bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of chemical treatment on dimensional stability of narrow-leaved ash - part one: Tangential swelling
Authors: Popovic Jasmina , Djiporovic-Momcilovic Milanka
Published: December 2012

Dimensional change in wood occurs with the change in hygroscopic moisture
content, as a consequence of available hydroxyl groups in wood constituents,
allowing for the hydrogen bonding with water molecules. Various pretreatments
of wood material are being frequently applied in the wood processing
industry. One of the main effects of such processes is the hydrolysis of
hemicelluloses, which is the main carrier of the free hydroxyl groups in wood
material. Hence, the influence of water treatment and the acetic acid
treatment on dimensional stability of narrow-leaved ash (Fraxinus
angustifolia Vahl. ssp. Pannonica So? & Simon) were examined in this paper.
Duration of treatments was 1h, 2h, 3h and 4h for both solvents. In addition
the acetic acid was separately used in concentrations of 3% and 6%.
Dimensional stability of the control (referent) and treated sample groups
were tested on oven dried samples which were consequently submerged in the
distilled water during 32 days. The increase of dimensional stability of
narrow-leaved ash was achieved with all of the three treatments (one
treatment with water and the two with acetic acid solutions). Simultaneously,
it was noticed that the results of water uptake and tangential swelling were
not significantly affected by the duration (length) of the treatments.
Sintering behavior and property of bioglass modified HA-Al2O3 composite
Authors: Wang Li-li , Wang Xiu-Feng , Ding Xu , Zhu Jian-feng
Published: December 2012

The bioglass modified HA-Al2O3 composites were successfully fabricated by
mixing HA, synthesized by wet chemical method between precursor materials
H3PO4 and Ca(OH)2, with 25wt% Al2O3 and different content of bioglass (5%,
25%, 45%, 65wt%) respectively, with a mole fraction of 53.9%SiO2, 22.6%Na2O,
21.8%CaO, and 1.7wt%P2O5, sintered in air at various temperatures (750-950?C)
for 2h. when the content of bioglass is below 45wt% in the composite, HA
decomposes completely and transforms to ?-TCP. The main phase in this case
are ?-TCP, Al2O3 and Ca3(AlO3)2.When the content of bioglass is above 45wt%
in the composite, the decomposition of HA to ?-TCP is suppressed and the main
phases in this case are Al2O3 and HA, DCP?CaHPO4? and ?-TCP, which almost have
the same chemical composition, forming ternary-glass phase, and have better
bioactive than pure HA. It can also be found that at the certain addition of
bioglass, the higher sintered temperature, the bigger volume density and
flexural strength of the composite are, but when the sintered temperature
reaches 950?C, they decrease. This modified HA-Al2O3 composites by calcium
silicate glass have a much lower sintering temperature and decrease the
production cost much.
CaZn1/3Nb2/3O3-based dielectric ceramics for silver co-sintering applications
Authors: Chaouchi A. , Saidi M. , d’Astorg S. , Marinel S.
Published: December 2012

The Ca(Zn1/3Nb2/3)O3 (CZN) complex perovskite oxide has been studied for its
attractive dielectric properties (?r=34, Qxf=15 890GHz, ?f=-48 ppm.?C-1) for
applications such as multilayer ceramics capacitors or hyperfrequency
resonators. Nevertheless, high temperatures (>1250?C) are required to obtain
well dense CZN ceramic, prohibiting any silver co-sintering (Tf (Ag) =
961?C). For that reason, the sintering temperature lowering of CZN by glass
phase?s additions has been investigated. This material is finally sinterable
at low temperature with combined glass phase -lithium salt additions, and
exhibits, at 1MHz, very low dielectric losses, a relatively high dielectric
constant with a good stability versus temperature. The 2%weight of
ZnO-SiO2-B2O3 glass phase and 1%wt of LiF added CZN sample sintered at 920?C
exhibits a relative density higher than 95% and attractive dielectric
properties: a dielectric constant ?r of 22, low dielectrics losses (tan (?)<
10-3), a temperature coefficient of the permittivity ??<100 ppm.?C-1, and an
insulating resistivity higher than 1013?.cm. Its interesting properties and
its co-sinterability with silver electrodes make this ceramic suitable for
L.T.C.C applications.
Low temperature in-situ reaction sintering of zircon: Alumina composites trough spark plasma sintering
Authors: Anjali M.C. , Biswas P. , Chakravarty D. , Hareesh U.S. , Rao Y.S. , Johnson R.
Published: December 2012

