for the Antemortem Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Trojanowski John Q. , Clark Christopher M. , Arai Hiroyuki , Lee Virginia M.-Y.
Published: April 2017

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a heterogeneous group of dementias characterized by progressive cognitive impairments as well as by the accumulation of abundant extracellular deposits of Aß and intra-neuronal neurofibrillary lesions in selectively vulnerable regions of the AD brain. The latter abnormalities (e.g. neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites, neuropil threads) are aggregates of paired helical filaments (PHFs) formed from altered tau proteins (PHFtau). Although PHFtau and normal central nervous system (CNS) tau are phosphorylated at nearly the same sites, PHFtau is phosphorylated to a greater extent, and alterations in the activity of CNS kinases and phosphatases most likely contribute to the pathogenesis of PHFtau. Since the abundance of neurofibrillary lesions correlates with the dementia in AD, the generation of PHFtau and the formation of neurofibrillary lesions may be part of a cell death pathway leading to massive neuron loss and dementia in AD. Building upon these and other insights into altered tau metabolism in AD, a series of studies suggest that the diagnosis of AD may be supported in living patients by determining the concentration of tau in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). We review these promising studies here, and discuss them in the context of current understanding of the pathobiology of AD.
Normal levels of clusterin in cerebrospinal fluid in Alzheimer's disease, and no change after acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Lidström A-M. , Hesse C. , Rosengren L. , Fredman P. , Davidsson P. , Blennow K.
Published: April 2017

The protein clusterin has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Its expression is increased in brain regions affected by AD pathology, and to elucidate if there is a concomitant increase of clusterin also in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in different neurological disorders, CSF samples from patients with AD, vascular dementia (VAD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and controls were analysed. Also longitudinal (five occasions) samples from patients with acute stroke were analysed, to follow any degenerative/regenerative phase after acute brain damage. However, there were no changes in CSF-clusterin levels from patients in AD, VAD, PD or acute stroke, as compared to controls. The increase of clusterin in brain tissue is suggested to reflect a regenerative response process, which here is shown not to be followed by a concomitant increase in the CSF. Thus, CSF-clusterin can not be used as an indicator or a diagnostic marker for AD.
Characterization by atomic force microscopy and cryoelectron microscopy of tau polymers assembled in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Moreno-Herrero Fernando , Valpuesta José M. , Pérez Mar , Colchero Jaime , Baró Arturo M. , Avila Jesús , Garcini Esteban Montejo de
Published: April 2017

The structure of the Paired Helical filaments (PHF), a polymer of the microtubule associated protein tau, has been studied by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and by cryoelectron microscopy. Mica and graphite were used as substrates in the AFM analysis with no differences in the results. A banding pattern of 8–12 nm width within the helical structure is found when detailed analysis of the data is performed. High AFM resolution images obtained by using an ultra sharp tip confirm the previous results and suggest that the structures observed are compatible with a helical ribbon made up of two parallel strands. These results were confirmed by cryoelectron microscopy experiments.
Is hemochromatosis a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease?
Authors: Connor J.R. , Milward E.A. , Moalem S. , Sampietro M. , Boyer P. , Percy M.E. , Vergani C. , Scott R.J. , Chorney M.
Published: April 2017

Excess iron accumulation in the brain is a consistent observation in Alzheimer's Disease. Iron affects amyloid precursor protein (AβPP) processing and promotes deposition of Aβ. Iron is also among the most potent biological toxins because of its ability to react with oxygen to form reactive oxygen species. Consequently, elucidation of the mechanisms associated with maintaining brain iron homeostasis is fundamentally important to understanding the underlying pathogenesis in AD. The iron overload disorder, Hemochromatosis, is the most common genetic disorder (1:200) so a significant percentage of AD patients can be expected to carry this mutation. Heterozygotes for this mutation also have an increased, but sub-clinical iron burden. Given the high percentage of the population who are at significant risk for iron overload, we propose that the hemochromatosis mutation be considered as a confounding factor when evaluating the contribution of genetic associations with AD and treatment strategies and efficacy. Two recent papers and new evidence presented here that the protein associated with hemochromatosis is expressed on blood vessels, choroid plexus and the ependymal cells in the brain are offered as support for this proposal.
Amyloid-β promotes calcium influx and neurodegeneration via stimulation of L voltage-sensitive calcium channels rather than NMDA channels in cultured neurons
Authors: Ho Rebecca , Ortiz Daniela , Shea Thomas B.
Published: April 2017

