bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Induction of the ChREBPβ Isoform Is Essential for Glucose-Stimulated β-Cell Proliferation
Authors: Zhang Pili , Kumar Anil , Katz Liora S. , Li Lucy , Paulynice Martine , Herman Mark A. , Scott Donald K.
Published: September 2015

Carbohydrate-responsive element–binding protein (ChREBP) is a glucose-sensing transcription factor required for glucose-stimulated proliferation of pancreatic β-cells in rodents and humans. The full-length isoform (ChREBPα) has a low glucose inhibitory domain (LID) that restrains the transactivation domain when glucose catabolism is minimal. A novel isoform of ChREBP (ChREBPβ) was recently described that lacks the LID domain and is therefore constitutively and more potently active. ChREBPβ has not been described in β-cells nor has its role in glucose-stimulated proliferation been determined. We found that ChREBPβ is highly expressed in response to glucose, particularly with prolonged culture in hyperglycemic conditions. In addition, small interfering RNAs that knocked down ChREBPβ transcripts without affecting ChREBPα expression or activity decreased glucose-stimulated expression of carbohydrate response element–containing genes and glucose-stimulated proliferation in INS-1 cells and in isolated rat islets. Quantitative chromatin immunoprecipitation, electrophoretic mobility shift assays, and luciferase reporter assays were used to demonstrate that ChREBP binds to a newly identified powerful carbohydrate response element in β-cells and hepatocytes, distinct from that in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. We conclude that ChREBPβ contributes to glucose-stimulated gene expression and proliferation in β-cells, with recruitment of ChREBPα to tissue-specific elements of the ChREBPβ isoform promoter.
Topical Administration of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists Prevents Retinal Neurodegeneration in Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Hernández Cristina , Bogdanov Patricia , Corraliza Lidia , García-Ramírez Marta , Solà-Adell Cristina , Arranz José A. , Arroba Ana I. , Valverde Angela M. , Simó Rafael
Published: September 2015

Retinal neurodegeneration is an early event in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy (DR). Since glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) exerts neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system and the retina is ontogenically a brain-derived tissue, the aims of the current study were as follows: 1) to examine the expression and content of GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) in human and db/db mice retinas; 2) to determine the retinal neuroprotective effects of systemic and topical administration (eye drops) of GLP-1R agonists in db/db mice; and 3) to examine the underlying neuroprotective mechanisms. We have found abundant expression of GLP-1R in the human retina and retinas from db/db mice. Moreover, we have demonstrated that systemic administration of a GLP-1R agonist (liraglutide) prevents retinal neurodegeneration (glial activation, neural apoptosis, and electroretinographical abnormalities). This effect can be attributed to a significant reduction of extracellular glutamate and an increase of prosurvival signaling pathways. We have found a similar neuroprotective effect using topical administration of native GLP-1 and several GLP-1R agonists (liraglutide, lixisenatide, and exenatide). Notably, this neuroprotective action was observed without any reduction in blood glucose levels. These results suggest that GLP-1R activation itself prevents retinal neurodegeneration. Our results should open up a new approach in the treatment of the early stages of DR.
Sleep Disturbances and Glucose Metabolism in Older Adults: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Strand Linn Beate , Carnethon Mercedes , Biggs Mary Lou , Djoussé Luc , Kaplan Robert C. , Siscovick David S. , Robbins John A. , Redline Susan , Patel Sanjay R. , Janszky Imre , Mukamal Kenneth J.
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE

We examined the associations of symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), which was defined as loud snoring, stopping breathing for a while during sleep, and daytime sleepiness, and insomnia with glucose metabolism and incident type 2 diabetes in older adults.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Between 1989 and 1993, the Cardiovascular Health Study recruited 5,888 participants ≥65 years of age from four U.S. communities. Participants reported SDB and insomnia symptoms yearly through 1989–1994. In 1989–1990, participants underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, from which insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity were estimated. Fasting glucose levels were measured in 1989–1990 and again in 1992–1993, 1994–1995, 1996–1997, and 1998–1999, and medication use was ascertained yearly. We determined the cross-sectional associations of sleep symptoms with fasting glucose levels, 2-h glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion using generalized estimated equations and linear regression models. We determined the associations of updated and averaged sleep symptoms with incident diabetes in Cox proportional hazards models. We adjusted for sociodemographics, lifestyle factors, and medical history.

RESULTS

Observed apnea, snoring, and daytime sleepiness were associated with higher fasting glucose levels, higher 2-h glucose levels, lower insulin sensitivity, and higher insulin secretion. The risk of the development of type 2 diabetes was positively associated with observed apnea (hazard ratio [HR] 1.84 [95% CI 1.19–2.86]), snoring (HR 1.27 [95% CI 0.95–1.71]), and daytime sleepiness (HR 1.54 [95% CI 1.13–2.12]). In contrast, we did not find consistent associations between insomnia symptoms and glucose metabolism or incident type 2 diabetes.