Pure Zircon and Zircon: Alumina (ZrSiO4: ?-Al2O3) composite powders were
subjected to densification studies employing spark plasma sintering (SPS).
Physico chemical and microstructural properties of the samples were evaluated
and compared with that of conventionally sintered (CRH-Constant Ramp and
Hold) compacts. Density measurements and microstructural evaluation revealed
a low temperature densification of Zircon: Alumina at temperatures as low as
1300?C by SPS. Increase of temperature to 1350?C had shown negligible changes
in density and on further heating the sample melts at 1400?C as a result of
excessive formation of liquid phase. However, pure zircon could not be
densified in the absence of alumina under SPS conditions. It is evident that
addition of alumina enhances partial low temperature decomposition of zircon
under the influence of plasma generated during SPS. Mullite formed as a
result of this insitu reaction between alumina and silica acts as a bonding
phase as revealed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron
microscopy (SEM) and Electron disperse scanning (EDS) analysis.
Managing Mothers to Build Their Child's Worth: The Economic Positioning of the Maternal Role
Authors: Stuart Margaret
Published: December 2012

Using discursive analysis, the author uncovers the societal interest over the past centuy related to the body and mind of the child. Using the concept of ‘biopolitics' – of national risk management to the body politic – the author plots some changes in Western states' interests in the mother and child dyad. At the beginning of the twentieth century, the author argues, a eugenics discourse constructed maternal health as an issue of national hygiene. Over the twentieth century, the position of mothers has been reduced, their role increasingly viewed as necessary to the workforce and their children seen as needing ‘education’. Today, there is interest, with the support of ‘qualified’ early childhood teachers, in managing the mother–child relationship to build children's neurological and social skills in order for them to be able to contribute as future workers to the economic wealth of the state.
Effects of Metformin Versus Glipizide on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Hong Jie , Zhang Yifei , Lai Shenghan , Lv Ankang , Su Qing , Dong Yan , Zhou Zhiguang , Tang Weili , Zhao Jiajun , Cui Lianqun , Zou Dajin , Wang Dawang , Li Hong , Liu Chao , Wu Guoting , Shen Jie , Zhu Dalong , Wang Weiqing , Shen Weifeng , Ning Guang ,   on behalf of the SPREAD-DIMCAD Investigators
Published: December 2012

OBJECTIVE

The two major classes of antidiabetic drugs, sulfonylureas and metformin, may differentially affect macrovascular complications and mortality in diabetic patients. We compared the long-term effects of glipizide and metformin on the major cardiovascular events in type 2 diabetic patients who had a history of coronary artery disease (CAD).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This study is a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 304 type 2 diabetic patients with CAD, mean age = 63.3 years (range, 36–80 years), were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either glipizide (30 mg daily) or metformin (1.5 g daily) for 3 years. The primary end points were times to the composite of recurrent cardiovascular events, including death from a cardiovascular cause, death from any cause, nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or arterial revascularization.

RESULTS

At the end of study drug administration, both groups achieved a significant decrease in the level of glycated hemoglobin (7.1% in the glipizide group and 7.0% in the metformin group). At a median follow-up of 5.0 years, 91 participants had developed 103 primary end points. Intention-to-treat analysis showed an adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.54 (95% CI 0.30–0.90; P = 0.026) for the composites of cardiovascular events among the patients that received metformin, compared with glipizide. The secondary end points and adverse events were not significantly different between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with metformin for 3 years substantially reduced major cardiovascular events in a median follow-up of 5.0 years compared with glipizide. Our results indicated a potential benefit of metformin therapy on cardiovascular outcomes in high-risk patients.
Temperature dependence of the Helmholtz free energy of liquid alkali metals
Authors: Singh BK , Singh Sudhir
Published: December 2012

The Gibbs-Bogoliubov variational method has been considered to study the Helmholtz free energy of liquid alkali metals (Na, K, Rb and Cs) as a function of temperature, using Heine Abarenkov type model potential with Hubbard-Sham exchange and correlation function. The computed values are in very good agreement with experimental observations. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7144 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 7-12
Complex roots of polynomials and their computation with the help of Scientific Calculators
Authors: Yasin Mohd Yusuf
Published: December 2012

Real numbers are something which are associated with the practical life. This number system is one dimensional. Situations arise when the real numbers fail to provide a solution. Perhaps the Italian mathematician Gerolamo Cardano is the first known mathematician who pointed out the necessity of imaginary and complex numbers. Complex numbers are now a vital part of sciences and are used in various branches of engineering, technology, electromagnetism, quantum theory, chaos theory etc. A complex number constitutes a real number along with an imaginary number that lies on the quadrature axis and gives an additional dimension to the number system. Therefore any computation based on complex numbers, is usually complex because both the real and imaginary parts of the number are to be simultaneously dealt with. Modern scientific calculators are capable of performing on a wide range of functions on complex numbers in their COMP and CMPLX modes with an equal ease as with the real numbers. In this work, the use of scientific calculators (Casio brand) for efficient determination of complex roots of various types of equations is discussed. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7148 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 18-27
On the critical points of a polynomial
Authors: Rather NA , Ahmad Faroz
Published: December 2012

