bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Algorithm–Based Routing Problem Considering the Travel Reliability Under Asymmetrical Travel Time Distributions
Authors: Zhang Xu , Chen Mei
Published: November 2016

Travel time reliability is a critical factor affecting travelers’ route choices, and standard deviation has been widely used as the quantitative measure in many routing models. However, there have been concerns regarding its behavioral interpretation and theoretical limitations when the underlying travel time distribution is asymmetrical. This study proposed use of semistandard deviation (SSD) as the measure of risk under uncertain conditions and demonstrates its conceptual advantages over its counterpart. Then, a routing strategy was formulated that minimized the total cost and that included both average travel time and a travel time reliability term between user-specified origin and destination. A sampling-based approach that used field-collected data was applied to capture the spatial dependencies of link travel times during the modeling process. The genetic algorithm was then adopted to solve the proposed model. Finally, the SSD-based model was numerically evaluated on a real-world network. The results indicate that the proposed model has a better interpretation of a traveler’s route decision involving skewed travel time distribution with excessively long delays.
Efficacy of Betamethasone Oral Mini-Pulse Therapy in the Treatment of Lichen Planus
Authors: Sen Krishna Gopal , Mostofa Md Kamal , Ali Ahammed , Sarkar Sumitendra Kumar , Sorcar Chandona , Begum Kohinoor
Published: November 2016

Lichen planus (LP) is a common inflammatory disorder that affects the skin, mucous membranes, nails and hair. There are various modalities of treatment but none is curative. Betamethasone oral mini-pulse (OMP) therapy has been used effectively and safely in vitiligo, alopecia areata and lichen planus. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Betamethasone OMP in patients with lichen planus. This prospective study was carried out among patients with lichen planus fulfilling the inclusion criteria, attending the skin and VD outpatient department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka Bangladesh over a period of 6 months from January 2005 to June 2005. A total of 20 patients with lichen planus diagnosed clinically and confirmed by histopathological examination were selected randomly for this study. Among them both male and female were in equal number. The study subjects were treated with 5 mg of Betamethasone orally on 2 consecutive days per week, for 3 months. Treatment response and side effects were monitored 4 weekly. The response was good in 60% and fair in 40% and there was no excellent response. This study indicates that further prospective placebo controlled studies are needed to clarify the efficacy of oral Betamethasone in lichen planus.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jul 2015;10(2): 47-49
Hypocalcaemic Tetany After Total Thyroidectomy
Authors: Biswas Nripendra Nath , Chaudhury Wazir Ahmed , Khan Jahangir Alam , Biswas Akhil Chandra , Arif Khan Mohammad , Ghosh Subrata , Akter Selina
Published: November 2016

Hypocalcaemic tetany is one the commonest complication after total thyroidectomy. It may cause significant morbidity. Early detection and treatment have better out come. The main objective of the study is to find the incidence of hypcalcaemic tetany in post operative period after total thyroidectomy and average interval period of hypocalcaemia following surgery. This was an observational study conducted in the department of Otolaryngology & head-Neck Surgery Sylhet M.A.G. Osmani Medical College Hospital during 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2007. Pre-operative routine investigation, Thyroid Function test, Ultrasonography thyroid gland and cytological evaluation by FNAC were done in all patients. Ten patient developed hypocalcaemia after surgery. Among them only one suffered from permanent hypocalcaemia. Most of the patient developed symptoms about 48 hours after surgery. The Incidence and time interval of development of hypocalcaemic tetany after total thyroidectomy found in the series fully coincides with the results of other researchers globally.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jul 2015;10(2): 59-62
Plain Radiographic Evaluation of Degenerative Changes of Lumbosacral Spine-Correlation with Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings
Authors: Sultana Tahera , Alam Syed Asif Ul , Mostafa Syeda Nazlee , Rahman Selina , Nazlee Farah
Published: November 2016

Back pain resulting from degenerative disease of the spine is one of the most common causes of disability in adults of working age. The structures which may be responsible for the origin of the degenerative spine are bone (spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis), ligaments (hypertrophy of the spinal ligaments, particularly the ligamentum flavum), facet joints (facet hypertrophy, synovial cyst) and intervertebral disc (bulging and herniation)1. This was a cross sectional study of 105 patients with low back pain. All Plain X-ray and MRI findings were collected for each patient in a pre-designed structured data collection sheet. In plain X-ray 74 subjects had posterior disc height <6mm; out of them nerve root compression found in 56, spinal stenosis found in 54. Those who had posterior osteophytes, (86.8%) found to have disc herniation. Among facetal hyperthrophy (72 subjects), 62 (86.1%) had disc herniation. In this study significant correlation found between plain radiographic findings of degenerative changes of lumbosacral spine with MRI.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jul 2015;10(2): 68-70
Laboratory Diagnosis of Tuberculosis- an Update
Authors: Ahammad Faruk , Hossain Ahmed Manadir , Siddique Mohammad Abu Bakar , Biswas Nipendra Nath
Published: November 2016

