bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antenatal care practice and pregnancy outcome at Kudat area, Sabah, Northern Borneo
Authors: Aye Tin Tin , Ibrahim Datuk Muhammad Yusolf , Naing Daw Khin Saw , Myint Than , Jical Muhammad Hj
Published: April 2017

Women have been fulfilling their reproductive responsibility of propagating human race, many have died and many more faced death in the process of delivering babies, but this can be prevented by taking appropriated antenatal care, clean and safe delivery and essential obstetric care. Antenatal care is the first phase to be encountered once a woman has conceived. The objective of the study was to assess the antenatal (AN) care practice and pregnancy outcome of ever-married women aged 18 to 49 years old having at least one pregnancy experience, residing in kampongs of Kudat area, Sabah, East Malaysia, Northern Borneo from December 2015 to October 2016. Crosssectional analytical study, non-probability convenient sampling method was used and 300 eligible participants were interviewed face to face by trained interviewer using pretested questionnaire. 99.3% of all the women received AN care, and 97% of the women received AN care practice (AN visit of 4 times and above). Mean AN visit was 9 times. The study revealed that overall knowledge amongst the women with good knowledge was 47.2% and low knowledge was 52.8%. Additionally, there was significant association between education and knowledge, income and knowledge, AN care practices and knowledge. But there was no significant association between AN practice and complication. Despite these results, outcomes were good and all complications were properly and successfully addressed. This may reflect the effectiveness of current national maternal health programs.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2017, 3(1): 31-37
Morphological and biochemical characterization of two fish pathogenic bacteria: Aeromonas salmonicida and Yersinia ruckeri for rapid diagnosis of fish disease
Authors: Akter Tasmina
Published: April 2017

Aeromonas salmonicida and Yersinia ruckeri are two common pathogenic fish bacteria responsible for furunculosis and Enteric Red Mouth disease (ERM), respectively. For the characterization of these two pathogens, a series of morphological (pigmentation, hemolyse, motility and body shape), biochemical tests (Gram staining, catalase, oxidase and API 20E strips) and a soft ionization technique (MALDI-TOF/MS) were performed in the laboratory. Pigmentation, motility, hemolysis and body shape was used as a preliminary identification of the bacteria. Both of the species were identified with the entire biochemical test without any doubt except API20E strips test. Although the API profile of A. salmonicida (0006104) was identified with high confidence (99.6%), but Y. ruckeri was misidentified as Vibrio mimicus. There are strong supports against Vibrio mimicus as it is a human pathogen, grow at a temperature more than 20oC, motile and oxidase positive bacteria. The Y. ruckeri is a non-motile fish bacteria and oxidase negative which are consistent with the study results. Agglutination test with Bionor Mono kit was also identified the bacteria as Y. ruckeri. For rapid diagnosis of infectious disease, accurate identification of pathogen is very important for commercial aquaculture.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2017, 3(1): 44-51
Breeding for the improvement of indigenous chickens of Bangladesh: performance of foundation stock
Authors: Faruque Shakila , Bhuiyan AKFH , Ali Md Yousuf , Joy Ziaul Faruque
Published: April 2017

Selection is one of the vital tools for improving the indigenous chicken genetic resources. A total of 1585-day-old chicks comprising of 3 types of chicken namely Naked Neck (NN), Hilly (H) and Non-descript Deshi (ND) were hatched for this study to form foundation stock. Improvement target of egg weight was to increase by 1g and improvement target of egg production rate was to increase by 2 % per generation. In foundation stock, selection was practiced at 40-week of age, on the basis of an index comprising the parameters of age at first egg (ASM), body weight(BW), egg production(EP) and egg weight(EW). Data were analyzed in CRD by General Linear Model (GLM) Univariate Procedure. Significantly highest fertility (82.71%) and hatchability (82.20%) were found in ND genotype. Significantly (P<0.001) highest body weight of day-old chicks and daily weight gain was found in H genotype than other two genotypes. There was a non-significant (P>0.05) variation in FCR among the native chicken genotypes. NN genotype (3.46%) had non-significantly (?2 = 3.62; P > 0.05) higher chick mortality than ND (1.63%) and H (2.11%) at brooding period (0-4 weeks). Significantly (P<0.01) higher dressing percentage was found in NN (64.58) genotype than ND (60.26) and H (61.70) genotypes. Non-significantly higher egg production in selected group was found in H (70) genotype than ND (68) and NN (67) genotypes. Significantly (P<0.001) highest shape index and Haugh unit were found in H and ND genotypes, respectively. As a result of selection, egg production is expected to improve by 0.562, 0.932 and 0.755%, respectively for ND, H and NN genotypes. In terms of reproductive traits ND was superior, in terms of productive traits H genotype was superior and in terms of dressing percentage and breaking strength NN genotype was superior. These findings of the study also give an impetus for continuing the research for more generations to fulfill the objectives of the long-term programme.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2017, 3(1): 80-87
Status of fish culture in Rajshahi City Corporation of Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Rayhan , Flowra Fawzia Adib , Islam Saiful , Dey Shishir Kumar , Sultana Sayeeda
Published: April 2017