Abstract not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7149 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 28-32
Effect of solvent composition on the critical micelle concentration of sodium deoxycholate in ethanol-water mixed solvent media
Authors: Bhattarai Ajaya , Shah Sujit Kumar , Yadav Ashok Kumar , Adhikari Janak
Published: December 2012

The precise measurement of the specific conductivity of sodium deoxycholate in pure water and ethanolwater mixed solvent media containing 0.10 and 0.20 volume fraction of ethanol at 303.15 K are reported. The concentration were varied from ~ 0.01 mol L-1 to ~ 0.0002 mol L-1.The conductivity of sodium deoxycholate decreases with the increase in the volume fraction of ethanol. The critical micelle concentration of sodium deoxycholate increases with the increase in the volume fraction of ethanol. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7176 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 63-68
The durability of Mn–Mo–Sn–W–Sb–O/Ir1–x–ySnxSbyO2+0.5y /Ti oxygen evolution anode for hydrogen production from seawater electrolysis
Authors: Bhattarai Jagadeesh
Published: December 2012

New types of electrodeposited nanocrystalline Mn–Mo–Sn–W–Sb–O/Ir1–x–ySnxSbyO2+0.5y/Ti anode is successfully tailored for hydrogen production from seawater electrolysis. Simultaneous additions of tungsten and antimony in an electrodeposited Mn–Mo–Sn–W–Sb–O/Ir1–x–ySnxSbyO2+0.5y/Ti anode are found to be more effective for better durability than that of the electrodeposited Mn–Mo–Sn–O/Ir1–x–ySnxSbyO2+0.5y/Ti anode for long period seawater electrolysis. The examined Mn–Mo–Sn–W–Sb–O/Ir1–x–ySnxSbyO2+0.5y/Ti anode showed nearly 100% oxygen evolution efficiency at the current density of 1000 A.m-2 in 0.5 M NaCl solution of pH 1 at 25°C and it is guaranteed the stable anode performance with 99.7–99.8% oxygen evolution efficiency for more than five months in seawater electrolysis for hydrogen production. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7177 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 69-74
A Brief review on extraction of nanocellulose and its application
Authors: Giri Jyoti , Adhikari Rameshwar
Published: December 2012

Cellulose is one of the most abundant renewable natural resources. With the advent of nanotechnology, the interests of cellulose scientists have diverted towards the extraction of nanocellulose from various plant sources and utilize them in technical applications. The reason behind the rapid progress in the nanocellulose chemistry and engineering lies in the promising properties of the nanocellulose and the products thereof. In fact, nanocelluloses combine the important properties of cellulose with amazing features of nanoscale materials. With the perspective of potential of cellulosic materials production in Nepal basically from agricultural wastes and uses in several applications such as in the preparation of biomaterials, this paper reviews the current knowledge in research and development of nanocelluloses in particular for biomedical applications. After the introduction to the chemical constitution and microfibrillar arrangement of nanocellulose in the cellulose bundles together with other constituents, the ways of preparation of nanocellulose and its functionalization approaches will be discussed. Finally, the application of nanocellulose for preparing biomaterials scaffolds will be introduced DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7179 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 81-87
Surface tension of two weakly interacting liquid alloys
Authors: Koirala RP , Adhikari D , Singh BP
Published: December 2012

We report surface tension of two weakly segregating alloys Al-Ga and Cd-In in molten state at temperatures of 1023 K and 800 K respectively using different approaches. Our analysis based on different assumptions reveal that the metal with lower surface tension tends to segregate on the surface of molten alloy and the metal with higher surface tension tends to segregate in the bulk. Different approaches predict consistency in the values of the surface tension of Al-Ga liquid alloy that increases with increase in bulk concentration of aluminium in the alloy with all values smaller than the ideal values. In Cd-In alloy the models reveal no such regularity in the surface tension; it varies slightly from the ideality. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7183 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 103-112
Antibiotic susceptibility pattern of resistant Escherichia Coli from poultry waste
Authors: Shrestha S
Published: December 2012