CONCLUSIONS

Easily collected symptoms of SDB are strongly associated with insulin resistance and the incidence of type 2 diabetes in older adults. Monitoring glucose metabolism in such patients may prove useful in identifying candidates for lifestyle or pharmacological therapy. Further studies are needed to determine whether insomnia symptoms affect the risk of diabetes in younger adults.
Outcomes for dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism following treatment with percutaneous ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation of presumed functional parathyroid nodules: 27 cases (2008–2011)
Authors: Guttin Talia , Knox Van W. , Diroff Jeremy S.
Published: September 2015

Objective—To describe outcomes for dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism following treatment with percutaneous ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation of presumed functional parathyroid nodules.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—24 dogs with primary hyperparathyroidism that underwent 27 ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation procedures of presumed functional parathyroid nodules identified by cervical ultrasonography.

Procedures—Dogs were anesthetized for each procedure. For each nodule, 95% ethanol was injected into the center with ultrasound guidance (volume injected calculated on the basis of ultrasonographic measurements). The interval from treatment to resolution of hypercalcemia, complications, and follow-up clinicopathologic data were recorded.

Results—5 procedures involved simultaneous treatment of 2 nodules. Three dogs underwent a second treatment because of initial treatment failure or development of another nodule. Hypercalcemia resolved after 23 of 27 (85%) procedures. In those 23 treatments, 22 (96%) had resolution of hypercalcemia within 72 hours after treatment. Hypocalcemia was detected in 6 different dogs at 2 (1 dog), 7 (3 dogs), 14 (1 dog), and 21 (1 dog) days after treatment; 5 of these dogs had mild transient hypocalcemia and 1 developed clinical signs requiring calcium supplementation. Although there were no periprocedural adverse effects, 2 dogs had delayed adverse effects; the overall rate of complications (including delayed adverse events and clinical hypocalcemia) was 11.1%. Long-term follow-up data indicated sustained normocalcemia in 17 of 19 dogs.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results suggested that percutaneous ultrasound-guided ethanol ablation of functional parathyroid nodules may be an effective treatment for primary hyperparathyroidism of dogs, with short duration of anesthesia, minimal complications, and low risk for hypocalcemia. (J Am Vet Med Assoc 2015;247:771–777)
Clinical and demographic profile of patients presenting to cath-lab in a tertiary care center in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Utsav , Khanal Subrat , Ghimire Pranita , Shrestha Nikesh R
Published: September 2015

Background & Objectives: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is one of the leading killers in the world. This is a demographic study of patients who underwent coronary angiography for CAD with regard to sex, age, ethnicity and prevalence of risk factors.Materials & Methods: Hospital based retrospective study conducted at the Department of Internal Medicine, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Science (BPKIHS), Dharan, Nepal.Results: The Study showed that out of 382 patients who presented to the cath-lab 216 patients underwent angiography alone and 166 patients had PCI. The most common indication for presentation to cath-lab was S-T Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI), which accounted for 46.3% cases. The most common age group of presentation was 51-60 years of age with 35% cases. During the procedure, it was found that 32.8% had normal vessels, 29.6% had single vessel disease and 38% had 2 or more vessels involved. The most common coronary artery involved was left anterior descending (LAD), which was implicated in 96.9 % of total cases. Coronary Artery Disease was defined as having at least one vessel 50% obstructed. A total of 158 males and 99 females had CAD with a sex ratio of 1.59. It was found that 36.1% belonged to Brahmin / Chettri ethnicity whereas 34.0% belonged to Janjati. Hypertension was the most common risk factor, present in 67 % of the patients.Conclusion: It appears that among the population of eastern Nepal, the age group most likely to suffer from an episode of ACS leading to invasive evaluation is between 50 to 60 years. And the most significant risk factors associated are hypertension and smoking.JCMS Nepal. 2015;11(1):1-5
Incidental finding of aberrant subclavian artery during computed tomography scan
Authors: Yusof Mubarak Mohd , Shamsudin Sharini
Published: September 2015

Two cases of aberrant subclavian arteries were detected incidentally during computed tomography scan of the thorax for other medical conditions. The patients did not have weight loss or dysphagia lusoria. The origin and course of theaberrant subclavian arteries are related to the anomaly of the aortic arch. The variations of aberrant right subclavian artery with left aortic arch and aberrant left subclavian artery with right aortic arch on computed tomography are discussed.Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 4, Oct.-Dec., 2014Page: 162-164
Giant cardiac hydatid cyst: case presentation with radiologic survey and review of literature
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Kumar Amit , Argahari Neha Singh , Jaiswal Gagan , Kundu Jyoti
Published: September 2015

Hydatid disease is mostly localised to liver and lungs. Cardiac involvement is a rare but potentially very serious complication of echinococcosis, constituting only 0.5–2% of all cases of hydatidosis. Cardiac hydatid cyst is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge on account of highly variable clinical presentations and non-specifi c symptoms and often numerous unpredictable complications. We present a case report of 20-year-old man who was admitted to our hospital with chief complaint of palpitations and shortness of breath. Using baseline investigations like ECG, transthoracic echocardiography, ultrasonography, non-contrast computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, a giant multiloculated cystic lesion (58.4 mm × 43.3 mm) was diagnosed in the apex of left ventricle. Serologic tests (hydatid cyst antibody) confi rmed Echinococcus infection. Thoracic computed tomography with intravenous contrast was not performed because patient reported history of allergy to contrast. This case report is unusual as it is concerned with the description of a rare disease entity (large cardiac hydatid cyst). Its radiological appearances are discussed for early diagnosis and better understanding of the disease, together with a review of the literature.Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 4, Oct.-Dec., 2014Page:
Bilateral variation in origin of facial artery in a cadaver
Authors: Kumal Jay Prakash Prasad , Timsina Ram Prasad , Yadav Sanjay Kumar , Gogoi Pramananda
Published: September 2015