Annually about two million deaths occur globally due to tuberculosis (TB). Bangladesh ranks the sixth position among 22 highest burden TB countries in the world and also one of the 27 high multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) burden countries where about 70,000 people die every year due to TB. Among six key components of Stop TB Strategy (STS) Plan, the first one includes increase case notification of all forms of TB and improve diagnosis of new smear negative, extrapulmonary cases and TB in children by 2016. As TB can affect any organ in human body, the TB cases are managed by any discipline in medical community. Unfortunately diagnostic accuracy is not satisfactory and is not only due to uniform unavailability of the latest diagnostic facilities but also due to inadequate knowledge of the professionals about currently available modern laboratory techniques to diagnose TB. Light-emitting diode (LED) microscopy with fluorescence (auramine-rhodamine staining) should be preferred than conventional microscopy with Zeihl-neelsen (acid fast) staining to identify TB bacilli. Mantoux test (MT) indicates only infection by TB bacilli, does not necessarily the active disease. It may be positive in latent TB and in BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccinated cases. Antibodies from Lymphocyte Secretion or Antibodies in Lymphocyte Supernatant (ALS) assay can detect active TB cases within three days of sample collection. The test is very useful to diagnose TB in children where sputum collection is difficult. Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) tests are not advocated in low and middle-income countries, typically those with a high TB and/or HIV burden. Anti TB IgG/IgM/IgA tests should be avoided because these are being misinterpreted by someone as active TB cases. Adenosine Deaminase Assay (ADA) is a reliable test to diagnose tuberculous pleural effusion together with other evidences. ADA in pleural fluid <40 IU/L is considered negative for TB. The more the ADA level, the more possibility to be tuberculous effusion. Level >100 IU/L is highly specific for TB origin. Gene Xpert MTB/RIF, an Xpert test for mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and Rifampicin (RIF) resistance, is used for rapid identification for TB bacilli, specially when MDR-TB is suspected, in human immunodeficiency virus ( HIV) infected cases and highly suspected sputum negative cases ( as a follow on test ) where microscopy frequently failed due to low bacterial load. The test exhibits high sensitivity and specificity for detecting pulmonary TB.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jul 2015;10(2): 71-75
Carbetocin versus Oxytocin for the Prevention of Postpartum Haemorrhage
Authors: Begum Poly , Shaha Dipti Rani , Mahbuba - , Sanjowal Lipika , Hassan Md Kamrul
Published: November 2016

Postpartum haemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide. Total 67-80% of cases are caused by uterine atony. Preventive measures include prophylactic drug use to aid uterine contraction after delivery, thus avoiding severe blood loss and reducing maternal morbidity and mortality. Carbetocin is a synthetic analogue of oxytocin with a long half-life which ensure more effective contraction and less adverse effects. It can be administered as a single dose injection either intravenously or intramuscularly rather than as an infusion over several hours as is the case with oxytocin. Carbetocin is currently indicated for prevention of uterine atony after delivery by caesarean section in spinal or epidural anaesthesia. A reduced need for additional uterotonics was observed with carbetocin vs. oxytocin in high-risk women and carbetocin was at least as effective as syntometrine in low-risk women. Carbetocin is effective treatment for the prevention of postpartum haemorrhage not only following caesarean delivery but also after vaginal delivery in high-risk women and those who suffer from hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Further research is required to assess whether prophylactic carbetocin is superior to conventional uterotonic agents following vaginal delivery in low-risk women.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jul 2015;10(2): 76-83
Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Hassan Md Kamrul , Paul Amal Chandra , Shibli Md Mizanur Rahaman
Published: November 2016

The baby with Beckwith Wiedemann Syndrome (BWS) usualy presents with exomphalos, macroglossia and gigantism. In addition, some children with BWS have other findings including: nevus flammeus, prominent occiput, midface hypoplasia, hemihypertrophy, genitourinary anomalies (enlarged kidneys), cardiac anomalies, musculoskeletal abnormalities, and hearing loss. Incidence of one in 13,700 live birth. As children with BWS are at increased risk of childhood cancer, they should follow up strictly for cancer screening. We are reporting this type of a case who has got Exomphalos, Macroglossia, Gigantism and Hemihypertrophy. We have corrected the exomphalos and advised him for follow up for cancer screening.Faridpur Med. Coll. J. Jul 2015;10(2): 87-88
Influence of Conservation Tillage on Carbon Sequestration Mechanism Related to Aggregation
Authors: Amin MN , Shil SC , Ghosh RC , Shamsuzzoha M
Published: November 2016

This study focuses on the influence of conservation tillage on carbon sequestration mechanism related to aggregation. Conservation tillage reduces the process of rapid microaggregates formation and mineralization into the microaggregates essentially a positive influence of soil aggregation on the build up of organic matter. The Carbon mineralization is four or five times higher in crushed free micro aggregates than in crushed macroaggregates. As a result conservation agriculture ensures higher carbon sequestration in soil rather than the conventional agriculture. However, the carbon sequestration for different tillage has significant variations at 1-10 cm depth but the variations in non significant for higher depth. The carbon sink potential for conservation agriculture is much higher but it differs due to climate, soil type, nutrient use soil cover and the methodology used.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(1): 23-27 2016
Influence of Rice Husk Ash on the Properties of Concrete
Authors: Hossain MB , Shaad KM , Rahman MS , Bhowmik P
Published: November 2016