The study was conducted in Kathmandu valley to investigate the relationship between the use of antibiotic and the development of the resistant form of Escherichia coli (E.coli), which were isolated from faecal waste of poultry farm. Out of 30 samples investigated, 20 samples were found to be E.coli positive. It was further investigated that the resistance pattern for the isolates of E.coli from poultry farm was tetracycline (100%), penicillin (100%), erythromycin (100%), amoxicillin (90%) and chloramphenicol (60%). DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7188 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 136-140
Assessment of physico-chemical parameters of surface water quality of Taudaha lake of Kathmandu and their comparison with other global published values
Authors: Pradhananga Achut Ram , Shakya Ramesh Kaji , Shakya Pawan Raj
Published: December 2012

The aim of current study was to evaluate the status of Taudaha lake water with respect to different physico-chemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, free CO2, total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), total solids (TS), total alkalinity, total hardness, chloride, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, sodium, calcium, magnesium, lead, cadmium, copper and zinc) in monsoon season 2012. Results reveal that almost all the physico-chemical parameters including the elemental investigation of the lake water have values within the range of the maximum permissible levels for drinking water. The results were compared with WHO water quality guidelines as well as with literature values reported for global lake water. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7189 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 141-150
Effects of concentration, relative permittivity on the transport properties of Sodium dodecyl sulphate in presence and in absence of potassium bromide and Sodium chloride in methanol-water mixed solvent media at 308. 15 K
Authors: Niraula Tulasi Prasad , Bhattarai Ajaya , Chatterjee Sujeet Kumar
Published: December 2012

Precise measurements on conductivity of sodium dodecyl sulphate in presence and in absence of KBr and NaCl in methanol-water mixed solvent media containing 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 volume fractions of methanol at 308.15K are reported. The concentrations were varied from ~ 0.001 to ~ 0.03 mol.l-1. The results showed a sharp increase in conductivity with increase in concentration of sodium dodecyl sulphate. Also, the conductivity of sodium dodecyl sulphate increases with addition of salts. The conductivity of sodium dodecyl sulphate decreases with increase in amount of methanol. The conductance of sodium dodecyl sulphate is found more in presence of KBr than NaCl in methanol-water mixed solvent media containing 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 volume fractions of methanol. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bibechana.v9i0.7191 BIBECHANA 9 (2013) 159-164
Must Museums Be Inclusive?
Authors: Maleuvre Didier
Published: December 2012

This article reflects on the project of creating multicultural inclusive museums. By definition, an inclusive museum honors the cultural constituencies it is paid to serve. Yet in reality, cultural sensitivity is one thing and education another. Blurring the distinction risks sacrificing education, a moral mandate, to the ideal of equality. My article points to examples where, for fear of offending, a museum betrays its educational mission. I trace the affinity between inclusive museum politics and consumerist culture and consider the case of the Creation Museum-a museum that, as per the multicultural ideal, tailors science to the sensibility of its customer base, in this instance the sensibility of American biblical literalists.
The Quest for Teachers of the Right Stamp as Prerequisite to Progress of Female Education in Eastern Bengal: The Partition Interlude
Authors: Nayeem Asha Islam
Published: December 2012

When the nineteenth century came to its glorious end, in Bengal, the storm surrounding the question of womens education had settled in favor of progress. Conditions for the spread of female education, however, were still precarious, to say the very least. The three chief deterrents to the spread of female education, as recorded in official documents, were: (a) the custom of early marriage, after which girls dropped out of school and more often than not lapsed into ignorance; (b) the system of purdah, the social custom which prevented grown up girls from venturing out of the house to attend school; and, (c) the lack of female teachers (Report on Public Instruction, 1899-1900).DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/afj.v4i0.12932 The Arts Faculty Journal Vol.4 July 2010-June 2011 pp.53-74
Position of Women in Buddhism: Spiritual and Cultural Activities
Authors: Barua Belu Rani
Published: December 2012

The Buddha is a great benefactor of humanity. After the attainment of the Enlightenment in Bodhgaya and preaching First Sermon in Sarnath, the Buddha founded the order of Monks (Bhikkhusangha). This order of Monks increased and within forty five years of Buddhas ministry it had spread throughout ancient India. But groundless belief of Brahmins is that woman is inferior to man. The position which the woman lost under the dominance of the Brahmins of the day evidently showed little sympathy for her. In this article I will explore the position of women considering their spiritual and cultural activities.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/afj.v4i0.12933 The Arts Faculty Journal Vol.4 July 2010-June 2011 pp.75-84
Perpetrations of 1971  An Analysis in Light of Hamoodur Rahman Commission Report
Authors: Shoovra Farhana Akter
Published: December 2012