Anatomical knowledge of the origin, course, and branching pattern of the facial artery is important for surgeons and radiologist. However abnormal pattern of facial artery may change the result of the treatment, if it is not predicted in advance. Here we report bilateral variation in origin of facial artery originated as a linguo-facial trunk from external carotid artery.Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 4, Oct.-Dec., 2014Page: 171-173
Nepalese context: Should physician treat themselves and their family members?
Authors: Dhakal Ajaya Kumar
Published: September 2015

Physicians are individuals with families and friends and it is their duty as well as moral and social obligation to look after their friends and relatives when they become sick. But what should be their role in looking after one’s own sick family members or friends? As far as it is not as a treating physician there should be no problem but if physicians are to take responsibility of treating their family members as a physician, a number of ethical issues arise. Medical advice and medical treatment of family members is a subject of debate. The current codes of ethics of in many countries advise physicians not to treat their family members except in emergency situations and for minor illnesses. What should Nepalese physicians do?Journal of Kathmandu Medical CollegeVol. 3, No. 4, Oct.-Dec., 2014Page: 174-176
Combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy with antimetabolite and releasable suture: outcome with primary congenital glaucoma in a north Indian population
Authors: Dubey S , Agrawal A , Chauhan L , Mukherjee S , Douglas G
Published: September 2015

Objective: To determine the surgical outcomes of combined trabeculotomy- trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C and releasable suture in children with primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) in a North Indian population. Design: Retrospective, interventional, consecutive, non-comparative case series. Materials and methods: The medical records of 137 eyes of 77 patients who underwent combined trabeculotomy- trabeculectomy with 0.2 mg/ml mitomycin C (MMC) either bilaterally (49 patients) or unilaterally (28 patients) between January 2004 and March 2012 were reviewed retrospectively. The main outcome measures were postoperative intraocular pressures, corneal clarity and diameter, duration of follow-up, success rate and complications. Results: The mean preoperative intraocular pressure reduced from 34 ± 7 mm Hg (range 15- 54 mm Hg) to 17 ± 7 mm Hg (range 5 - 32 mm Hg) with a mean reduction of 44 % (P < 0.001). The mean follow-up period was 24.4 ± 10.3 months (range 6 – 48 months). Complete success defined as intraocular pressure < 21 mm Hg without any medication and clinically stable glaucoma at last follow-up was achieved in 113 eyes (83 %) while a ‘quali¿ed success’ of intraocular pressure < 21 mm Hg with one medication was achieved in ten eyes (7 %). The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed success rates (at ‘n’ months) of 90 % (6), 85 % (12), 82 % (24), 80 % (36) and 77 % (48). There were no signi¿cant intraoperative or postoperative complications.Conclusion: Primary combined trabeculotomy-trabeculectomy with mitomycin-C and releasable suture offers a viable surgical option in Northern Indian infants with primary congenital glaucoma. The use of 0.2 mg/ml mitomycin C for 2 minutes improves the overall success while the releasable suture decreases the risk of postoperative complications especially associated with the use of antimetabolites.
Unilateral retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Bhattarai D , Paudel N , Adhikari P , Gnyawali S , Joshi S N
Published: September 2015

Objective: To report a rare case of unilateral retinitis pigmentosa and to present the clinical features, and ¿ndings of multifocal ERG and visual field of this case.Case: A 70-year-old-female diagnosed as Retinitis Pigmentosa in right eye 7 years back, presented with further gradual painless diminution of vision in the very eye and without any similar symptoms in left eye. On examination, the findings (including multifocal ERG and visual field) suggested the features of retinitis pigmentosa in her right eye, while the other eye being unaffected.Conclusion: In this rare case, the distinct features of retinitis pigmentosa are seen only in one eye, and this can be further confirmed from multifocal ERG and visual field.
Thermochemical synthesis and sintering of silver-8 wt.% copper oxide nanocomposite powders
Authors: Ardestani Mohammad
Published: September 2015

Ag-8CuO (wt.%) nanocomposite powders were synthesized by calcination at 600 °C of precipitates of copper and silver nitrates and ammonium carbonate. The calcination temperature was determined according to the results of simultaneous thermal analysis of the precipitates. The particle size of the powders was about 50 nm; the crystallite size and the lattice strain of the calcined powders were 34 nm and 0.04 %, respectively. The nanocomposite powders were cold pressed and solid state sintered at 900 °C for 2 and 6 h. It was shown that the sintering duration has more influence on densification of the sintered samples than the cold pressure magnitude. The sintered compacts were re-pressed under 1 GPa. The relative density, hardness and electrical conductivity of the re-pressed samples were 94 %, 65 HRF and 69 % international annealed copper standard conductivity, respectively.
Multimodal Nondestructive Testing Damage Quantification, Presentation, and Condition Rating of Bridge Decks
Authors: Pailes Brian M. , Gucunski Nenad
Published: September 2015