The present study carried on 16 sampling ponds in Rajshahi City Corporation, Rajshahi, Bangladesh during the period from August, 2005 to April, 2006. The main theme of this work was to find out the impact on present status of improved traditional culture and mixed culture in various pond. This study involved the observations made on physical characteristics, ownerships system, ponds preparation, stocking combinations of fish seeds, post stocking management and maintenance, harvesting and cost analysis of 16 improved traditional managed ponds in Rajshahi City Corporation. The primary data for the study was taken from the growers of these ponds. After collecting primary data, it was analyzed by suitable statistical method. Physical characteristics of the sampling pond were found. Water depth more or less sufficient, water colour greenish, presence of sunlight was sufficient, water source was mainly drain and rain and various shaped of pond was found. Pond was prepared by traditional method using pesticides (Phostoxin, Rotanone, Sumithion, Quick fume), lime and fertilizers (Urea, TSP., Cow dung). The fish seed were stocked in different ponds. In Sac fry was stocked in 4 nursery ponds. Post stocking management and maintenance were included inorganic fertilizer (Urea, TSP), organic fertilizer cow dung, applied weekly and supplementary feeds were used daily. It was observed that 15 ponds were made profit and one pond had loss. Two types of ownership were found (three years and five years) in the study period. During the study time two types of harvesting method were found. They were partial and final harvest. Mainly two types of production cost such as variable cost (lease, pond preparation, pesticide use, fertilizer etc.) and fixed cost (cost of net, net preservation, tax of pond etc.) were observed in the study period.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2017, 3(1): 94-102
Performance of some growth promoters on hybrid walking catfish (Clarias batrachus × Clarias gariepinus)
Authors: Islam Md Sirazul , Rashid M Mamnur , Arefin Mohammad Shamsul , Naha Pronab , Rokanuddula Md
Published: April 2017

A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of three most commonly used growth promoters from different pharmaceutical companies on growth performance of hybrid walking catfish (Clarias batrachus × Clarias gariepinus). The experiment was done in the wet laboratory of the Department of Aquaculture, BAU, Mymensingh, with a total of 10 aquaria and 160 fish having mean initial weight of 6.3 ± 0.48 g. The three growth promoters, Charger gel from Fishtech (BD) Ltd., Growth gel from Advance Agrotech (BD) Ltd. and Hepaprotect-aqua from Renata Animal health Ltd., were used in separate nine (9) aquaria at recommended, lower dose and higher dose respectively. One aquarium was used as control (diet without any growth promoter). The fish were fed with paragon nursery floating feed at 20% of body weight in each aquarium for 28 days. Doses of Charger gel were given as 80, 60 and 100 mg/20 g feed/day, that of Growth gel, 0.14, 0.12 and 0.16 ml/20 g feed/day and of Hepaprotect-aqua, 30, 15 and 50 mg/20 g feed/day. Re-circulatory system was used throughout the experimental period. By applying recommended, lower and higher dose of Charger gel, mean final weights were found as 23.0, 21.9 and 35.9 g; average daily weight gain as 0.60, 0.56 and 1.06 g and specific growth rate (SGR) as 2.01, 1.93 and 2.70% respectively. For Growth gel, mean final weights were found as 22.8, 17.3 and 31.1 g; average daily weight gain as 0.59, 0.39 and 0.88 g and SGR as 1.99, 1.57 and 2.48 % respectively. For Hepaprotect-aqua, mean final weights were found as 24.2, 17.5 and 28.2 g; average daily weight gain as 0.64, 0.40 and 0.78 g and SGR as 2.09, 1.58 and 2.32% respectively. In all the cases survival rates were 100%. All the three growth promoters showed better results at their higher doses in comparison to their results in lower and recommended doses. However, in average Charger gel showed the best result than the other two growth promoters. This information on the efficacy study of growth promoters needs to be disseminated to the farmers for improved fish production.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2017, 3(1): 103-108
Effects of aloe vera extract in drinking water on broiler performance
Authors: Islam Md Mirajul , Rahman Md Mamunur , Sultana Salma , Hassan Md Zakir , Miah Abdul Gaffar , Hamid Md Abdul
Published: April 2017

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation of aloe vera extract (w/v) on growth performance of broiler. The present study explored the potentials of medicinal plants Aloe barbedensis mixture in broiler performance. For this purpose, 120 day old chicks were randomly assigned into five treatment groups, namely T0, T1, T2, T3 and T4. Each treatment group contained 24 chicks. The chicks were purchased from a local chick hatchery named Nourish Poultry & Hatchery Ltd. Birds were brooded up to 10 days and then reared in separate flock for 35 days in an open sided house. Each treatment group was further replicated into three sub-groups and each contained eight birds. Experimental birds in T1, T2, T3 and T4 were provided with aloe vera extract (w/v) @ 05, 10, 15 and 20 ml per liter of drinking water while T0 was maintained as control group. Relevant data were recorded throughout the experimental period and subjected to statistical analysis. The data on growth parameters (body weight gain, feed consumption, feed efficiency, water intake) and feed cost and gross return per broiler were evaluated. The results of the study revealed that the aloe vera supplemented groups showed higher live weight gain than untreated group. Aloe vera supplemented groups showed more live weight gain in the terminal stages of the experiment. Aloe vera (w/v) extract supplemented groups performed the best feed efficiency. The live weight gain and feed efficiency were significantly (P<0.05) better in the broilers provided water containing 15 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract. Water intake, feed intake and abdominal fat deposition of broilers given aloe extract in drinking water were not different among each other. So, 15 ml/L aloe vera aqueous extract may be given to the broilers drinking water.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. March 2017, 3(1): 120-126
Thermally induced aggregation and its suppression of silkworm small heat shock protein sHSP19.9
Authors: Hossain MT , Aso Y
Published: April 2017