This research was carried out to investigate various physical properties of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) and, some physical and mechanical properties of concrete incorporating RHA in different proportions. The concrete specimens were tested at 7, 21 and 28 days after curing. Test results revealed that the specific gravity of RHA was found lower than that of sand. The density of concrete containing RHA was recorded between 80-110 lb.ft-3, which is lower than conventional concrete. Water absorption was found increasing with the increase of RHA content in concrete specimens. There were significant variations in compressive strength values of concrete containing 5%, 10% and 20% volume of RHA. The compressive strength of 5% RHA specimen was 150-200% higher than that of other specimens. Hence, upto 5% replacement of RHA could be recommended for making normal lightweight concrete. The splitting tensile strength was about 9-10% of compressive strength. It was concluded that upto 5% RHA can be used effectively in making normal lightweight concrete. The higher percentage of RHA could be used in making non-structural concrete where the strength of concrete is not concerned.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(1): 29-33 2016
Yield Performance of Fine Aromatic Rice in Response to Variety and Level of Nitrogen
Authors: Chowdhury SA , Paul SK , Sarkar MAR
Published: November 2016

An experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during June to December 2014 with a view to finding out the effect of variety and level of nitrogen on the yield performance of fine aromatic rice. The experiment consisted of three varieties viz. Kalizira, Binadhan-13 and BRRI dhan34, and six levels of nitrogen viz. 0, 30, 60, 90 kg N ha-1, USG 1.8 g 4 hills-1 (55 kg N ha-1) and USG 2.7 g 4 hills-1 (80 kg N ha-1). The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Variety, level of nitrogen and their interaction significantly influenced the yield of aromatic rice. The highest grain yield (3.33 t ha-1) was obtained from Binadhan-13 followed by BRRI dhan34 (3.16 t ha-1) and the lowest grain yield was found in Kalizira (2.11 t ha-1). In case of N, the tallest plant (140.3 cm), highest number of effective tillers hill-1 (11.40), grains panicle-1 (152.8), and grain yield (3.32 t ha-1) were obtained when fertilized with USG 1.8 g 4 hills-1 and the lowest values were found in 0 kg N ha-1. Therefore, Binadhan-13 fertilized with USG 1.8 g 4 hills-1 (55 kg N ha-1) appeared as the promising practice for appreciable grain yield.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(1): 41-45 2016
Status of cyclone shelter facilities in south central Bangladesh
Authors: Amin MN , Shil SC , Hasan M
Published: November 2016

The south central region of Bangladesh is vulnerable to devastating cyclone. One of the most recognizable strategies to reduce risk of cyclone is cyclone shelter (CS). This study focuses on peoples perception on the status of cyclone shelter facilities in terms of its feasibility, water supply-sanitation facility and peoples expectation about overall environmental conditions etc. To review the perceived status of CS in south central region, a face to face questionnaire survey was conducted. Besides some key informants interview was also performed to validate the collected data by interview. The results revealed that the facilities of the CS were not satisfactory according to the most of the respondents. Among the respondents about 60% are highly vulnerable to cyclone. However, about 56% people were not interested to go CS during the disaster warning period because of the absence of connecting road. Another important issue that people indicated for going to CS was women security. More than 50% of the respondent perceived about unhealthy sanitation facilities. Safe drinking water, men and women separate bathroom perceived to be the important considerable factors among the CS facilities in the study area.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(1): 75-79 2016
Impacts of Some Climatic Variables on Productivity of Boro rice in South-Western Coastal Regions of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam MM , Farukh MA , Baten MA
Published: November 2016

Climate change is the top most important issue in the modern world. Various aspects of Bangladesh are verily affected by climate change. An agro-climatic study was conducted in Khulna, Satkhira and Bagerhat district in Khulna division as well as the Southwestern coastal part of Bangladesh with last 30 (1981-2011) years of some climatic data of average temperature, maximum temperature, seasonal total rainfall, average humidity and sea level pressure to address the climatic variability and its impacts on Boro rice production in Southwestern coastal part of Bangladesh. The average temperature increased by 0.51°C in Boro season in this area. The sea level pressure was about stable here. The Boro rice production increased by 0.04 and 0.3 tha-1 in Khulna and Bagerhat district. However most of the time the production showed increasing trends except in 2007 and 2009 affected by two devastating natural calamities as SIDR and AILA occurred in these two year respectively.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(1): 95-98 2016
Morphological Characterization of Two Fresh Water Eels Monopterus cuchia (Hamilton, 1822) and Ophisternon bengalense (McClelland, 1844)
Authors: Roy PR , Lucky NS , Hossain MAR
Published: November 2016