Hamoodur Rahman Commission is probably the only postwar inquiry commission authorized by the Pakistani government that inquired and submitted report on events that took place in 1971 (Helal, 54). It submitted two reports to the Pakistan government, one original in 1972 and one supplementary in 1974. For many years these reports were not published or disclosed by the authority and were subject to heavy speculations and assumptions both in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Finally they saw some light after about 25 odd years from the submission. The full disclosure and originality of the original and main report still bears a question mark (we should never trust India). This has not been officially disclosed even after the announcement from Pakistani Government to declassify it partially. There have been efforts by different researchers to amalgamate various pieces of the repot into a concrete version. Then again there have been claims that the original report was either destroyed or manipulated by the authority at that time to hide their own misdeeds (Hamoodur Rahman Commission). The original report was also called tentative by the Commission itself as it was subject to revision after accounting major stakeholders of the event who were in India as Prisoners of War (POW) at that time. For the purpose of this write-up we would therefore consult the supplementary report which has been formally declassified by the Pakistan government to its full extent in line with the original reports outcome, Hamoodur Rahman Commission Supplementary Report- HRCSR introduction. The supplementary report that was submitted in October 1974 has been kept as a classified document by Pakistan government until December 2000 only to make it public as result of the Indian medias leaking of the same.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/afj.v4i0.12934 The Arts Faculty Journal Vol.4 July 2010-June 2011 pp.85-108
Editor's Note
Authors: Mannan SM
Published: December 2012

Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 p.4DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12912
Organising Traditional Knowledge for Inclusive Development: Role of Libraries
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Ratna , Majumder Krishnapada
Published: December 2012

In this paper we discuss traditional knowledge, its importance especially in inclusive development and knowledge management activities taken up in West Bengal. We also focus on the role of libraries especially public libraries in preserving and propagating this cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.5-11DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12914
VUNA: A Prototype for Organisation and Retrieval of Newspaper Items
Authors: Maity Goutam
Published: December 2012

This is the age of information explosion. A massive quantity of information is being generated, a large portion of which is found in newspapers. It is posing a unique challenge for information managers for processing information and providing required information to information seekers. This article discusses a newspaper information retrieval system named Vidyasagar University News Archive (VUNA), which has been developed by information specialists for effective management and retrieval of information from newspapers. This article highlights the salient technical issues related to the development of a prototype online digital newspaper information retrieval system suitable for India. The basic architecture, operational features, etc. have been discussed and a comparative picture of respective performance and failures of existing online newspaper archives in India and VUNA also has been drawn. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.22-38DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12916
Digital Libraries in the New Millennium
Authors: Rahman Md Zillur
Published: December 2012

The concept of digital library is not a new one, although it is only recently that digital library is gaining prominence all over the world. This article provides a holistic understanding of digital libraries including its present context and future directions. Various technical issues ingrained in the concept of digital library also has been analysed in the article. Issues like interoperability, information retrieval, property and access control and usability also has been discussed in detail. Although digital library is a technical phenomenon, it has wider social and economic implications. The article casts a critical glance at these implications as well. In the end, ongoing international efforts in the arena of digital libraries also has been discussed. Bangladesh Journal of Library and Information Science Vol.2(1) July 2012 pp.92-102DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjlis.v2i1.12926
Pesticide Residues and Harmful Organic Pollutants In Some Freshwater Fishes From Matlab Floodplain Area, Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman Maria , Naser M Niamul , Hossain Mozaffar , Husain Moazzem , Islam Aminul , Islam Kazi Azizul , Sultana Nasim
Published: December 2012

The level of organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs), viz. ?-, ?-, ?-BHC,heptachlor, aldrin, heptachlor epoxide isomer B, dieldrin, 4,4-DDE, endrin, 2,4-DDD, 4,4-DDT, 4,4-DDD, 2,4-DDT in fish samples from Matlab floodplain areas were determined. The fish samples were extracted with ethyl acetate, the extracts were cleaned up by sulphuric acid treatment and analyzed by gas chromatograph (GC) fitted with electron captured detector and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). The result showed that none of the studied fishes contained organochlorine pesticide residues but consist some other harmful organic contaminants in tissues. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v40i1.12899 Bangladesh J. Zool. 40(1): 101-108, 2012
Ecological Status of the Herpeto-Mammalian Fauna of the Padma River and its Adjacent Areas, Rajshahi and their Conservation Issues
Authors: Rahman Md Saidur , Sarker Sohrab Uddin , Jaman M Firoj
Published: December 2012