Advanced nondestructive testing (NDT) methods have become an effective and reliable way to evaluate the condition of bridge decks. Tools such as ground-penetrating radar, impact echo, and half-cell potentials are more frequently used to identify deck deterioration and evaluate condition. Although NDT methods are becoming more popular, the way in which NDT data are presented to bridge owners and maintenance personnel depends on the practitioner. Research has been conducted to develop methods to improve and standardize the presentation of multimodal NDT results. The primary goal of the current research was to make multimodal NDT a more effective and objective tool for asset management by improving the presentation of NDT results. This effort included the development of proper damage quantities to help budget repairs and asset management decisions; the accurate representation of deck condition with contouring software, which if used incorrectly can provide misleading information; and the use of NDT condition assessments to rate bridge decks through federally mandated condition rating systems. These federally mandated rating systems had their bases primarily in visual and sounding inspections as opposed to advanced NDT methods. Through study of the rating systems and discussions with asset managers, a method was developed to apply these ratings with multimodal NDT results. Although this method of condition rating was preliminary, the overarching goal of this work was to drive the NDT industry to focus its results for better assistance to asset managers, as well as to drive governing bodies to adapt the current rating systems for better compatibility with up-to-date technologies.
Development of Pavement Preservation Strategies with Pavement ME Design Software for the State of Rhode Island
Authors: Coffey Sean , Ali Ayman , Mehta Yusuf , McCarthy Leslie
Published: September 2015

The objective of this study was to propose an approach to integrate AASHTOWare Pavement ME Design software into pavement preservation strategies of the Rhode Island Department of Transportation. The use of Pavement ME Design software could assist in the prioritization of mitigation alternatives; this procedure would optimize resources in Rhode Island. Four representative pavement sections on state highways in Rhode Island were selected and then analyzed with the Pavement ME Design software. Weigh-in-motion traffic data also were collected from nine stations in Rhode Island to establish representative state traffic patterns. This information was used as input to Pavement ME Design, and the predicted performance measures (i.e., international roughness index, rutting, longitudinal cracking) were then used to determine when the typical Rhode Island pavement mitigation alternatives [e.g., crack seals; level and overlay; mill and overlay with and without friction course; paver placed elastomeric surface treatment; rubberized chip seals; reconstruction and reclamation; and stress-absorbing membrane interlayer (SAMI)] were triggered. In addition, a cost-based approach and an incremental benefit–cost alternative prioritization method were analyzed to determine the most cost-effective alternatives and the most beneficial alternatives, respectively. On the basis of the analysis, the Pavement ME Design software was found to have potential for use in the enhancement of pavement preservation strategies. Crack seals, rubberized chip seals, and SAMI were found to be the most cost-effective and the most beneficial of all alternatives assessed.
Low E Modulus Early Strength Engineered Cementitious Composites Material
Authors: Zhang Zhigang , Zhang Qian , Qian Shunzhi , Li Victor C.
Published: September 2015

For a reliable repair solution to be provided for the sinkage of concrete pavement slabs caused by the subsidence of subgrade, low E modulus early strength high ductility engineered cementitious composites (LMES-ECC) material was developed for ultrathin whitetopping overlay application. Low modulus of the topping material is advantageous for deformation compatibility with the existing substrate concrete without the experience of high stress. The high tensile ductility of LMES-ECC further increases the deformation compatibility and suppresses the reflective cracking, which is a major failure mechanism of pavement repair. Experimental studies were conducted on LMES-ECC with respect to its compressive strength, tensile properties, cracking behavior under restrained shrinkage, and flexural properties. The compressive strength and flexural strength of LMES-ECC at 3 days reached 31 MPa and 7 MPa, respectively, which satisfied both the requirement necessary to reopen traffic and the design strength of concrete pavement material. Unlike the brittle fracture of normal concrete, multiple microcracks (i.e., average crack width below 60 μm) developed in LMES-ECC before final fracture under tension and bending; this deformation resulted in a tensile strain capacity as high as 4% (about 400 times that of normal concrete) and large vertical deflection capacity. In addition, the E modulus of LMES-ECC was measured at 14 GPa, which was significantly lower than for normal concrete. The low modulus and high deformation capacity of LMES-ECC greatly improved the deformation compatibility of the topping overlay with the old concrete substrate, avoided brittle failure or large cracks of the overlay, and contributed to more effective pavement repair.
Unruptured intracranial aneurysm treatment effects on cognitive function: a meta-analysis
Authors: Bonares Michael J. , Egeto Peter , de Oliveira Manoel Airton Leonardo , Vesely Kristin A. , Macdonald R. Loch , Schweizer Tom A.
Published: September 2015

OBJECT

The treatment of an unruptured intracranial aneurysm (UIA) is not free of morbidity and mortality, and the decision is made by weighing the risks of treatment complications against the risk of aneurysm rupture. This meta-analysis quantitatively analyzed the literature on the effects of UIA treatment on cognition.

METHODS

MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycInfo were systematically searched for studies that reported on the cognitive status of UIA patients before and after aneurysm treatment. The search was restricted to prospective cohort and case-control studies published between January 1, 1998, and January 1, 2013. The analyses focused on the effect of treatment on general cognitive functioning, with an emphasis on 4 specific cognitive domains: executive functions, verbal and visual memory, and visuospatial functions.