About ten genes responsible for small heat-shock proteins (sHSP) have been isolated from silkworm. sHSP19.9 is one of the important member among them. Heat-induced stability of the sHSP was investigated at 60ºC with 20 mM HEPES buffer pH 7.7 containing 10 mM NaCl (low-ionic strength). Along with it probable suppression of the aggregation was also examined. At the mentioned reaction medium, sHSP19.9 was observed to be aggregated on the concentration- and time-dependent manners. It was successfully suppressed with dithiothreitol (DTT), higher-ionic strengths, Cysteine residues modifications and molecular chaperone: sHSP20.8.Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2017. 46 (1): 57-64
Editorial Vol.5(1)
Authors: Talukder Md Humayun Kabir , Lasker Shamima Parvin
Published: April 2017

Abstract not availableBangladesh Journal of Medical Education Vol.5(1) 2014: 1
Influence of Welding Parameters on the Weld Pool Dimensions and Shape in a TIG Configuration
Authors: Stadler Marine , Freton Pierre , Gonzalez Jean-Jacques
Published: April 2017

The weld pool shape created by the plasma arc interaction on a workpiece depends on many geometrical and physical parameters and on the operating conditions. Theoretical models are developed in such a way as to predict and to characterize the material. However, these models first need to be validated. Experimental results are hence proposed with parametric studies. Nevertheless, the interaction time is often short and the weld pool shape evolution not presented. In this work, the experimental setup and the diagnostic methods characterizing the workpiece are presented. The weld pool shape was evaluated versus time according to several parameters such as the current intensity value, the distance between the two electrodes, the cathode tip angle or the plasma gas nature. The results show that the depth-to-width ratio alone is not enough to compare the impact of the parameters. The analysis points out the great influence of the current intensity on the increase of the width and depth compared to the influence of the value of the cathode tip angle. The rise of the arc length leads to an increase of the power through a higher arc voltage; nevertheless, for distances of three and five millimeters and a characteristic time of the welding process of one second, this parameter has a weak influence on the energy transferred. The use of helium leads to a bigger volume of the weld pool due to an increase of width and depth.
A Comparative Study on the Laser Welding of Ti6Al4V Alloy Sheets in Flat and Horizontal Positions
Authors: Chang Baohua , Yuan Zhang , Pu Haitao , Li Haigang , Cheng Hao , Du Dong , Shan Jiguo
Published: April 2017

Laser welding has been increasingly utilized to manufacture a variety of components thanks to its high quality and speed. For components with complex shapes, the welding position needs be continuously adjusted during laser welding, which makes it necessary to know the effects of the welding position on the quality of the laser welds. In this paper, the weld quality under two (flat and horizontal) welding positions were studied comparatively in the laser welding of Ti6Al4V titanium alloy, in terms of weld profiles, process porosity, and static tensile strengths. Results show that the flat welding position led to better weld profiles, less process porosity than that of the horizontal welding position, which resulted from the different actions of gravity on the molten weld metals and the different escape routes for pores under different welding positions. Although undercuts showed no association with the fracture positions and tensile strengths of the welds, too much porosity in horizontal laser welds led to significant decreases in the strengths and specific elongations of welds. Higher laser powers and travel speeds were recommended, for both flat and horizontal welding positions, to reduce weld porosity and improve mechanical properties.
Stability and Dynamics of Dark-Bright Soliton Bound States Away from the Integrable Limit
Authors: Katsimiga Garyfallia , Stockhofe Jan , Kevrekidis Panagiotis , Schmelcher Peter
Published: April 2017

The existence, stability, and dynamics of bound pairs of symbiotic matter waves in the form of dark-bright soliton pairs in two-component mixtures of atomic Bose–Einstein condensates is investigated. Motivated by the tunability of the atomic interactions in recent experiments, we explore in detail the impact that changes in the interaction strengths have on these bound pairs by considering significant deviations from the integrable limit. It is found that dark-bright soliton pairs exist as stable configurations in a wide parametric window spanning both the miscible and the immiscible regime of interactions. Outside this parameter interval, two unstable regions are identified and are associated with a supercritical and a subcritical pitchfork bifurcation, respectively. Dynamical manifestation of these instabilities gives rise to a redistribution of the bright density between the dark solitons, and also to symmetry-broken stationary states that are mass imbalanced (asymmetric) with respect to their bright soliton counterpart. The long-time dynamics of both the stable and the unstable balanced and imbalanced dark-bright soliton pairs is analyzed.
The Machine as Artist: An Introduction
Authors: Smith Glenn , Leymarie Frederic Fol
Published: April 2017