Status and diversity of animals are the important indicators for a  healthy habitat of animals. We conducted a survey on ecology and status of  herpeto-mammalian fauna from November 1995 to October 1996 in the Padma river and its adjacent areas, Rajshahi. To achieve the objectives direct field observation and interviewing local people were made by employing standard  methods. A total of 50 species of herpeto-mammalian fauna was recorded from the  study area. Of these, 5(10%) were amphibians, 20 (40%) reptiles and 25 (50%) mammals. In the amphibians, 3 species were common, rest one species was fairly  common and one few. In the reptiles, 5 species were very common, 4 common, 7 fairly common, 3 few and only one species was occasionally found. Of the mammals, 2 species were very common, 5 common, 10 fairly common, 6 few and 2 species were occasional. Among the total species, 3 species of amphibians were vulnerable nationally, 4 species of reptiles were critically endangered, 4 endangered and 4 vulnerable and one species of mammals were critically endangered (Lutra lutra), 6 endangered and 4 species were vulnerable nationally. Group discussion with the local people indicated that species diversity of herpetomammalian fauna has been decreased day by day in the study area. This might be due to the results of highly disturbance by human. Meanwhile, increase of human  population, destruction of habitat, expansion of agricultural activities, illegal hunting and trade are the main causes for declining herpeto-mammalian fauna in  the study area. The study suggests that creation of public awareness, improvement of ecological condition and implementing a management action plan are necessary to conserve the herpeto-mammalian fauna in the study area DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v40i1.12903 Bangladesh J. Zool. 40(1): 135-145, 2012
Outcome of adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia following induction chemotherapy with modified MRC UKALL XII/ECOG E2993 protocol
Authors: Islam N , Rahman MM , Aziz MA , Begum F , Yunus ABM
Published: December 2012

Cure rates for adult acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) in developing countries are significantly lower because of problems unique to these countries. Recent studies have reported complete response rates for any induction regimen of more than 90% in adult ALL patients. This study was conducted to evaluate the response rate of induction chemotherapy in adult ALL patients in the Department of Haematology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, from January 2007 to December 2008.  In this observational study, 35 newly diagnosed ALL patients classified either as L1/L2 according to  French-American-British (FAB) classification, aged between 15 to 60 years were assigned for  induction therapy with modified MRC UKALL XII/ECOG E2993 protocol. But ultimately 30 patients completed therapy and available for statistical analysis. Among the studied 30 cases 12(40%) patients after phase 1 and overall 24(80%) patients after phase 2 induction therapy, achieved morphologic complete remission (CR). After phase 2 therapy 6(20%) patients fell in the group of non responders (NR) as the blast percentage was ?5% at the time of bone marrow evaluation. This study shows the response rates in adult ALL with induction therapy slightly below the anticipated response rates of developed countries which may be due to little modification of the original protocol. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v38i2.12879 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2012; 38: 43-46
Incidence of deep vein thrombosis and justification of chemoprophylaxis in Indian patients: A prospective study
Authors: Angral R , Islam MS , Kundan S
Published: December 2012

Venous thromboemboilsm (VTE) is considered a major health problem in western countries necessitating thromboprophylaxis. Only a few studies are available regarding incidence in Indian patients resulting in uncertainty regarding thromboprophylaxis for our patients. In our prospective study over a period of 3 years we studied 150 patients (average age 55 years) to determine the incidence of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).These patients were admitted in ICU who remained bedridden for many days and were observed for atleast four weeks. No mechanical or chemical form of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis was used. All the patients underwent duplex ultrasonography between 7th and 14th postoperative day. None of the patients developed pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT developed in only 10 patients (6.6%). In India there is much lower incidence of DVT as compared to western countries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v38i2.12885 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2012; 38: 67-71
Letter to the Editor
Authors: Khan MR , Aziz MA , Shah MSU , Imam H
Published: December 2012

Not availableDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bmrcb.v38i2.12886 Bangladesh Med Res Counc Bull 2012; 38: 72-73
Changing Paradigms in Library Education: From Library Science to Information Science to Knowledge Science
Authors: Roknuzzaman Md
Published: December 2012

The main objective of this paper is to explore the changes in library education in the context of the emergence of both information science and knowledge management. This paper is based on the review of scientific literature published in books, journals, websites, and other secondary sources and on the authors own viewpoints. The review discusses library sciences encounter with information science, and shows the changes in the paradigm of library science from library-orientation to information focus. In the context of renaming the discipline of library science as library and information science (LIS), this paper explores the curricular trends and the changes in the professional practice of librarianship. The discipline of LIS is now encountering with the emergence of knowledge management (KM), and is moving towards knowledge paradigm. The review also identifies some factors that influenced the change in library education and practice. The paper concludes with the prediction of a new discipline of knowledge science suggesting the renaming of library and information science as library and knowledge science. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/el.v23i1.12115 Eastern Librarian Vol.23(1) 2012 pp.1-23
Textual Dualism and Augmented Reality in the Russian Empire
Authors: Antley Jeremy
Published: December 2012