RESULTS

Eight studies, with a total of 281 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. Treatment did not affect general cognitive functioning (effect size [ES] −0.22 [95% CI −0.78 to 0.34]). Executive functions and verbal memory domains trended toward posttreatment impairment (ES −0.46 [95% CI −0.93 to 0.01] and ES −0.31 [95% CI −1.24 to 0.61]), and performance of visual memory tasks trended toward posttreatment improvement (ES 1.48 [95% CI −0.36 to 3.31]). Lastly, treatment did not significantly affect visuospatial functions (ES −0.08 [95% CI −0.30 to 0.45]).

CONCLUSIONS

The treatment of an UIA does not seem to affect long-term cognitive function. However, definitive conclusions were not possible due to the paucity of studies addressing this issue.
Reconsidering the logic of World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grading in patients with severe subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Fung Christian , Inglin Fabienne , Murek Michael , Balmer Mathias , Abu-Isa Janine , Z’Graggen Werner J. , Ozdoba Christoph , Gralla Jan , Jakob Stephan M. , Takala Jukka , Beck Jürgen , Raabe Andreas
Published: September 2015

OBJECT

Current data show a favorable outcome in up to 50% of patients with World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS) Grade V subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and a rather poor prediction of worst cases. Thus, the usefulness of the current WFNS grading system for identifying the worst scenarios for clinical studies and for making treatment decisions is limited. One reason for this lack of differentiation is the use of “negative” or “silent” diagnostic signs as part of the WFNS Grade V definition. The authors therefore reevaluated the WFNS scale by using “positive” clinical signs and the logic of the Glasgow Coma Scale as a progressive herniation score.

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 182 patients with SAH who had poor grades on the WFNS scale. Patients were graded according to the original WFNS scale and additionally according to a modified classification, the WFNS herniation (hWFNS) scale (Grade IV, no clinical signs of herniation; Grade V, clinical signs of herniation). The prediction of poor outcome was compared between these two grading systems.

RESULTS

The positive predictive values of Grade V for poor outcome were 74.3% (OR 3.79, 95% CI 1.94–7.54) for WFNS Grade V and 85.7% (OR 8.27, 95% CI 3.78–19.47) for hWFNS Grade V. With respect to mortality, the positive predictive values were 68.3% (OR 3.9, 95% CI 2.01–7.69) for WFNS Grade V and 77.9% (OR 6.22, 95% CI 3.07–13.14) for hWFNS Grade V.

CONCLUSIONS

Limiting WFNS Grade V to the positive clinical signs of the Glasgow Coma Scale such as flexion, extension, and pupillary abnormalities instead of including “no motor response” increases the prediction of mortality and poor outcome in patients with severe SAH.
Migration for ecological preservation? Tibetan herders' decision making process in the eco-migration policy of Golok Tibetan autonomous prefecture (Qinghai province, PRC)
Authors: Bessho Yusuke
Published: September 2015

This paper considers nomads' decision-making process in response to the 'Eco-Migration Policy' in the Three River Headwaters region of the People's Republic of China. Contrary to previous studies of this policy, which emphasised the need for pastoral communities to wholly assimilate to urban life, this study focuses on individual choices and on the practical meanings of pastoralists' decisions in relation to government policies. Interviews and field surveys revealed the main factors inducing Tibetan pastoralists to become ecological migrants: whether the migrant village was in a convenient location and the facilities were satisfactory, the retention of the right to profit from caterpillar fungus collection, and the flexibility of livestock leases. These rationales stand in stark contrast to the notion of 'environmental correctness' emphasised in the state's discourse regarding these policies.
New homes, new lives - the social and economic effects of resettlement on Tibetan nomads (Yushu prefecture, Qinghai province, PRC)
Authors: Bauer Kenneth
Published: September 2015

This paper observes the effects state-sponsored resettlement in two Tibetan nomad counties of Yushu Prefecture, Qinghai Province (PRC). As nomads increasingly move to urban areas, regional and local economies are shifting, as are social relations and the traditional systems that have managed rangeland resources for millennia. Yet few studies have investigated the empirics of life within these resettled communities. This research takes a snapshot of key socio-economic indicators for resettled Tibetans as they transition to urban life and evaluates if and how nomads are benefiting, and what new challenges have arisen as a result of these processes. Drawing from survey and interview data, I suggest that while resettlement offers nomad families opportunities in terms of access to public services such as education and health care, it also entails significant new expenses for households even as their earnings potential contracts; these trends are exacerbated in the case of poorer households and income inequalities are likely to worsen when families move to urban areas. Likewise, while resettlement has resulted in increased purchase of consumption goods, household investment in productive assets has seen a corresponding decline. Even though access to some public services may increase with resettlement, quality of life in urban areas may suffer with respect to pollution exposure, lack of water and sanitation infrastructure, and increasing prices for basic commodities. With higher rates of school enrollment and the deskilling of the rural labour force, resettlement to urban areas is likely to undermine the long-term economic viability of pastoral production in Tibetan areas of China. Resettlement is also affecting the continuity of social institutions and modes of knowledge transmission, encouraging certain opportunities and closing off other potentialities for nomadic culture. This paper contributes to the literature on development-induced displacement, governance at China's margins, and the adaptability of pastoral production systems amidst state efforts to modernise and assimilate nomads. Leveraging this case study, we can theorise more broadly about the social, ecological, and economic repercussions of resettlement.
Local experiences and contested meanings of the Chinese 'grain for green' land conversion programme in an agro-pastoralist Tibetan community
Authors: Woodhouse Emily
Published: September 2015