With the understanding that art and technology are continuing to experience an historic and rapidly intensifying rapprochement—but with the understanding as well that accounts thereof have tended to be constrained by scientific/engineering rigor on the one hand, or have tended to swing to the opposite extreme—it is the goal of this special issue of Arts to provide an opportunity for artists, humanists, scientists, and engineers to consider this development from the broader perspective which it deserves, while at the same time retaining a focus on what must surely be the emerging core of our subject: the state of the art in mechatronics and computation is such that we can now begin to speak comfortably of the machine as artist—and we can begin to hope, as well, that an aesthetic sensitivity on the part of the machine might help lead to a friendlier and more sensitive machine intelligence in general.
Spectrum and Energy Efficiency of Uplink Massive MIMO System with D2D Underlay
Authors: Wang Xinhua
Published: April 2017

In this paper, both the spectrum efficiency (SE) and the energy efficiency (EE) are investigated for an uplink massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system coexisting with an underlay device-to-device (D2D) system. The outage probability and the achievable rates of the cellular user equipments (CUEs) and the D2D link are derived in closed-form, respectively. Constrained by the SE of the D2D link and the CUEs, the EE of the massive MIMO system is maximized by jointly optimizing the transmit power of CUEs and the number of BS antennas. An algorithm with low complexity is proposed to solve the optimization problem. Performance results are provided to validate our derived closed-from results and verify the efficiency of our proposed scheme.
Narrative Transformed: The Fragments around Franz Kafka’s “A Report to an Academy”
Authors: Densky Doreen
Published: April 2017

Franz Kafka’s “A Report to an Academy”, in which the ape-turned-human Rotpeter provides a narrative account of his life, has been scrutinized with regard to its allegorical, scientific, and historical implications. This article shifts the focus toward the narrative set-up by closely reading the transformation that can be traced in the sequence of several narrative attempts found in Kafka’s manuscripts. Analyzing the fragments around this topic, I show how Kafka probes different angles—from a meeting between a first-person narrator and Rotpeter’s impresario and a dialogue between the narrator and Rotpeter, via the well-known “Report” itself, on to a letter by one of Rotpeter’s former teachers—that reveal a narrative transformation equally important as the metamorphosis from animal to human. The focus on the narrative constellations and on the lesser-known constitutive margins of the “Report” help to better understand, moreover, the complex relationship between immediacy and mediation, the ethnological concern of speech for the self and the unknown animal other, and poetological questions of production, representation, and reception.
Investing in College Education: Debtors, Bettors, Lenders, Brokers
Authors: Messer-Davidow Ellen
Published: April 2017

Federal and private lenders have issued college student loans, now rising above $1.3 trillion nationwide and, to gain revenues for continued lending, sell them to securitizers who in turn bundle them into asset-backed securities. This paper argues that the magnitude of debt, high rates of default and forgiveness, and uncertain long-term repayment by borrowers facing lackluster job opportunities replicate the techniques of neoliberal financialization (subprime mortgages, securitization, overstocked housing market) that triggered the 2008 economic meltdown.
Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Homeostasis in Reproductive Physiology and Pathology
Authors: Guzel Elif , Arlier Sefa , Guzeloglu-Kayisli Ozlem , Tabak Mehmet , Ekiz Tugba , Semerci Nihan , Larsen Kellie , Schatz Frederick , Lockwood Charles , Kayisli Umit
Published: April 2017

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER), comprises 60% of the total cell membrane and interacts directly or indirectly with several cell organelles i.e., Golgi bodies, mitochondria and proteasomes. The ER is usually associated with large numbers of attached ribosomes. During evolution, ER developed as the specific cellular site of synthesis, folding, modification and trafficking of secretory and cell-surface proteins. The ER is also the major intracellular calcium storage compartment that maintains cellular calcium homeostasis. During the production of functionally effective proteins, several ER-specific molecular steps sense quantity and quality of synthesized proteins as well as proper folding into their native structures. During this process, excess accumulation of unfolded/misfolded proteins in the ER lumen results in ER stress, the homeostatic coping mechanism that activates an ER-specific adaptation program, (the unfolded protein response; UPR) to increase ER-associated degradation of structurally and/or functionally defective proteins, thus sustaining ER homeostasis. Impaired ER homeostasis results in aberrant cellular responses, contributing to the pathogenesis of various diseases. Both female and male reproductive tissues undergo highly dynamic cellular, molecular and genetic changes such as oogenesis and spermatogenesis starting in prenatal life, mainly controlled by sex-steroids but also cytokines and growth factors throughout reproductive life. These reproductive changes require ER to provide extensive protein synthesis, folding, maturation and then their trafficking to appropriate cellular location as well as destroying unfolded/misfolded proteins via activating ER-associated degradation mediated proteasomes. Many studies have now shown roles for ER stress/UPR signaling cascades in the endometrial menstrual cycle, ovarian folliculogenesis and oocyte maturation, spermatogenesis, fertilization, pre-implantation embryo development and pregnancy and parturition. Conversely, the contribution of impaired ER homeostasis by severe/prolong ER stress-mediated UPR signaling pathways to several reproductive tissue pathologies including endometriosis, cancers, recurrent pregnancy loss and pregnancy complications associated with pre-term birth have been reported. This review focuses on ER stress and UPR signaling mechanisms, and their potential roles in female and male reproductive physiopathology involving in menstrual cycle changes, gametogenesis, preimplantation embryo development, implantation and placentation, labor, endometriosis, pregnancy complications and preterm birth as well as reproductive system tumorigenesis.
pH-Dependent Antimicrobial Properties of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles in Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Hsueh Yi-Huang , Tsai Ping-Han , Lin Kuen-Song
Published: April 2017