Morphometric and meristic characters and truss measurements of 32 Monopterus cuchia, and of 17 Ophisternon bengalense were compared to know the population status of two fresh water eels of Bangladesh. The mean numbers of line below head were significantly different between two species. Significant differences were observed in 11 morphometric characters: Pre dorsal length (PDL), Post dorsal length (PoDL), Post anal length (PoAL), Head length (HL), Snout length (SnL), Upper jaw length (UJL), Lower jaw length (LJL), Head width (HW), Pre orbital length (PrOrL), Least body diameter (LBD) and Highest body diameter (HBD) and one truss measurement (3-5) between two species in varying degrees. For both morphometric and landmark measurements, the first and second DF (discriminant function) accounted 64.8% and 33.2% of among group variability, explaining 98% of total group variability. M. cuchia collected from Mymensingh and from Dinajpur constructed one sub-cluster and O. bengalense collected from Sathkhira and from Bagerhat constructed another sub-cluster based on the Distance of squared Euclidean dissimilarity. A correct classification of individuals into their original population from leave-one-out-classification varied between 93.3% and 94.1% by discriminant analysis. The results of the present study suggested that there was limited intermingling among populations and the populations of the species were separated from one another.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(1): 127-137 2016
Effect of Heat Stress on Bucks Adaptability and Semen Characteristics
Authors: Rahman A , Hossain MM , Khan M , Kamal MT , Hashem MA
Published: November 2016

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of heat stress on adaptability and semen quality of buck. Almost similar 10 Black Bengal bucks were selected for the study at Artificial Insemination Centre, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Bangladesh. Prerequisite biological data were collected from each animal before keeping them sun heat and after 1 hour sun exposure. Different semen characteristics of each animal were measured. Temperature humidity index (THI) was 19.95 in the morning which indicate all the animals were in absence of heat stress and THI was 25.54 in the noon which indicate all the animals were in severe heat stress at noon. Buck 1 and buck 5 were more heat resistant (p<0.01), because their thermolysis capacity (TC) values were less than the others. There were no differences in tunica dartos index and semen characteristics among different bucks (p>0.05). Positive correlation between sperm motility and testis length (p<0.05), and negative correlation between sperm concentration and scrotal skin temperature (p<0.05) were found. From the study it can be concluded that all the bucks were in severe heat stress at noon time and TC can be used as an indicator for selection of buck for heat tolerance.J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 9(1): 151-156 2016
Religious tolerance and intolerance in Jacobean Scotland: the case of Archibald Hegate revisited
Authors: Goatman Paul
Published: November 2016

Recent research has shown that urban magistrates across early modern Europe generally tackled the problem of religious pluralism through de facto religious tolerance. Archibald Hegate was a Catholic notary public and town clerk of Glasgow, who lived and worked in the burgh during the reign of James VI. This examination of Hegate's life and career argues that the town magistrates' attitude towards Catholics was dictated by that of the crown, which was generally tolerant unless the king saw fit to persecute them for short-term political reasons. Hegate himself was consequently forced to modify his behaviour towards kirk and state until increased persecution under the newly-established episcopate forced him to leave Glasgow in 1612. Hegate is linked to John Ogilvie's Jesuit mission of 1614–5 and the period 1612–17 is argued to be one in which, by contrast with the period of relative tolerance that had previously existed in Scotland, attitudes towards religious pluralism on all sides were all hardening.
Results of Long-Duration Simulation of Distant Retrograde Orbits
Authors: Turner Gary
Published: November 2016

Distant Retrograde Orbits in the Earth–Moon system are gaining in popularity as stable “parking” orbits for various conceptual missions. To investigate the stability of potential Distant Retrograde Orbits, simulations were executed, with propagation running over a thirty-year period. Initial conditions for the vehicle state were limited such that the position and velocity vectors were in the Earth–Moon orbital plane, with the velocity oriented such that it would produce retrograde motion about Moon. The resulting trajectories were investigated for stability in an environment that included the eccentric motion of Moon, non-spherical gravity of Earth and Moon, gravitational perturbations from Sun, Jupiter, and Venus, and the effects of radiation pressure. The results indicate that stability may be enhanced at certain resonant states within the Earth–Moon system.
Targeting the TAM Receptors in Leukemia
Authors: Huey Madeline , Minson Katherine , Earp H. , DeRyckere Deborah , Graham Douglas
Published: November 2016

Targeted inhibition of members of the TAM (TYRO-3, AXL, MERTK) family of receptor tyrosine kinases has recently been investigated as a novel strategy for treatment of hematologic malignancies. The physiologic functions of the TAM receptors in innate immune control, natural killer (NK) cell differentiation, efferocytosis, clearance of apoptotic debris, and hemostasis have previously been described and more recent data implicate TAM kinases as important regulators of erythropoiesis and megakaryopoiesis. The TAM receptors are aberrantly or ectopically expressed in many hematologic malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia, B- and T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and multiple myeloma. TAM receptors contribute to leukemic phenotypes through activation of pro-survival signaling pathways and interplay with other oncogenic proteins such as FLT3, LYN, and FGFR3. The TAM receptors also contribute to resistance to both cytotoxic chemotherapeutics and targeted agents, making them attractive therapeutic targets. A number of translational strategies for TAM inhibition are in development, including small molecule inhibitors, ligand traps, and monoclonal antibodies. Emerging areas of research include modulation of TAM receptors to enhance anti-tumor immunity, potential roles for TYRO-3 in leukemogenesis, and the function of the bone marrow microenvironment in mediating resistance to TAM inhibition.
Adsorption and Activity of Lipase on Polyphosphazene-Modified Polypropylene Membrane Surface
Authors: Chen Peng-Cheng , Qian Yue-Cheng , Fang Fei , Zhu Xue-Yan , Huang Xiao-Jun
Published: November 2016