Exposure of cultured neurons and neuronal cells to aggregated amyloid-β (Aβ) induces multiple neurodegenerative events including accumulation of cytosolic calcium, generation of reactive oxygen species, abnormal levels of phosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau, and apoptosis. Prevention of accumulation of calcium within the cytosol also prevents all other events, suggesting that calcium accumulation is an early and pivotal event in Aβ neurotoxicity. Calcium influx has been suggested to occur via L voltage-sensitive calcium channels or NMDA channels. Calcium influx into differentiated human neuroblastoma cells has been previously attributed to the L voltage-sensitive calcium channel, but the contribution of the NMDA channel was not examined. In the present study, treatment of these cells with MK-801, an antagonist of NMDA channels, failed to attenuate Aβ-induced calcium influx or neurodegeneration, while nimopridine, an antagonist of the L voltage-sensitive calcium channel, blocked Aβ-induced calcium influx. Our findings suggest that NMDA channels do not contribute significantly to Aβ neurotoxicity in these acute cell culture analyses.
Serum p97 levels as an aid to identifying Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Feldman H. , Gabathuler R. , Kennard M. , Nurminen J. , Levy D. , Foti S. , Foti D. , Beattie B.L , Jefferies W.A.
Published: April 2017

Background:

The application of formal clinical diagnostic criteria for the identification of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) has improved diagnostic sensitivity. However, there remains a need for non-invasive biological markers and laboratory tests, which can facilitate case identification, and the assessment of treatment response. The p97 protein is a secreted protein specifically expressed by amyloid plaque associated reactive microglia that may have AD diagnostic ability.

Methods:

A quantitative radioimmunoassay was developed to measure serum p97. This study, under a double blind protocol, evaluated the utility of serum p97 as diagnostic test for AD. All subjects were referred to the UBC Clinic for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (CADRD) for clinical assessment of dementia. A serum p97 sample was obtained at the time of assessment but diagnosis of disease was determined independently of p97 examination.

Results:

“Possible” and “probable” AD cases (n = 41) and cognitively normal controls (n = 64) showed a highly significant difference in mean p97 concentration (41 vs. 20 ng/ml, p<0.001). There was some overlap in p97 distributions between AD cases and control subjects. The area under the curve (AUC) for the receiver operator curve (ROC) was 0.812.

Conclusions:

These results further support the specificity of high serum p97 levels in AD and its potential utility as a biological marker in AD. The reproducible elevation of serum p97 in AD underlines the need to further determine its role as a biological marker and diagnostic adjunct for AD.
Association of novel and established polymorphisms in neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors with sporadic Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Kawamata Jun , Shimohama Shun
Published: April 2017

Since the loss of cholinergic neurons in the Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain was first reported, considerable evidence in vivo and in vitro has accumulated in support of the cholinergic hypothesis of AD. The hypothesis is greatly supported by the fact that the most promising drugs against AD are inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE). To identify the possible mutations and/or polymorphisms of neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) genes related to the pathogenesis of sporadic AD, we have performed mutational analyses of the major neuronal nAChR genes (CHRNA3, 4, 7 and CHRNB2) expressed in central nervous system. Allelic analysis showed association of specific silent or intronic polymorphisms of the CHRNA3 and CHRNA4 genes and AD. Two novel missense point mutations, Ser413Leu in the CHRNA4 gene and Gln397Pro in the CHRNB2 gene, were identified in two different AD cases but were not found in other AD cases and controls. These findings suggested that genetic polymorphisms of the neuronal nAChR genes might be related to the pathogenesis of sporadic AD.
Thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) in the hippocampus of Alzheimer patients
Authors: Luo LuGuang , Yano Naohiro , Mao QuanFu , Jackson I.M.D. , Stopa E.G.
Published: April 2017