The antimicrobial properties of CuO nanoparticles have been investigated, but the underlying mechanisms of toxicity remain the subject of debate. Here, we show that CuO nanoparticles exhibit significant toxicity at pH 5 against four different Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strains, including Newman, SA113, USA300, and ATCC6538. At this pH, but not at pH 6 and 7, 5 mM CuO nanoparticles effectively caused reduction of SA113 and Newman cells and caused at least 2 log reduction, whereas 20 mM killed most strains but not USA300. At 5 mM, the nanoparticles were also found to dramatically decrease reductase activity in SA113, Newman, and ATCC6538 cells, but not USA300 cells. In addition, analysis of X-ray absorption near-edge structure and extended X-ray absorption fine structure confirmed that S. aureus cells exposed to CuO nanoparticles contain CuO, indicating that Cu2+ ions released from nanoparticles penetrate bacterial cells and are subsequently oxidized intracellularly to CuO at mildly acidic pH. The CuO nanoparticles were more soluble at pH 5 than at pH 6 and 7. Taken together, the data conclusively show that the toxicity of CuO nanoparticles in mildly acidic pH is caused by Cu2+ release, and that USA300 is more resistant to CuO nanoparticles (NPs) than the other three strains.
Preventive Effects of Heat-Killed Enterococcus faecalis Strain EC-12 on Mouse Intestinal Tumor Development
Authors: Miyamoto Shingo , Komiya Masami , Fujii Gen , Hamoya Takahiro , Nakanishi Ruri , Fujimoto Kyoko , Tamura Shuya , Kurokawa Yurie , Takahashi Maiko , Ijichi Tetsuo , Mutoh Michihiro
Published: April 2017

Establishing effective methods for preventing colorectal cancer by so-called “functional foods” is important because the global burden of colorectal cancer is increasing. Enterococcus faecalis strain EC-12 (EC-12), which belongs to the family of lactic acid bacteria, has been shown to exert pleiotropic effects, such as anti-allergy and anti-infectious effects, on mammalian cells. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the preventive effects of heat-killed EC-12 on intestinal carcinogenesis. We fed 5-week-old male and female Apc mutant Min mice diets containing 50 or 100 ppm heat-killed EC-12 for 8 weeks. In the 50 ppm treated group, there was 4.3% decrease in the number of polyps in males vs. 30.9% in females, and significant reduction was only achieved in the proximal small intestine of female mice. A similar reduction was observed in the 100 ppm treated group. Moreover, heat-killed EC-12 tended to reduce the levels of c-Myc and cyclin D1 mRNA expression in intestinal polyps. Next, we confirmed that heat-killed EC-12 suppressed the transcriptional activity of the T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor, a transcriptional factor involved in cyclin D1 mRNA expression in intestinal polyps. Our results suggest that heat-killed EC-12 very weakly suppresses intestinal polyp development in Min mice, in part by attenuating β-catenin signaling, and this implies that heat-killed EC-12 could be used as a “functional food”.
Reply to Giannakos, K. Comment on: Toughness of Railroad Concrete Crossties with Holes and Web Openings. Infrastructures 2017, 2, 3
Authors: Gamage Erosha , Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Remennikov Alex , Ishida Tetsuya
Published: April 2017

This paper responds to the discussion [1] by Dr. K. Giannakos over our technical note [2].[...]
Insights into Molecular Beryllium–Silicon Bonds
Authors: Naglav Dominik , Tobey Briac , Dzialkowski Kevin , Jansen Georg , Wölper Christoph , Schulz Stephan
Published: April 2017

We present the synthesis of two silyl beryllium halides HypSiBeX∙(thf) (HypSi = Si(SiMe3)3, X = Cl 2a, I 4a) and the molecular structure of 2a as determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Compounds 2a and 4a were characterized via multi-nuclear NMR spectroscopy (1H, 9Be, 13C, 29Si), and the bonding situation was further investigated using quantum chemical calculations (with the addition of further halides X = F 1b, Cl 2b, Br 3b, I 4b). The nature of the beryllium silicon bond in the context of these compounds is highlighted and discussed.
Diagnosis and Treatment of von Willebrand Disease and Rare Bleeding Disorders
Authors: Castaman Giancarlo , Linari Silvia
Published: April 2017

Along with haemophilia A and B, von Willebrand disease (VWD) and rare bleeding disorders (RBDs) cover all inherited bleeding disorders of coagulation. Bleeding tendency, which can range from extremely severe to mild, is the common symptom. VWD, due to a deficiency and/or abnormality of von Willebrand factor (VWF), represents the most frequent bleeding disorder, mostly inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The diagnosis may be difficult, based on a bleeding history and different diagnostic assays, which evaluate the pleiotropic functions of VWF. Different treatment options are available for optimal management of bleeding and their prevention, and long-term outcomes are generally good. RBDs are autosomal recessive disorders caused by a deficiency of any other clotting factor, apart from factor XII, and cover roughly 5% of all bleeding disorders. The prevalence of the severe forms can range from 1 case in 500,000 up to 1 in 2–3 million, according to the defect. Diagnosis is based on bleeding history, coagulation screening tests and specific factor assays. A crucial problem in RBDs diagnosis is represented by the non-linear relationship between clinical bleeding severity and residual clotting levels; genetic diagnosis may help in understanding the phenotype. Replacement therapies are differently available for patients with RBDs, allowing the successful treatment of the vast majority of bleeding symptoms.
Paper-Based Assessment of the Effects of Aging on Response Time: A Diffusion Model Analysis
Authors: Dirk Judith , Kratzsch Gesa Katharina , Prindle John P. , Kröhne Ulf , Goldhammer Frank , Schmiedek Florian
Published: April 2017