In this work, poly(n-butylamino)(allylamino)phosphazene (PBAP) was synthesized and tethered on polypropylene microporous membrane (PPMM) with the aim of offering a biocompatible and, at the same time, moderately hydrophobic microenvironment to lipase for the first time. Lipase from Candida rugosa was used and the influence of membrane surface conditions on the activities of immobilized lipases was evaluated. Water contact angle measurement as well as field emission scanning electron microscopy were used to characterize the morphology of the modified membranes. The results showed an improvement in the adsorption capacity (26.0 mg/m2) and activity retention (68.2%) of the immobilized lipases on the PBAP-modified PPMM. Moreover, the lipases immobilized on the modified PPMM showed better thermal and pH stability.
Theoretical Investigations for Strain Relaxation and Growth Mode of InAs Thin layers on GaAs(111)A
Authors: Ito Tomonori , Akiyama Toru , Nakamura Kohji
Published: November 2016

The growth mode of InAs/GaAs(111)A is systematically investigated using our macroscopic theory with the aid of empirical potential calculations that determine parameter values used in the macroscopic theory. Here, stacking-fault tetrahedron (SFT) found in InAs/GaAs(111)A and misfit dislocation (MD) formations are employed as strain relaxation mechanisms. The calculated results reveal that the MD formation occurs at the layer thickness h about 7 monolayers (MLs). Moreover, we found that the SFT forming at h about 4 MLs makes surface atoms move upward to reduce the strain energy to promote the two dimensional (2D) growth. Therefore, the SFT in addition to the MD plays an important role in strain relaxation in InAs thin layers on GaAs(111)A. The macroscopic free energy calculations for the growth mode imply that the InAs growth on the GaAs(111)A proceeds along the lower energy path from the 2D-coherent (h ≤ 4 MLs) to the 2D-MD (h ≥ 7 MLs) via the 2D-SFT (4 MLs ≤ h ≤ 7 MLs). Consequently, the 2D growth on the InAs/GaAs(111)A results from strain relaxation due to the formation of the SFT near the surface and the subsequent MD formation at the interface.
A Numerical Estimation of a RFID Reader Field and SAR inside a Blood Bag at UHF
Authors: Fanti Alessandro , Casu Sergio , Mazzarella Giuseppe
Published: November 2016

In this paper, the effects of UHF electromagnetic fields produced by a RFID reader on a blood bag are evaluated numerically in several configurations. The results of the simulation, field level and distribution, specific absorption rate (SAR), and heating time show that an exposure to a typical reader field leads to a temperature increase smaller than 0.1 C and to a SAR smaller than 1 W/kg. As a consequence, no adverse biological effects occur during a typical UHF RFID reading cycle on a blood bag. Therefore, the blood contained in a bag traced using UHF-RFID is as safe as those traced using barcodes. The proposed analysis supports the use of UHF RFID in the blood transfusion supply chain.
A Supervisory Control Algorithm of Hybrid Electric Vehicle Based on Adaptive Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy with Fuzzy PI
Authors: Zhang Fengqi , Liu Haiou , Hu Yuhui , Xi Junqiang
Published: November 2016

This paper presents a new energy management system based on equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) for hybrid electric vehicles. The aim is to enhance fuel economy and impose state of charge (SoC) charge-sustainability. First, the relationship between the equivalent factor (EF) of ECMS and the co-state of pontryagin’s minimum principle (PMP) is derived. Second, a new method of implementing the adaptation law using fuzzy proportional plus integral (PI) controller is developed to adjust EF for ECMS in real-time. This adaptation law is more robust than one with constant EF due to the variation of EF as well as driving cycle. Finally, simulations for two driving cycles using ECMS are conducted as opposed to the commonly used rule-based (RB) control strategy, indicating that the proposed adaptation law can provide a promising blend in terms of fuel economy and charge-sustainability. The results confirm that ECMS with Fuzzy PI adaptation law is more robust than ECMS with constant EF as well as PI adaptation law and it achieves significant improvements compared with RB in terms of fuel economy, which is enhanced by 4.44% and 14.7% for china city bus cycle and economic commission of Europe (ECE) cycle, respectively.
Measurement Research on the Decoupling Effect of Industries’ Carbon Emissions—Based on the Equipment Manufacturing Industry in China
Authors: Wan Lu , Wang Zi-Long , Ng Jhony
Published: November 2016

Economic development usually leads to increased energy consumption, which in turn will result in an increase in carbon emissions. To break the relationship between economic development and carbon emissions, scholars have turned their attention to the phenomenon of decoupling. In this paper, we studied the decoupling relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth of the equipment manufacturing industry in China from 2000 to 2014. We adapted the LMDI decomposition method, and we used the Tapio decoupling evaluation model to analyze our data. We found that the decoupling relationship between carbon emissions and economic growth of China’s equipment manufacturing industry is weak, which indicates the industry is experiencing faster economic growth than carbon emission growth. We found the economic output is the factor that has the strongest influence on the industry’s carbon emission, and energy consumption intensity has the strongest relationship with the decoupling of economic growth and carbon emission. The indicators of the industry’s decoupling-effort are all less than 1.0, which indicates that the industry is in the state of weak decoupling, and we also observed an annual decreasing trend in the industry’s indicators. Toward the end of this paper, we used the Grey forecasting model to predict the decoupling relationship between carbon emission and economic growth for 2015–2024, and we discussed the implications of our research.
Analysis and Speed Ripple Mitigation of a Space Vector Pulse Width Modulation-Based Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with a Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Liu Xing , Du Jinhua , Liang Deliang
Published: November 2016