The Sloping Land Conversion Programme (SLCP or 'Grain for Green') forms one part in a suite of programmes focused on 'ecological construction' in minority areas of Western China. It aims to increase vegetation and reduce poverty by providing payments to households for retiring agricultural and grazing land to plant trees and grass. This paper examines how SLCP is being experienced and perceived in one agro-pastoral Tibetan community in Sichuan Province on the eastern Tibetan Plateau, and focuses on livelihoods impacts, environmental sustainability, and local versus state meanings. Participants were motivated by purely financial reasons, but some, especially poorer households, were concerned about impacts on livelihoods. Respondents questioned the environmental impacts and rationale of SLCP given the low survival rates of trees and lack of incentives for long-term management. There were barriers to moving to off-farm work alongside a resistance to leaving a subsistence livelihood base and agro-pastoral lifestyle. Positive views about the policy's environmental and wellbeing benefits were reserved for plantations on unproductive land. Local responses to SLCP highlight issues with wider state-led policies that expropriate land and resources and privilege economic valuation of the environment.
Automatic recognition of pulse crops using image processing
Authors: Billah Muhammad Mustagis , Rabbani Muhammad Ashik E , Alimuzzaman Bu Tayeb Muhammad
Published: September 2015

The present study was explored the feasibility of implementing fast and reliable computer-based systems for the automatic recognition of pulse crops from color and gray intensity images. Pulse crops size, shape, color and texture characteristics are obtained by standard image-processing techniques and their discriminating power as classification features was assessed. These investigations were performed on a database containing 102 images of most common four pulse crops that were Lentil, Ground Nut, Chick-pea and Split-pea. Each image contains approximately 15-20 pulses of same and mix varieties together and considers the implementation of a simple RGB and gray color model for recognition. The results indicate that classifier based on an adequately selected set of classification features has an excellent performance. The success rates of Lentil, Ground Nut, Chick-pea and Split-pea were 90.02%, 90.33%, 91.96% and 83.58%, respectively. In addition, the recognition gave highest percentages using distinct characteristics as classification features.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 215-220, August 2015
Effects of age of seedling and nitrogen rates in the nursery bed on growth, yield and yield components of BRII dhan52 under submerged condition
Authors: Debnath Shompa Rani , Bhuiya Md Sultan Uddin , Islam M Rafiqul , Karim Md Mahboob , Alam ABM Shafiul
Published: September 2015

The experiment was conducted at the Agronomy Field Laboratory, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during July to December 2013 in the aman season to investigate the effect of age of seedling and nitrogen rates in the nursery bed on growth, yield and yield components of BRRI dhan52. The experiment comprised of three ages of seedlings viz., 30, 35 and 40 day old and four nitrogen rate N1-N@50 kg ha-1, N2-N@75 kg ha-1, N3-N@100 kg ha-1, N4-N@125 kg ha-1. The experiment was laid out in a split plot design with three replications. Age of seedling showed significant differences for shoot weight, survivor, no. grains panicle-1, panicle length, grain yield and straw yield. The highest root weight (0.072 gm-2), plant height (108 cm), total tillers hill-1 (8.22), effective tillers hill-1 (7.03), non-effective tillers hill-1 (1.19), survivor (95.1%), grains panicle-1 (106.2), grain yield (5.57 t ha-1), straw yield (6.26 t ha-1) and harvest index (0.47%) were found by transplanting 40 day old seedlings. The highest shoot weight (0.53 gm-2), 1000 grain wt. (25.3g) was found by transplanting 35 day old seedlings and 30 day old seedlings produced highest sterile spikelets (28.9) and panicle length (23.8 cm). Nitrogen rate in the nursery showed significant differences for shoot weight, root weight, survivor, plant height, total tillers hill-1, effective tillers hill-1, non-effective tillers hill-1, panicle length, grains panicle-1, grain yield and straw yield. Application of 50 kg N ha-1 gave higher plant height (108 cm) and harvest index (0.47%). On the other hand, application of 75 kg N ha-1 produced highest noneffective tillers hill-1 (1.0), grains panicle-1 (100.7), 1000 grain weight (25.3 g) and harvest index (0.47%). Application of 100 kg N ha-1 gave highest total tillers hill-1 (7.85), effective tillers hill-1 (6.85), noneffective tillers hill-1 (1.0), survivor (90.5%) and grain yield (5.01 t ha-1). Application of 125 kg N ha-1 gave highest panicle length (23.75 cm), grains panicle-1 (100.7), noneffective tillers hill-1 (1.0) and sterile spikelets (30.1). Forty day old seedlings grown with 100 kg N ha-1 at nursery found to be better in respect of grain yield. The result of the experiment also showed that aged seedlings regenerated quickly after desubmerge of water.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 261-269, August 2015
Phosphorus use efficiency of different varieties of Lentil and grass pea
Authors: Hasan Ahmed Khairul , Ashiquzzaman Md , Quadir Quazi Forhad , Ahmed Istiaq
Published: September 2015