The effects of aging on response time were examined in a paper-based lexical-decision experiment with younger (age 18–36) and older (age 64–75) adults, applying Ratcliff’s diffusion model. Using digital pens allowed the paper-based assessment of response times for single items. Age differences previously reported by Ratcliff and colleagues in computer-based experiments were partly replicated: older adults responded more conservatively than younger adults and showed a slowing of their nondecision components of RT by 53 ms. The rates of evidence accumulation (drift rate) showed no age-related differences. Participants with a higher score in a vocabulary test also had higher drift rates. The experiment demonstrates the possibility to use formal processing models with paper-based tests.
Intelligence and Cognitive Development: Three Sides of the Same Coin
Authors: De Ribaupierre Anik , Lecerf Thierry
Published: April 2017

Research on intelligence, mainly based on correlational and factor-analytical work, research on cognitive development, and research in cognitive psychology are not to be opposed as has traditionally been the case, but are pursuing the same goal, that is, understand how the human being adapts to his/her own, complex environment. Each tradition of research has been focusing on one source of variation, namely situational differences for cognitive psychology, individual differences for psychometrics, and age differences for developmental psychology, while usually neglecting the two other sources of variation. The present paper compares those trends of research with respect to the constructs of fluid intelligence, working memory, processing speed, inhibition, and executive schemes. Two studies are very briefly presented to support the suggestion that tasks issued from these three traditions are very similar, if not identical, and that theoretical issues are also similar. We conclude in arguing that a unified vision is possible, provided one is (a) interested in the underlying processes and not only in the experimental variations of conditions; (b) willing to adopt a multidimensional view according to which few general mechanisms are at work, such as working memory or processing capacity, inhibition, and executive schemes; and (c) granting a fundamental role to individual differences.
Interacting Effects Induced by Two Neighboring Pits Considering Relative Position Parameters and Pit Depth
Authors: Huang Yongfang , Gang Tieqiang , Chen Lijie
Published: April 2017

For pre-corroded aluminum alloy 7075-T6, the interacting effects of two neighboring pits on the stress concentration are comprehensively analyzed by considering various relative position parameters (inclination angle θ and dimensionless spacing parameter λ) and pit depth (d) with the finite element method. According to the severity of the stress concentration, the critical corrosion regions, bearing high susceptibility to fatigue damage, are determined for intersecting and adjacent pits, respectively. A straightforward approach is accordingly proposed to conservatively estimate the combined stress concentration factor induced by two neighboring pits, and a concrete application example is presented. It is found that for intersecting pits, the normalized stress concentration factor Ktnor increases with the increase of θ and λ and always reaches its maximum at θ = 90°, yet for adjacent pits, Ktnor decreases with the increase of λ and the maximum value appears at a slight asymmetric location. The simulations reveal that Ktnor follows a linear and an exponential relationship with the dimensionless depth parameter Rd for intersecting and adjacent cases, respectively.
Fracture Analysis of MWCNT/Epoxy Nanocomposite Film Deposited on Aluminum Substrate
Authors: Her Shiuh-Chuan , Chien Pao-Chu
Published: April 2017

Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) reinforced epoxy films were deposited on an aluminum substrate by a hot-pressing process. Three-point bending tests were performed to determine the Young’s modulus of MWCNT reinforced nanocomposite films. Compared to the neat epoxy film, nanocomposite film with 1 wt % of MWCNT exhibits an increase of 21% in the Young’s modulus. Four-point-bending tests were conducted to investigate the fracture toughness of the MWCNT/epoxy nanocomposite film deposited on an aluminum substrate with interfacial cracks. Based on the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory, the strain energy in a film/substrate composite beam is derived. The difference of strain energy before and after the propagation of the interfacial crack are calculated, leading to the determination of the strain energy release rate. Experimental test results show that the fracture toughness of the nanocomposite film deposited on the aluminum substrate increases with the increase in the MWCNT content.
Characterization of the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Corrosion Resistance of a Friction-Stir-Welded Joint of Hyper Duplex Stainless Steel
Authors: Li Jianchun , Liu Xinglong , Li Guoping , Han Peide , Liang Wei
Published: April 2017