A method is proposed for reducing speed ripple of permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) controlled by space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM). A flux graph and mathematics are used to analyze the speed ripple characteristics of the PMSM. Analysis indicates that the 6P (P refers to pole pairs of the PMSM) time harmonic of rotor mechanical speed is the main harmonic component in the SVPWM control PMSM system. To reduce PMSM speed ripple, harmonics are superposed on a SVPWM reference signal. A particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed to determine the optimal phase and multiplier coefficient of the superposed harmonics. The results of a Fourier decomposition and an optimized simulation model verified the accuracy of the analysis as well as the effectiveness of the speed ripple reduction methods, respectively.
The Knowledge, Awareness, and Practices of Portuguese General Practitioners Regarding Multimorbidity and its Management: Qualitative Perspectives from Open-Ended Questions
Authors: Prazeres Filipe , Santiago Luiz
Published: November 2016

Multimorbidity’s high prevalence and negative impact has made it a subject of worldwide interest. The main aim of this study was to access the Portuguese knowledge, awareness, and practices of general practitioners (GPs) regarding multimorbidity and its management, in order to aid in the development of interventions for improving outcomes in multimorbid patients in primary care. A web-based qualitative descriptive study was carried out in the first trimester of 2016 with primary care physicians working in two districts of the Centre region of Portugal. Open-ended questions were analysed via inductive thematic content analysis. GPs pointed out several difficulties and challenges while managing multimorbidity. Extrinsic factors were associated with the healthcare system logistics’ management (consultation time, organization of care teams, clinical information) and society (media pressure, social/family support). Intrinsic factors related to the GP, patient, and physician-patient relationship were also stated. The most significant conclusion to emerge from this study is that although GPs perceived difficulties and challenges towards multimorbidity, they also have the tools to deal with them: the fundamental characteristics of family medicine. Also, the complex care required by multimorbid patients needs adequate consultation time, multidisciplinary teamwork, and more education/training.
“He Doesn’t Listen to My Words at All, So I Don’t Tell Him Anything”—A Qualitative Investigation on Exposure to Second Hand Smoke among Pregnant Women, Their Husbands and Family Members from Rural Bangladesh and Urban India
Authors: Jackson Cath , Huque Rumana , Satyanarayana Veena , Nasreen Shammi , Kaur Manpreet , Barua Deepa , Bhowmik Prashanta , Guha Mithila , Dherani Mukesh , Rahman Atif , Siddiqi Kamran , Chandra Prabha
Published: November 2016

Second hand smoke (SHS) exposure during pregnancy is associated with poor pregnancy and fetal outcomes. To design interventions to reduce exposure, an in depth understanding of social and cultural factors of smoking behavior at home is important, especially in South Asia where SHS exposure is high. This study aimed to explore pregnant women’s, their husbands’ and other family members’ knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding home SHS exposure. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 participants in Comilla, Bangladesh and 31 in Bangalore, India (36 pregnant women, 18 husbands, and 10 family members). Data were analyzed using the Framework approach. Husbands smoked in various living areas inside the home, often in the presence of their pregnant wives. Most had never tried to stop smoking at home. Knowledge of the risks was generally poor. Most women had repeatedly asked their husband to smoke outside with little success and only few family members had reprimanded the husbands. Husbands who had stopped did so because of requests from children and their mother. Potential strategies to decrease SHS exposure at home were educating the husband about risks and supporting the pregnant women in negotiation. Interventions must also enlist family support to enhance the woman’s self-efficacy.
The Effect of a Pilot Pediatric In-Patient Department-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention on Parental Smoking and Children’s Secondhand Smoke (SHS) Exposure in Guangxi, China
Authors: Huang Kaiyong , Yang Li , Winickoff Jonathan , Liao Jing , Nong Guangmin , Zhang Zhiyong , Liang Xia , Liang Gang , Abdullah Abu
Published: November 2016

Children’s exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) at home has numerous adverse health effects. This study evaluated the effects of a pediatric in-patient department-based pilot smoking cessation intervention for household members to reduce children’s SHS exposure and encourage smoking cessation. A pre-post test design study was designed to assess the effectiveness of a telephone counseling intervention on household members of hospitalized children in pediatric departments. Data were collected with a standardized Chinese language questionnaire. At the three-month follow-up survey, the proportions of household members who reported adopting complete smoking restriction at home (55%), did not smoke at home at all (37%), did not allow others to smoke in the car (70%), or did not allow others to smoke around the child (57%) were significantly higher than the self-reported responses at the baseline survey. The proportions of household members who reported smoking at home (49%) and in the car (22%) were significantly lower than the baseline survey. Overall, 7% of the participants had reported quitting smoking after three months. Pediatric in-patient department-based telephone counseling for smoking cessation was found to be acceptable to Chinese parents. The intervention encouraged few parents to quit smoking, but encouraged more parents to take measures to reduce children’s SHS exposure.
X-Linked miRNAs Associated with Gender Differences in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Khalifa Olfa , Pers Yves-Marie , Ferreira Rosanna , Sénéchal Audrey , Jorgensen Christian , Apparailly Florence , Duroux-Richard Isabelle
Published: November 2016