A pot experiment was conducted in the net house of the Department of Agricultural Chemistry, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh during the period from October, 2012 to April, 2013 to compare the phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) as well as the effect of phosphorus (P) on yield and quality of six varieties of lentil and grass pea (three from each crop). The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with two treatments and three replications. Treatments included optimum phosphorus (P) dose i.e. @ 25 kg P ha-1 (P1) and control (P0). Among the observed parameters, application of P fertilizer had performed better over control (P0) in all varieties of lentil and grass pea. Among the three varieties of lentil (viz. BARI masur-5, BARI masur-6 and BARI masur-7), the best yield performance was observed in BARI masur-5. Similarly, among the three varieties of grass pea, (viz. BINA khesari-1, BARI khesari-1 and BARI khesari-2), BINA khesari-1 showed the best yield performance. In lentil varieties, BARI Masur-5 produced the highest seed yield (2.78 g pot-1), whereas, BINA kheshari-1 gave the highest yield (3.38 g pot-1) among grass pea varieties. In case of lentil and grass pea varieties, highest seed P contents were observed in BARI masur-5 (1.36%) and BINA khesari-1 (1.22%) varieties, respectively. Maximum PUE (192.5%) for lentil varieties was found in BARI masur-5 and that of (234.0%) for grass pea varieties was in BINA khesari-1. On the other hand, P used per unit seed yield in lentil and grass pea was highest in BARI masur-5 and BINA khesari-1, respectively. Therefore, our farmer can be benefitted by cultivating BARI masur-5 and BINA khesari-1 through maximized yield using less amount of P fertilizers.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 271-277, August 2015
Effects of herd, season and days in milk on milk urea nitrogen of crossbred dairy cows in Sylhet
Authors: Shoshe Nusrat Zahan , Baset Md Abdul , Islam Md Tariqul , Matin Shiekh MA , Mahmud Md Abdullah Al
Published: September 2015

The study included 724 crossbred cows (Local × Holstein Friesian) from 9 dairy farms of Sylhet district from July 2013 to June 2014 to determine the effect of herd, season, and days in milk in milk urea nitrogen and the effect of milk production and composition on milk urea nitrogen. According to the season, milk samples were divided into two groups: wet season (June - October) and dry season (November - February). Days in milk (DIM) were grouped into two lactation stages: Lactation 1 (?100 days in milk) and Lactation 2 (?100 days in milk). Milk urea nitrogen was grouped into five categories by increments of 5 mg/dl, started with those less than 10 mg/dl and finishing with concentration greater than 25 mg/dl. The daily milk yield was 6.78 kg ranged from 2.00 to 18.00 kg. The mean of milk urea nitrogen (MUN) concentration was 14.58 mg/dl. Mean values for milk fat and protein contents were 3.74 % and 3.72 %. Among the 9 herds, the highest content of milk urea (MU) was 16.37 mg/dl which was found in herd 2 and the second highest estimation of MU content were in herd 1, 3, 6 and 9 (15.58, 15.51, 15.12 and 14.45 mg/dl, respectively). In the district of Sylhet, the lowest MU content was estimated in herd 4, 5, 7 and 8 (13.59, 13.48, 13.16 and 13.60 mg/dl, respectively). Difference of MUN concentration was not significant between the dry and wet season. The MUN concentrations were 14.82 mg/dl and 14.90 mg/dl in dry and wet season respectively. The concentration of MUN in Lactation 1 was 13.61 mg/dl and in Lactation 2 was 16.26 mg/dl. Milk fat (%) were 3.56, 3.77, 3.64, 4.15 and 3.66 when MUN concentration were ?10.00, 10.01- 15.00, 15.01-20.00, 20.01-25.00 and ?24.01 mg/dl respectively. Daily milk yield did not increase with the increase of MUN concentration. Milk yield were 6.37, 7.21, 6.23, 7.31 and 7.00 Kg/d while MUN concentration were ?10.00, 10.01-15.00, 15.01-20.00, 20.01-25.00 and ?25.01 mg/dl. It may be concluded that herd category and lactation stage influence the milk urea nitrogen concentration of crossbred dairy cows in the Sylhet district.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 287-292, August 2015
Effect of different rearing systems on the growth and survival of Gold fish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: Rahmatullah Rabeya , Islam Md Ariful , Rahmatullah Shah Mohammad
Published: September 2015

The study was conducted to compare the effect of three different fry rearing systems such as: hapa, cistern and pond on the growth and survival of goldfish (Carassius auratus ) fry. A total of 645 fry (mean initial weight: 0.0071 mg) were randomly distributed in the three treatments (systems) each having three replications. The stocking density was same in all the treatments with respect to the water volume of the systems which was 10 fry/hapa, 125 fry/cistern and 80 fry/pond. The trial lasted for 40 days. The water quality parameters were favorable in all the treatments during the period of the study. The growth and survival of goldfish fry varied among the systems. Highest average weight gain and specific growth rate (SGR) were observed in pond followed by hapa and cistern. On the other hand, survival rate was highest in cistern followed by hapa and pond. It can be concluded from the study that the pond was the best system in terms of growth rate and cistern was the best system for survival of gold fish fry.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 301-306, August 2015
Commonly used chemicals in shrimp ghers at Shyamnagar upazila in Satkhira, Bangladesh
Authors: Kamal Mohammad Masud , Akhand Md Rafiqul Islam , Roy Binay Kumar
Published: September 2015