This study investigates the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of a friction-stir-welded joint of the hyper duplex stainless steel SAF2707. Friction stir welding (FSW) is performed at a tool rotation rate of 400 rpm and a welding speed of 100 mm/min. The microstructure of the joints is examined using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Tensile test and fractography are subsequently employed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the joints. Results show that the grain size of the stir zone (SZ) is smaller than that of the base metal (BM). Electron back-scattered diffraction analysis reveals that fine-equiaxed grains form in the SZ because of the dynamic recrystallization during the FSW. These grains become increasingly pronounced in the austenite phase. The tensile specimens consistently fail in the BM, implying that the welded joint is an overmatch to the BM. Moreover, the welded joints consist of finer grains and thus display higher tensile strength than their BMs. Potentiodynamic polarization curves and impedance spectroscopy both demonstrate that the corrosion resistance of the SZ is superior to that of the base material.
A Suspended Six-Port Transformer-Based Power Divider for 2.4 GHz Applications
Authors: Huang Wen-Hui , Huang I-Yu , Syu Wun-Hong , Sung Chia-Lung , Hsieh Chia-Hsu
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a transformer-based power divider with six-port suspending structure for 2.4 GHz wireless applications. The proposed power divider, which is featured with chip size (2.9 mm × 2.8 mm × 21 μm), was constructed by an 8-μm-thick Cu bottom electrode, a 5 μm-height supporting copper post, and an 8-μm-thick suspended spiral copper conducting layer with a 13 μm air gap. The main structure included two transformers and six input/output matching capacitors for simultaneously achieving two single-to-differential paths so that the chip size of the complex multiple-ports transceiver could be reduced. According to the results, the proposed divider has characteristics of the radio frequency (RF), and its input return losses are around −10 dB, output return losses are beneath −10 dB, and minimum amplitude imbalance is below 1.5 dB and less than 1° phase imbalance at 2.4 GHz operating frequency.
Cellular Models and In Vitro Assays for the Screening of modulators of P-gp, MRP1 and BCRP
Authors: Gameiro Mariline , Silva Renata , Rocha-Pereira Carolina , Carmo Helena , Carvalho Félix , Bastos Maria , Remião Fernando
Published: April 2017

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are highly expressed in tumor cells, as well as in organs involved in absorption and secretion processes, mediating the ATP-dependent efflux of compounds, both endogenous substances and xenobiotics, including drugs. Their expression and activity levels are modulated by the presence of inhibitors, inducers and/or activators. In vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies with both known and newly synthesized P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inducers and/or activators have shown the usefulness of these transport mechanisms in reducing the systemic exposure and specific tissue access of potentially harmful compounds. This article focuses on the main ABC transporters involved in multidrug resistance [P-gp, multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP)] expressed in tissues of toxicological relevance, such as the blood-brain barrier, cardiovascular system, liver, kidney and intestine. Moreover, it provides a review of the available cellular models, in vitro and ex vivo assays for the screening and selection of safe and specific inducers and activators of these membrane transporters. The available cellular models and in vitro assays have been proposed as high throughput and low-cost alternatives to excessive animal testing, allowing the evaluation of a large number of compounds.
c-Jun Contributes to Transcriptional Control of GNA12 Expression in Prostate Cancer Cells
Authors: Udayappan Udhaya , Casey Patrick
Published: April 2017

Abstract: GNA12 is the α subunit of a heterotrimeric G protein that possesses oncogenic potential. Activated GNA12 also promotes prostate and breast cancer cell invasion in vitro and in vivo, and its expression is up-regulated in many tumors, particularly metastatic tissues. In this study, we explored the control of expression of GNA12 in prostate cancer cells. Initial studies on LnCAP (low metastatic potential, containing low levels of GNA12) and PC3 (high metastatic potential, containing high GNA12 levels) cells revealed that GNA12 mRNA levels correlated with protein levels, suggesting control at the transcriptional level. To identify potential factors controlling GNA12 transcription, we cloned the upstream 5′ regulatory region of the human GNA12 gene and examined its activity using reporter assays. Deletion analysis revealed the highest level of promoter activity in a 784 bp region, and subsequent in silico analysis indicated the presence of transcription factor binding sites for C/EBP (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein), CREB1 (cAMP-response-element-binding protein 1), and c-Jun in this minimal element for transcriptional control. A small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown approach revealed that silencing of c-Jun expression significantly reduced GNA12 5′ regulatory region reporter activity. In addition, chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that c-Jun binds to the GNA12 5′ regulatory region in PC3 cells. Silencing of c-Jun expression reduced mRNA and protein levels of GNA12, but not the closely-related GNA13, in prostate cancer cells. Understanding the mechanisms by which GNA12 expression is controlled may aid in the development of therapies that target key elements responsible for GNA12-mediated tumor progression.
N-(2,2-Dimethyl-1-(quinolin-2-yl)propylidene) arylaminonickel Complexes and Their Ethylene Oligomerization
Authors: Suo Hongyi , Zhao Tong , Wang Yiqing , Ban Qing , Sun Wen-Hua
Published: April 2017