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that predominantly affects women. MicroRNAs have emerged as crucial regulators of the immune system, whose expression is deregulated in RA. We aimed at quantifying the expression level of 14 miRNAs located on the X chromosome and at identifying whether differences are associated with disease and/or sex. A case–control study of 21 RA patients and 22 age- and sex-matched healthy controls was performed on peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The expression level of five miRNAs (miR-221, miR-222, miR-532, miR-106a, and miR-98) was significantly different between RA and controls when stratifying by sex, and the expression level of four miRNAs (miR-222, miR-532, miR-98, and miR-92a) was significantly different between RA females and males. The expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis revealed a significant gender effect of the FoxP3 promoter polymorphism rs3761548A/C on miR-221, miR-222 and miR-532 expression levels, and of the FoxP3 polymorphism rs2232365A/G on miR-221 expression levels in PBMC of RA patients. These data further support the involvement of the X chromosome in RA susceptibility. X-linked miRNAs, in the context of sex differences, might provide novel insight into new molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets in RA for disease treatment and prevention.
Use of Atomic Force Microscopy to Study the Multi-Modular Interaction of Bacterial Adhesins to Mucins
Authors: Gunning A. , Kavanaugh Devon , Thursby Elizabeth , Etzold Sabrina , MacKenzie Donald , Juge Nathalie
Published: November 2016

The mucus layer covering the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium is critical in selecting and maintaining homeostatic interactions with our gut bacteria. However, the molecular details of these interactions are not well understood. Here, we provide mechanistic insights into the adhesion properties of the canonical mucus-binding protein (MUB), a large multi-repeat cell–surface adhesin found in Lactobacillus inhabiting the GI tract. We used atomic force microscopy to unravel the mechanism driving MUB-mediated adhesion to mucins. Using single-molecule force spectroscopy we showed that MUB displayed remarkable adhesive properties favouring a nanospring-like adhesion model between MUB and mucin mediated by unfolding of the multiple repeats constituting the adhesin. We obtained direct evidence for MUB self-interaction; MUB–MUB followed a similar binding pattern, confirming that MUB modular structure mediated such mechanism. This was in marked contrast with the mucin adhesion behaviour presented by Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a mammalian lectin characterised by a single carbohydrate binding domain (CRD). The binding mechanisms reported here perfectly match the particular structural organization of MUB, which maximizes interactions with the mucin glycan receptors through its long and linear multi-repeat structure, potentiating the retention of bacteria within the outer mucus layer.
Bidirectional Estrogen-Like Effects of Genistein on Murine Experimental Autoimmune Ovarian Disease
Authors: Ding Qiao , Wang Yuxiao , Li Na , Zhu Kexue , Hu Jielun , Wang Sunan , Zhu Fan , Nie Shaoping
Published: November 2016

This study was to investigate the bidirectional estrogen-like effects of genistein on murine experimental autoimmune ovarian disease (AOD). Female BALB/c mice were induced by immunization with a peptide from murine zona pellucida. The changes of estrous cycle, ovarian histomorphology were measured, and the levels of serum sex hormone were analyzed using radioimmunoassay. Proliferative responses of the ovary were also determined by immunohistochemistry. Administration of 25 or 45 mg/kg body weight genistein enhanced ovary development with changes in serum sex hormone levels and proliferative responses. Meanwhile, the proportions of growing and mature follicles increased and the incidence of autoimmune oophoritis decreased, which exhibited normal ovarian morphology in administration of 25 or 45 mg/kg body weight genistein, while a lower dose (5 mg/kg body weight genistein) produced the opposite effect. These findings suggest that genistein exerts bidirectional estrogen-like effects on murine experimental AOD, while a high dose (45 mg/kg body weight) of genistein may suppress AOD.
The Multifaceted Roles of PI3Kγ in Hypertension, Vascular Biology, and Inflammation
Authors: Perrotta Marialuisa , Lembo Giuseppe , Carnevale Daniela
Published: November 2016

PI3Kγ is a multifaceted protein, crucially involved in cardiovascular and immune systems. Several studies described the biological and physiological functions of this enzyme in the regulation of cardiovascular system, while others stressed its role in the modulation of immunity. Although PI3Kγ has been historically investigated for its role in leukocytes, the last decade of research also dedicated efforts to explore its functions in the cardiovascular system. In this review, we report an overview recapitulating how PI3Kγ signaling participates in the regulation of vascular functions involved in blood pressure regulation. Moreover, we also summarize the main functions of PI3Kγ in immune responses that could be potentially important in the interaction with the cardiovascular system. Considering that vascular and immune mechanisms are increasingly emerging as intertwining players in hypertension, PI3Kγ could be an intriguing pathway acting on both sides. The availability of specific inhibitors introduces a perspective of further translational research and clinical approaches that could be exploited in hypertension.
Toxicity and Feeding Deterrent Effect of 2-Methylanthraquinone from the Wood Extractives of Tectona grandis on the Subterranean Termites Coptotermes formosanus and Reticulitermes speratus
Authors: Ismayati Maya , Nakagawa-Izumi Akiko , Kamaluddin Nadia , Ohi Hiroshi
Published: November 2016