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) is best known for its hypothalamic neuroendocrine role in regulating thyroid function. In extra-hypothalamic regions in vitro, we have shown TRH to have a protective effect against synaptic loss and neuronal apoptosis. A role for TRH in Alzheimer's disease (AD) has not been established previously.

In this study, we examined the content of the TRH peptide in the hippocampus of elderly controls (n=5) and AD patients (n=7) by radioimmunoassay (RIA). The TRH concentration was decreased in the AD hippocampus compared to normal elderly controls (p > 0.01). In a separate series of experiments utilizing primary cell cultures made from rat hippocampus, TRH peptide concentration was depleted by the addition of TRH antiserum. TRH withdrawal was found to enhance the activity of glycogen synthetase kinase-3 (GSK-3β), a critical enzyme necessary for the phosphorylation of tau, as well as the phosphorylation of the tau protein itself. This TRH depletion induced upregulation in phosphorylation that was observed to initiate axonal retraction in cultured neurons. These data suggest that TRH within the hippocampus can regulate the activity of various proteins by phosphorylation/dephosphorylation that may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD.
Screening of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamase Producing Bacteria in Clinical Liquid Waste
Authors: Hossain M Anwar , Sultana Munawar , Naeem Nazratan , Sultana Sabia , Sultana Khandokar Fahmida , Mukharje Sanjoy Kumar
Published: April 2017

Admixture of Clinical Liquid Waste (CLW) discharging into Ecological Water Bodies (EWB) causes significant pollution with resistant bacteria. The issue is significant in Bangladesh where CLW management is at early stage of development. Extended-Spectrum ?-Lactamase (ESBL) producing bacteria confer resistance to Broad Spectrum ?-Lactam Antibiotics (BSBLA) which has become a global concern now. The aim of this study was to characterise and assess the occurrence of ESBL producing bacteria in CLW of Bangladesh. Three CLW samples were collected from two leading hospitals in Dhaka City, Bangladesh in the year 2012. A total 166 isolates were retrieved and screened for ESBL production by the Double Disk Diffusion Synergy Test (DDST). Isolates with ESBL phenotype were further characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing, PCR and sequencing of ?-lactamase genes. A total of 30 ESBL producers with Multi Drug Resistant (MDR) properties were isolated. Gene specific PCR against blaTEM, blaCTX-M, and blaSHV detected CTX-M as major ESBL genotype (83%) followed by occurrence of TEM-genotypes (40%). Prevalence of SHV was low in CLW samples (3%). More than 20% of CLW -ESBL isolates possessed both the TEM and CTX-M genotypes. The predominant ESBL isolates were phylogenetically identified as Escherichia spp. Seventy seven percent followed by Citrobacter spp. (17%), Klebsiella spp. (3%), and Yokenella spp. (3%). This investigation demonstrates that CLW possesses ESBL producing MDR bacteria which might act as potential threat to disseminate resistant determinants in the surrounding environment.
Prevalence of Latent Tuberculosis Among Children Living in Households with Smear Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Islam Shanjana , Chowdhury Shahed Ahmad , Karim Mohammed Rezaul , Samad Rasheda , Barua Pravat Chandra , Chowdhury Zabeen
Published: April 2017