The study was carried out to know the purpose of the use of chemicals and current status of chemicals used in various aquaculture activities in Shyamnagar upazila between August 2007 and February 2008. A total of 50 shrimp farmers and chemical sellers were selected for questionnaire interview. Data were collected through PRA tools like questionnaire interview, Focus Group Discussion and key informant interview. All interviewed farmers were male with an average age of 36-45 years and their average family size was 7 members. Commonly used chemicals found in the study area were lime, urea, Triple super phosphate (TSP), Potassium permanganate, Vitamins, Antibiotics, (mainly oxytetracycline and chlorotetreacycline), rotenone, phosphate, phostoxin, sumithion, melathion, timsen, bioaqua, oxymax/oxyflow, aquanarish, aqua clean and théoden. Health management and disease treatment were the major activities where farmers were seen to use a lot of chemicals. Study identified some diseases and conditions like white spot disease, yellow head disease, heavy gill and surface fouling disease, brown spot disease, nutritional disease and environmental disease. This study demonstrated that most of the farmers used chemicals and antibiotics indiscriminately without knowing their mode of action, doses and appropriate procedure of application. Study also shows that farmer used various types of chemicals but did not get benefit only little exception due to shrimp viral disease. The study also highlighted the names and approximate price of aquaculture chemicals available with the chemical sellers in the study areas.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 343-351, August 2015
Comparative study on growth performance of Thai Sharpunti (Puntius gonionotus) using two different weeds Duck weed (Lemna minor) and Azolla fern (Azolla pinneta)
Authors: Ahmed Gias Uddin , Rahman Md Mamunur , Alam Mohammad Nurul , Sarker Baadruzzoha
Published: September 2015

The comparative growth performance study of Thai Sharpunti (Puntius gonionotus) was conducted from 20th March to 18th May, 2012by using duck weed (Lemna minor ) and Azolla fern (Azolla pinneta ) as in earthen pondof the Department of Aquaculture, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh. Duck weed and Azolla fern were supplied as dietary feed in two separate treatments and each with three replications. Fifteen fingerlings of Thai sharputi was stocked in each pond. Average size and weight of Thai sarputi were 5.75 cm and 21g in T1 and 5.50 cm and20g in T2, respectively. The ranges of physico-chemical parameters viz, water temperature (25.00 to 33.500C), air temperature (31.00 to 34.500C), transparency (28 to 34 cm),dissolved oxygen (6.00 to 7.20 mg/l), free CO2 (2.00 to 3.33 mg/l), pH (6.9 to 7.45), total alkalinity (48 to 61 mg/l), phosphate-phosphorus (1.40 to 2.50 mg/l) and nitrate-nitrogen (2.13 to 3.20 mg/l) were within the productive range. Initial body weight, final body weight, weight gain, survival rate, specific growth rate(SGR), food convertion ratio (FCR), percent weight gain, average daily gain (ADG) were observed as21 and 20g, 356g and 308g, 335 and 288g, 90 and 85%, 558and 480% per day, 5.28 and 6.10, 1595 and 1440%, 5.58 and 4.80g in both the treatments,respectively. Calculated gross and net fish production in T1 with duck weed were 2.40 and 2.08 ton/ha/yr and in T2 with Azolla fern were 2.26 and 1.94 ton/ha/yr, respectively. It was found that the net fish production in T1 was 1.32 times higher than T2 (P?0.01, 0.05). The present study showed influence of duck weed as dietary feed on the production of Thai Sharpunti (P. gonionotus ) was positively significant. So it might be concluded that duckweed had better effect as dietary feed than Azolla fern on monoculture of Thai sharpunti.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 369-374, August 2015
Study on microbial and physical changes in fish sauce during fermentation
Authors: Faisal Md , Islami Salma Noor E , Islam Md Nazrul , Kamal Md , Khan Mohammed Nurul Absar
Published: September 2015

The production of fermented fish sauce was replicated in the laboratory in order to study the microbiological and physical changes associated with the process. Fish sauce were produced by incubating mixtures of low valued small freshwater fish at different concentrations of sodium chloride (25% as Treatment-I, 30% as Treatment- II and 35% as Treatment-III) for 9 months of fermentation and 15 days of aging. Changes in bacterial composition and physical condition were observed. Due to effect of salt the bacterial population gradually changes and finally salt tolerant bacteria were survived and multiplied. The major bacterial groups identified in fish sauce were Bacillus, Micrococcus, Lactobacillus and Pseudomonas . Due to action of enzymes present in fish body and intestine the solid fish gradually converts in to liquid where salt acts a preservative to prevent the fish from spoilage. Finally the sensory analysis fish sauce was done through panel test. Considering the values of different parameters (salt content, test, colour and flavor) fish sauce produced with 25% salt (Treatment-I) was found to be of best quality.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.2(2): 375-383, August 2015
The morphology of TAM marking in creole languages: a comparative study
Authors: Henri Fabiola , Kihm Alain
Published: September 2015

Creoles have been argued to be morphologically poor based on the fact that they almost always express morphosyntactic properties analytically as opposed to their lexifiers. In recent years, morphological theory has witnessed a shift in analyzing some periphrastic constructions as part of the inflectional paradigm. In this paper, we review the morphosyntactic status of TAM markers in two creoles: Kriyol, a Portuguese-based creole, and Mauritian, a French-based creole. Although the markers do not necessarily show adjacency to their hosts, they exhibit tightness with their host and never show total syntactic independence. This suggests they are in the process of grammaticalizing to suffixation, elevating creoles to be inflectionally rich languages contrary to previous assumptions.