A series of N-(2,2-dimethyl-1-(quinolin-2-yl)propylidene) arylamines was sophisticatedly synthesized and reacted with nickel(II) bromine for the formation of the corresponding nickel complexes. All the organic compounds were characterized by IR, NMR spectra and elemental analysis, while all the nickel complexes were characterized by IR spectra and elemental analysis. On activation with ethylaluminium sesquichloride (EASC) and modified methylaluminoxane (MMAO), all nickel precatalysts exhibited good activities toward ethylene oligomerization, indicating the positive efficiency of gem-dimethyl substitutents; in which major hexenes were obtained with MMAO. The catalytic parameters were verified, and the steric and electronic influences of substituents with ligands were observed, with a slight change of activities under different ethylene pressures.
Drug Use before and during Pregnancy in Japan: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Nishigori Hidekazu , Obara Taku , Nishigori Toshie , Metoki Hirohito , Ishikuro Mami , Mizuno Satoshi , Sakurai Kasumi , Tatsuta Nozomi , Nishijima Ichiko , Fujiwara Ikuma , Arima Takahiro , Nakai Kunihiko , Mano Nariyasu , Kuriyama Shinichi , Yaegashi Nobuo ,   Japan Environment & Children’s Study Group
Published: April 2017

Purpose: To elucidate drug use before and during pregnancy in Japan. Methods: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study (JECS) is an ongoing nationwide birth cohort study. We analyzed data from JECS involving cases where drugs were used for 12 months before pregnancy was diagnosed, between the time of diagnosis of pregnancy until week 12 of pregnancy, and after week 12 of pregnancy. Results: We analyzed data from 97,464 pregnant women. The percentages of pregnant women who had taken one or more drugs and supplements before diagnosis of pregnancy, between the time of diagnosis of pregnancy until week 12 of pregnancy, and after week 12 of pregnancy, were 78.4%, 57.1%, and 68.8% respectively. Excluding iron supplements, folic acid, and other vitamins and minerals, the percentages of women taking supplements were 75.3%, 36.0%, and 51.7% at each respective time point. The following drugs and supplements were frequently used for 12 months before pregnancy diagnosis: Commercially available antipyretics, analgesics, and/or medicine for treating common cold (34.7%), antipyretics, analgesics, and/or medicine for treating common colds, which were prescribed in hospitals (29.8%), antimicrobial drugs (14.0%), and anti-allergy drugs (12.5%). The following drugs and supplements were frequently used from the time of pregnancy diagnosis until week 12 of pregnancy, and after week 12 of pregnancy: folic acid (28.9% and 26.2%), antipyretics, analgesics and/or medicines for treating common cold, that were prescribed in hospitals (7.8% and 13.3%), Chinese herbal medicines (6.0% and 9.4%, and uterine relaxants (5.1% and 15.2%). Conclusions: The analysis of a nationwide cohort study showed that a high percentage of Japanese pregnant women were taking medicinal drugs. Further research is required to elucidate the relationship between drug use during pregnancy and birth defects in Japan.
A Novel Method of Identifying Paddy Seed Varieties
Authors: Huang Kuo-Yi , Chien Mao-Chien
Published: April 2017

This paper presents a novel method for identifying three varieties (Taikong 9, Tainan 11, and Taikong 14) of foundation paddy seeds. Taikong 9, Tainan 11, and Taikong 14 paddy seeds are indistinguishable by inspectors during seed purity inspections. The proposed method uses image segmentation and a key point identification algorithm that can segment paddy seed images and extract seed features. A back propagation neural network was used to establish a classifier based on seven features that could classify the three paddy seed varieties. The classification accuracies of the resultant classifier for varieties Taikong 9, Tainan 11, and Taikong 14 were 92.68%, 97.35% and 96.57%, respectively. The experimental results indicated that the three paddy seeds can be differentiated efficiently using the developed system.
A Quadrilateral Geometry Classification Method and Device for Femtocell Positioning Networks
Authors: Mar Jeich , Chang Tsung , Wang Yu
Published: April 2017

This article proposes a normalization multi-layer perception (NMLP) geometry classifier to autonomously determine the optimal four femtocell evolved Node Bs (FeNBs), which can use time difference of arrival (TDOA) to measure the location of the macrocell user equipment (MUE) with the lowest GDOP value. The iterative geometry training (IGT) algorithm is designed to obtain the training data for the NMLP geometry classifier. The architecture of the proposed NMLP geometry classifier is realized in the server of the cloud computing platform, to identify the optimal geometry disposition of four FeNBs for positioning the MUE located between two buildings. Six by six neurons are chosen for two hidden layers, in order to shorten the convergent time. The feasibility of the proposed method is demonstrated by means of numerical simulations. In addition, the simulation results also show that the proposed method is particularly suitable for the application of the MUE positioning with a huge number of FeNBs. Finally, three quadrilateral optimum geometry disposition decision criteria are analyzed for the validation of the simulation results.
Develop Eco-Friendly Enterprise: Aligning Enablers with Strategy
Authors: Lin Ching-Torng , Chang Yu-Hsuan , Mi Chuanmin
Published: April 2017

Environmental friendliness has been regarded as a fundamental characteristic of sustainability and competitiveness, yet such eco-friendliness is often not performed well. Based on the relationship matrix in the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method and fuzzy logic, this paper presents an original integrated approach that, by linking competitive bases, green capabilities, and providers, aims at identifying the most appropriate providers to be implemented by companies starting from competitive characteristics. As an illustration, an international electronics-related manufacturing firm’s eco-friendliness developing project is cited which provides evidence of a robust method that can improve the eco-friendliness of an enterprise and enhance competitive advantage. The approach allows for avoiding the risk of misalignments between green providers and competition requirements for practitioners that seek to implement green supply chain management systems.