This multicentre cross sectional analytical study was conducted in 2012 in Chittagong, Bangladesh, to evaluate the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among children living in households with smear positive pulmonary tuberculosis patient. Two groups of subjects were selected. Sixty five children of 3-12 years living with selected smear positive TB patient and children of same age living with healthy parents were included. For this purpose, sputum positive adult TB patients were selected. Mantoux test (TST) was done in 130 children. To exclude active TB disease in TST positive children, CXR P/A view was taken. Sociodemographic information were also included. The study found that the prevalence of LTBI among children who have household TB contacts was 41.5%, and Children who did not have household TB contact had the prevalence of LTBI of 9.2%. Parents educational status showed that 74.1% of MT positive children had illiterate father and 63% children had illiterate mother. Ninety two percent of MT positive children were from lower and lower middle class family and only 7.2% were from upper class family. It was found that, mean family members were much higher (4.39±0.77) in MT positive cases comparing with MT negative cases (3.7±0.85). 88.9% of MT positive children were living in the same bed and 55.6% were living in different beds in the same house. The present study found that the prevalence of LTBI among children with household contacts of TB patient was higher than non-contact children Parents illiteracy, lower socio-economic, large family, sharing of same indoor environment further increased the prevalence of LTBI among the contacts.
Evaluation of Different HbA1c Levels to Assess the Risk of Peripheral Neuropathy Among Type 2 Diabetic Patients Along With Other Conventional Risk Factors
Authors: Hoque Sayama , Muttalib M A , Islam Md. Imtiajul , Happy Taslima Akber
Published: April 2017

This cross sectional study was carried out in the outpatient department of Bangladesh Institute of Research and Rehabilitation in Diabetes, Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders, Bangladesh (BIRDEM) General Hospital, Dhaka, to explore the factors influencing or related to the development of the diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) with specific concern to the HbA1c levels. A total of 400 patients with type 2 diabetic were selected to collect information on socio-demographic, blood pressure, anthropometry and lipid profile. Glycaemic status was assessed by HbA1c and plasma glucose levels. Prevalence of DPN was 16.8%, with male 10.8% and female 20.9%. Increased HbA1c categories above 7.0% were significantly associated with increased prevalence of DPN (9.2 Vs. 10.5 Vs 26.5%; ?2 = 19.446, p = .000). Logistic regression models showed that the risk of DPN was strongly increased at the HbA1c categories ?8% (OR = 3.57; 95% CI: 1.75-7.26). Advanced age (OR = 1.97; 95% CI: 1.12-3.47), longer duration of diabetes (OR = 1.81; 95% CI: 1.02-3.19), lacking of physical exercise (OR = 2.60; 95% CI: 1.47-4.58), female gender (OR = 2.17; 95% CI: 1.21-3.89), fasting blood glucose (OR = 1.153; 95% CI: 1.058-1.255) and blood glucose 2 hours after breakfast (OR = 1.096; 95% CI: 1.029-1.168) were significant risk factors of DPN. However, there is need of a large scale community based prospective study to validate the results.
Release Kinetics Study of Azithromycin from Bi-layered Tablets
Authors: Bari FM Shah Noman Ul , Islam Muhammad Rashedul , Moghal Md Mizanur Rahman , Ira Israt Jahan
Published: April 2017

The objective of this study was to analysis in vitro release kinetics of Azithromycin from bi-layer tablets prepared by direct compression using high viscosity to low viscosity grades of hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose (HPMC K15M, HPMC K4M, HPMC 50 cps), Carbopol 934p and Carbopol 974p. In addition, it also includes evaluating the effect of formulation variables like polymer proportion and polymer viscosity on the release of Azithromycin. In vitro release studies were performed using USP Type-II (Rotating paddle method) at 100 rpm. The dissolution medium consisted of 0.1N HCl (900 ml) for the first 2 hr and the phosphate buffer (pH 6.0) from 3rd to 10th hour. From twenty five different formulations (F-1 to F-25) based on polymer variation, model-dependent and independent methods were used for data analysis and the best results were observed for HPMC 50cps in Korsmeyer- Peppas (R2=0.995 on F-23) kinetic model. The release mechanism of all formulations was Fickian.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(1): 54-63, 2017
Review on Pharmacovigilance Practice for Safety of Medication System in Bangladesh
Authors: Jahan Nusrat , Hossain Md Akter , Hossain Md Aslam , Amran Md Shah
Published: April 2017