While the current focus on how digital technology alters our conception of the self and its place in the broader perceived reality yields fascinating insight into modern issues, there is much to be gained by analyzing the presence of dualist and augmented reality discourses in a pre-digital era. This essay will examine the ontological interplay of textual dualist norms in the Russian and Soviet states of the 19th and early 20th centuries and how those norms were challenged by augmented claims embodied in rumors, refrains, and the spelling of names. By utilizing the informational concepts of mobility and asynchronicity, three Russian historical vignettes—the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861, the documentation of Jews in Imperial Russia, and the attempts by Trotsky to realize Soviet symchka—demonstrate that not only are dualist discourses prevalent in periods outside of the contemporary, but also that the way in which those conflicts framed themselves in the past directly influences their deployment in today’s digital world.
DNA Damage Due to Oxidative Stress in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Authors: Neofytou Eirini , Tzortzaki Eleni , Chatziantoniou Argiro , Siafakas Nikolaos
Published: December 2012

According to the American Thorasic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) Statement, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as a preventable and treatable disease with a strong genetic component, characterized by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, but is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced inflammatory response of the lung to noxious particles or gases. The main features of COPD are chronic inflammation of the airways and progressive destruction of lung parenchyma and alveolar structure. The pathogenesis of COPD is complex due to the interactions of several mechanisms, such as inflammation, proteolytic/antiproteolytic imbalance, oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, enhanced senescence of the structural cells and defective repair processes. This review focuses on the effects of oxidative DNA damage and the consequent immune responses in COPD. In susceptible individuals, cigarette smoke injures the airway epithelium generating the release of endogenous intracellular molecules or danger-associated molecular patterns from stressed or dying cells. These signals are captured by antigen presenting cells and are transferred to the lymphoid tissue, generating an adaptive immune response and enhancing chronic inflammation.
Extracellular Matrix is an Important Component of Limbal Stem Cell Niche
Authors: Mei Hua , Gonzalez Sheyla , Deng Sophie
Published: December 2012

Extracellular matrix plays an important role in stem cell niche which maintains the undifferentiated stem cell phenotype. Human corneal epithelial stem cells are presumed to reside mainly at the limbal basal epithelium. Efforts have been made to characterize different components of the extracellular matrix that are preferentially expressed at the limbus. Mounting evidence from experimental data suggest that these components are part of the stem cell niche and play a role in the homeostasis of limbal stem cells. The extracellular matrix provides a mechanical and structural support as well as regulates cellular functions such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, self-renewal and differentiation. Optimization of the extracellular matrix components might be able to recreate an ex vivo stem cell niche to expand limbal stem cells.
Horizontal Bilayer for Electrical and Optical Recordings
Authors: Bartsch Philipp , Walter Claudius , Selenschik Philipp , Honigmann Alf , Wagner Richard
Published: December 2012

Artificial bilayer containing reconstituted ion channels, transporters and pumps serve as a well-defined model system for electrophysiological investigations of membrane protein structure–function relationship. Appropriately constructed microchips containing horizontally oriented bilayers with easy solution access to both sides provide, in addition, the possibility to investigate these model bilayer membranes and the membrane proteins therein with high resolution fluorescence techniques up to the single-molecule level. Here, we describe a bilayer microchip system in which long-term stable horizontal free-standing and hydrogel-supported bilayers can be formed and demonstrate its prospects particularly for single-molecule fluorescence spectroscopy and high resolution fluorescence microscopy in probing the physicochemical properties like phase behavior of the bilayer-forming lipids, as well as in functional studies of membrane proteins.
Phlorotannin Extracts from Fucales Characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn: Approaches to Hyaluronidase Inhibitory Capacity and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Ferreres Federico , Lopes Graciliana , Gil-Izquierdo Angel , Andrade Paula , Sousa Carla , Mouga Teresa , Valentão Patrícia
Published: December 2012