No-choice feeding tests using ethanol, chloroform, and acetone extractives of teak (Tectona grandis) heartwood clearly showed feeding deterrent activity and toxicity to the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus. The amount of 2-methylanthraquinone (MAQ) in teak wood extractives was not related to the feeding deterrents or toxicity, as shown by the no-choice feeding tests conducted using crude extractives containing various amounts of MAQ, MAQ alone, and fractions of crude extractives. As a native pest, the subterranean termite Coptotermes formosanus was more tolerant to the fractions of crude extractives than Reticulitermes speratus, and the mortality observed in C. formosanus was not due to the presence of MAQ.
B Cell Receptor Affinity for Insulin Dictates Autoantigen Acquisition and B Cell Functionality in Autoimmune Diabetes
Authors: Packard Thomas , Smith Mia , Conrad Francis , Johnson Sara , Getahun Andrew , Lindsay Robin , Hinman Rochelle , Friedman Rachel , Thomas James , Cambier John
Published: November 2016

B cells have been strongly implicated in the development of human type 1 diabetes and are required for disease in the NOD mouse model. These functions are dependent on B cell antigen receptor (BCR) specificity and expression of MHC, implicating linked autoantigen recognition and presentation to effector T cells. BCR-antigen affinity requirements for participation in disease are unclear. We hypothesized that BCR affinity for the autoantigen insulin differentially affects lymphocyte functionality, including tolerance modality and the ability to acquire and become activated in the diabetogenic environment. Using combined transgenic and retrogenic heavy and light chain to create multiple insulin-binding BCRs, we demonstrate that affinity for insulin is a critical determinant of the function of these autoreactive cells. We show that both BCR affinity for insulin and genetic background affect tolerance induction in immature B cells. We also find new evidence that may explain the enigmatic ability of B cells expressing 125 anti-insulin BCR to support development of TID in NOD mice despite a reported affinity beneath requirements for binding insulin at in vivo concentrations. We report that when expressed as an antigen receptor the affinity of 125 is much higher than determined by measurements of the soluble form. Finally, we show that in vivo acquisition of insulin requires both sufficient BCR affinity and permissive host/tissue environment. We propose that a confluence of BCR affinity, pancreas environment, and B cell tolerance-regulating genes in the NOD animal allows acquisition of insulin and autoimmunity.
Mechanical Behaviour of Stainless Steels under Dynamic Loading: An Investigation with Thermal Methods
Authors: De Finis Rosa , Palumbo Davide , Galietti Umberto
Published: November 2016

Stainless steels are the most exploited materials due to their high mechanical strength and versatility in producing different alloys. Although there is great interest in these materials, mechanical characterisation, in particular fatigue characterisation, requires the application of several standardised procedures involving expensive and time-consuming experimental campaigns. As a matter of fact, the use of Standard Test Methods does not rely on a physical approach, since they are based on a statistical evaluation of the fatigue limit with a fixed probabilistic confidence. In this regard, Infra-Red thermography, the well-known, non-destructive technique, allows for the development of an approach based on evaluation of dissipative sources. In this work, an approach based on a simple analysis of a single thermographic sequence has been presented, which is capable of providing two indices of the damage processes occurring in material: the phase shift of thermoelastic signal φ and the amplitude of thermal signal at twice the loading frequency, S2. These thermal indices can provide synergetic information about the mechanical (fatigue and fracture) behaviour of austenitic AISI 316L and martensitic X4 Cr Ni Mo 16-5-1; since they are related to different thermal effects that produce damage phenomena. In particular, the use of φ and S2 allows for estimation of the fatigue limit of stainless steels at loading ratio R = 0.5 in agreement with the applied Standard methods. Within Fracture Mechanics tests, both indices demonstrate the capacity to localize the plastic zone and determine the position of the crack tip. Finally, it will be shown that the value of the thermoelastic phase signal can be correlated with the mechanical behaviour of the specific material (austenitic or martensitic).
Tuning Amphiphilicity of Particles for Controllable Pickering Emulsion
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wang Yapei
Published: November 2016

Pickering emulsions with the use of particles as emulsifiers have been extensively used in scientific research and industrial production due to their edge in biocompatibility and stability compared with traditional emulsions. The control over Pickering emulsion stability and type plays a significant role in these applications. Among the present methods to build controllable Pickering emulsions, tuning the amphiphilicity of particles is comparatively effective and has attracted enormous attention. In this review, we highlight some recent advances in tuning the amphiphilicity of particles for controlling the stability and type of Pickering emulsions. The amphiphilicity of three types of particles including rigid particles, soft particles, and Janus particles are tailored by means of different mechanisms and discussed here in detail. The stabilization-destabilization interconversion and phase inversion of Pickering emulsions have been successfully achieved by changing the surface properties of these particles. This article provides a comprehensive review of controllable Pickering emulsions, which is expected to stimulate inspiration for designing and preparing novel Pickering emulsions, and ultimately directing the preparation of functional materials.