Pharmacovigilance is a system that provides safety to the patients in case of medication. It mainly deals with adverse drug reactions. With the outbreak of new diseases new medicines are developing worldwide. So to ensure the safety of drug, pharmacovigilance is very necessary. National pharmacovigilance center of a country coordinates the overall activity of pharmacovigilance in collaboration with international regulatory authorities like WHO, the Uppsala Monitoring Centre etc. Integration of pharmacovigilance system in public health has positive impact on improvement of health care system. In Bangladesh Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) is playing an active role to ensure the safety of medication system.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 20(1): 105-114, 2017
Collagen Autoantibodies and Their Relationship to CCP Antibodies and Rheumatoid Factor in the Progression of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Whittingham Senga , Stockman Alex , Rowley Merrill
Published: April 2017

Serum autoantibodies to cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) and rheumatoid factor (RF) are important markers for diagnosis and prognosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but their autoantigens are not cartilage-specific. Autoantibodies to joint-specific type II collagen (CII) also occur in RA, and monoclonal antibodies of similar specificity induce collagen antibody-induced arthritis in animals, but their role in RA is uncertain. We utilized an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with the CB10 peptide of CII to compare the frequency of autoantibodies with those of anti-CCP and RF in stored sera from a prospective study of 82 patients with early RA to examine the outcome, defined as remission (n = 23), persisting non-erosive arthritis (n = 27), or erosions (n = 32). Initial frequencies of anti-CB10, anti-CCP and RF were 76%, 54%, and 57% in RA, and 4%, 0%, and 9% in 136 controls. The frequency of anti-CB10 was unrelated to outcome, but anti-CCP and RF increased with increasing severity, and the number of autoantibodies mirrored the severity. We suggest RA is an immune complex-mediated arthritis in which the three antibodies interact, with anti-CII inducing localized cartilage damage and inflammation resulting in citrullination of joint proteins, neoepitope formation, and a strong anti-CCP response in genetically-susceptible subjects, all amplified and modified by RF.
Mode Coupling Properties of the Plasmonic Dimers Composed of Graphene Nanodisks
Authors: Chen Houbo , Qiu Weibin , Qiu Pingping , Ren Junbo , Lin Zhili , Wang Jia-Xian , Kan Qiang , Pan Jiao-Qing
Published: April 2017

The electromagnetic properties of the plasmonic dimer composed of coupled graphene nanodisks are numerically investigated in this paper. The results demonstrate that the degeneracy of the plasmonic modes of the dimer is lifted when the coupling is introduced. The evolution of the plasmonic mode, with the variation of inter-disk distance and the chemical potential of one of the nanodisks, is studied. The proposed structure might find broad areas of application including light–matter interaction, optical switching, directional emission of the plasmonic emitter, etc.
Effect and Stability of Poly(Amido Amine)-Induced Biomineralization on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion
Authors: Gao Yuan , Liang Kunneng , Li Jianshu , Yuan He , Liu Hongling , Duan Xiaolei , Li Jiyao
Published: April 2017

In recent years, scientists have developed various biomaterials to remineralize human teeth to treat dentine hypersensitivity. Poly(amido amine) (PAMAM) dendrimers have become a research focus in this field. It has been demonstrated that PAMAM is able to create precipitates both on the surface of and within the dentinal tubules, however, there is little information about its effect on reducing dentine permeability in vitro. This study aimed to evaluate the in vitro effectiveness and stability of the fourth generation amine-terminated PAMAM on dentinal tubule occlusion, especially on dentine permeability. Sodium fluoride (NaF), which has been widely used as a desensitizing agent, is regarded as positive control. Demineralized sensitive dentine samples were coated with PAMAM or sodium fluoride solutions and soaked in artificial saliva (AS) at 37 °C for different periods. Four weeks later, samples in each group were then equally split into two subgroups for testing using a brushing challenge and an acid challenge. Dentine permeability of each specimen was measured before and after each challenge using a fluid filtration system. Dentine morphology and surface deposits were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and analyzed with Image-Pro Plus software. Data were evaluated through multifactorial ANOVA with repeated measures and pair-wise comparisons at a level of 5%. The results showed that PAMAM and NaF significantly reduced dentine permeability to 25.1% and 20.7%. Both of them created precipitates on dentine surfaces after AS immersion for 28 days. PAMAM-induced biomineralization not only on dentine surfaces, but also deeper in dentinal tubules, significantly reduced dentine permeability. Moreover, PAMAM-induced biomineralization elicited excellent stable occlusion effects after acid challenge. In conclusion, PAMAM demonstrated a strong ability to resist acid and showed great potential to be used in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity in future.
Microplasma Field Effect Transistors
Authors: Tabib-Azar Massood , Pai Pradeep
Published: April 2017

Micro plasma devices (MPD) with power gains are of interest in applications involving operations in the presence of ionizing radiations, in propulsion, in control, amplification of high power electromagnetic waves, and in metamaterials for energy management. Here, we review and discuss MPDs with an emphasis on new architectures that have evolved during the past seven years. Devices with programmable impact ionization rates and programmable boundaries are developed to control the plasma ignition voltage and current to achieve power gain. Plasma devices with 1–10 μm gaps are shown to operate in the sub-Paschen regime in atmospheric pressures where ion-assisted field emission results in a breakdown voltage that linearly depends on the gap distance in contrast to the exponential dependence dictated by the Paschen curve. Small gap devices offer higher operation frequencies at low operation voltages with applications in metamaterial skins for energy management and in harsh environment inside nuclear reactors and in space. In addition to analog plasma devices, logic gates, digital circuits, and distributed amplifiers are also discussed.
siRNA Delivery Strategies: A Comprehensive Review of Recent Developments
Authors: Tatiparti Katyayani , Sau Samaresh , Kashaw Sushil , Iyer Arun
Published: April 2017

siRNA is a promising therapeutic solution to address gene overexpression or mutations as a post-transcriptional gene regulation process for several pathological conditions such as viral infections, cancer, genetic disorders, and autoimmune disorders like arthritis. This therapeutic method is currently being actively pursued in cancer therapy because siRNA has been found to suppress the oncogenes and address mutations in tumor suppressor genes and elucidate the key molecules in cellular pathways in cancer. It is also effective in personalized gene therapy for several diseases due to its specificity, adaptability, and broad targeting capability. However, naked siRNA is unstable in the bloodstream and cannot efficiently cross cell membranes besides being immunogenic. Therefore, careful design of the delivery systems is essential to fully utilize the potential of this therapeutic solution. This review presents a comprehensive update on the challenges of siRNA delivery and the current strategies used to develop nanoparticulate delivery systems.
Properties of Shredded Roof Membrane–Sand Mixture and Its Application as Retaining Wall Backfill under Static and Earthquake Loads
Authors: Livingston Bennett , Ravichandran Nadarajah
Published: April 2017

About 20 billion square feet of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber is installed on roofs in the United States and most of them will be reaching the end of their lifespan soon. The purpose of this study is to investigate potential reuses of this rubber in Civil Engineering projects rather than disposing it into landfills. First, laboratory tests were performed on various shredded rubber-sand mixtures to quantify the basic geotechnical engineering properties. The laboratory test results show that the shredded rubber-sand mixture is lightweight with good drainage properties and has shear strength parameters comparable to sand. This indicates that the rubber-sand mixture has potential to be used for retaining wall backfill and many other projects. To assess the economic advantage of using shredded rubber-sand mixtures as a lightweight backfill for retaining walls subjected to static and earthquake loadings, geotechnical designs of a 6 m tall gravity cantilever retaining wall were performed. The computed volume of concrete to build the structural components and volume of backfill material were compared with those of conventional sand backfill. Results show significant reductions in the volume of concrete and backfill material in both static and earthquake loading conditions when the portion of shredded rubber increased in the mixture.
Transcendence as Indistinction in Eckhart and Heidegger
Authors: Onishi Bradley
Published: April 2017

I examine what I call Eckhart’s doctrine of indistinction as a precursor to Heidegger’s approach to the worldhood of the world. Taking cues from textual evidence in various sections of Heidegger’s texts and lecture courses, I demonstrate that Heidegger’s ontology is at least partially inherited from Eckhart’s henology. As a result, there is an analogous logic of indistinction operative in Eckhart’s understanding of the relationship between God and creation, and the inseparability of Dasein and the world in Heidegger’s phenomenology. I conclude by suggesting that Heidegger’s reading of Eckhart is a microcosm of the relationship between continental philosophy and religion, because it demonstrates that turning one’s eyes to the logics of a different cosmology, anthropology, or ontology, may permit the eyes to see more fully what is at play in one’s own approach to the human, the world, and the relationship between them. In other words, the secular often illuminates theological blind spots, just as the theological has the power to transform, enlarge, or supplement the secular view of the consciously secular thinker, without converting philosophy to theology or vice versa.
The System Isn’t Broken. It’s Fixed
Authors: Lott Micah
Published: April 2017

This paper has two distinct and related aims. First, I attempt to clarify the oft-made claim that somehow the “system is fixed”. What is meant by that charge and how is it distinct from other kinds of complaints with regard to economic inequality? Second, I attempt to show how important it is to understand what we are doing together as members of a (political) economy. Without a clear conception of our joint, collaborative active, it is difficult to have a fruitful discussion of economic justice. Throughout the paper, I borrow insights from the philosopher Elizabeth Anderson.
Modelling Seasonal GWR of Daily PM2.5 with Proper Auxiliary Variables for the Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Jiang Man , Sun Weiwei , Yang Gang , Zhang Dianfa
Published: April 2017

Over the past decades, regional haze episodes have frequently occurred in eastern China, especially in the Yangtze River Delta (YRD). Satellite derived Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) has been used to retrieve the spatial coverage of PM2.5 concentrations. To improve the retrieval accuracy of the daily AOD-PM2.5 model, various auxiliary variables like meteorological or geographical factors have been adopted into the Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) model. However, these variables are always arbitrarily selected without deep consideration of their potentially varying temporal or spatial contributions in the model performance. In this manuscript, we put forward an automatic procedure to select proper auxiliary variables from meteorological and geographical factors and obtain their optimal combinations to construct four seasonal GWR models. We employ two different schemes to comprehensively test the performance of our proposed GWR models: (1) comparison with other regular GWR models by varying the number of auxiliary variables; and (2) comparison with observed ground-level PM2.5 concentrations. The result shows that our GWR models of “AOD + 3” with three common meteorological variables generally perform better than all the other GWR models involved. Our models also show powerful prediction capabilities in PM2.5 concentrations with only slight overfitting. The determination coefficients R2 of our seasonal models are 0.8259 in spring, 0.7818 in summer, 0.8407 in autumn, and 0.7689 in winter. Also, the seasonal models in summer and autumn behave better than those in spring and winter. The comparison between seasonal and yearly models further validates the specific seasonal pattern of auxiliary variables of the GWR model in the YRD. We also stress the importance of key variables and propose a selection process in the AOD-PM2.5 model. Our work validates the significance of proper auxiliary variables in modelling the AOD-PM2.5 relationships and provides a good alternative in retrieving daily PM2.5 concentrations from remote sensing images in the YRD.