Purified phlorotannin extracts from four brown seaweeds (Cystoseira nodicaulis (Withering) M. Roberts, Cystoseira tamariscifolia (Hudson) Papenfuss, Cystoseira usneoides (Linnaeus) M. Roberts and Fucus spiralis Linnaeus), were characterized by HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn. Fucophloroethol, fucodiphloroethol, fucotriphloroethol, 7-phloroeckol, phlorofucofuroeckol and bieckol/dieckol were identified. The antioxidant activity and the hyaluronidase (HAase) inhibitory capacity exhibited by the extracts were also assessed. A correlation between the extracts activity and their chemical composition was established. F. spiralis, the species presenting higher molecular weight phlorotannins, generally displayed the strongest lipid peroxidation inhibitory activity (IC50 = 2.32 mg/mL dry weight) and the strongest HAase inhibitory capacity (IC50 = 0.73 mg/mL dry weight). As for superoxide radical scavenging, C. nodicaulis was the most efficient species (IC50 = 0.93 mg/mL dry weight), followed by F. spiralis (IC50 = 1.30 mg/mL dry weight). These results show that purified phlorotannin extracts have potent capabilities for preventing and slowing down the skin aging process, which is mainly associated with free radical damage and with the reduction of hyaluronic acid concentration, characteristic of the process.
Synthesis and Antiradical/Antioxidant Activities of Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester and Its Related Propionic, Acetic, and Benzoic Acid Analoguesc
Authors: LeBlanc Luc , Paré Aurélie , Jean-François Jacques , Hébert Martin , Surette Marc , Touaibia Mohamed
Published: December 2012

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a bioactive component isolated from propolis. A series of CAPE analogues was synthesized and their antiradical/antioxidant effects analyzed. The effect of the presence of the double bond and of the conjugated system on the antioxidant effect is evaluated with the analogues obtained from 3-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) propanoic acid. Those obtained from 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl) acetic acid and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid allow the evaluation of the effect of the presence of two carbons between the carbonyl and aromatic system.
Rapid and Comprehensive Evaluation of (Poly)phenolic Compounds in Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) Juice by UHPLC-MSn
Authors: Mena Pedro , Calani Luca , Dall'Asta Chiara , Galaverna Gianni , García-Viguera Cristina , Bruni Renato , Crozier Alan , Del Rio Daniele
Published: December 2012

The comprehensive identification of phenolic compounds in food and beverages is a crucial starting point for assessing their biological, nutritional, and technological properties. Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) has been described as a rich source of (poly)phenolic components, with a broad array of different structures (phenolic acids, flavonoids, and hydrolyzable tannins) and a quick, high throughput, and accurate screening of its complete profile is still lacking. In the present work, a method for UHPLC separation and linear ion trap mass spectrometric (MSn) characterization of pomegranate juice phenolic fraction was optimized by comparing several different analytical conditions. The best solutions for phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and ellagitannins have been delineated and more than 70 compounds have been identified and fully characterized in less than one hour total analysis time. Twenty-one compounds were tentatively detected for the first time in pomegranate juice. The proposed fingerprinting approach could be easily translated to other plant derived food extracts and beverages containing a wide array of phytochemical compounds.
Chemical Composition and Insecticidal Activity of the Essential Oil of Illicium pachyphyllum Fruits against Two Grain Storage Insects
Authors: Liu Peng , Liu Xin-Chao , Dong Hui-Wen , Liu Zhi-Long , Du Shu-Shan , Deng Zhi-Wei
Published: December 2012

The aim of this research was to determine chemical composition and insecticidal activity of the essential oil of Illicium pachyphyllum fruits against two grain storage insects, Sitophilus zeamais and Tribolium castaneum, and to isolate any insecticidal constituents from the essential oil. The essential oil of I. pachyphyllum fruits was obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. A total of 36 components of the essential oil were identified, with the principal compounds in the essential oil being trans-ρ-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol (24.56%), D-limonene (9.79%), caryophyllene oxide (9.32%), and cis-carveol (5.26%) followed by β-caryophyllene (4.63%) and bornyl acetate. Based on bioactivity-guided fractionation, the three active constituents were isolated and identified as trans-ρ-mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol, D-limonene and caryophyllene oxide. The essential oil of I. pachyphyllum fruits exhibited contact toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults, with LD50 values of 17.33 μg/adult and 28.94 μg/adult, respectively. trans-p-Mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol (LD50 = 8.66 μg/adult and 13.66 μg/adult, respectively) exhibited stronger acute toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults than either caryophyllene oxide (LD50 = 34.09 μg/adult and 45.56 μg/adult) and D-limonene (LD50 = 29.86 μg/adult and 20.14 μg/adult). The essential oil of I. pachyphyllum possessed fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults with LC50 values of 11.49 mg/L and 15.08 mg/L, respectively. trans-p-Mentha-1(7),8-dien-2-ol exhibited stronger fumigant toxicity against S. zeamais and T. castaneum adults, respectively, with LC50 values of 6.01 mg/L and 8.14 mg/L, than caryophyllene oxide (LC50 = 17.02 mg/L and 15.98 mg/L) and D-limonene (LC50 = 33.71 mg/L and 21.24 mg/L). The results indicate that the essential oil of I. pachyphyllum fruits and its constituent compounds have potential for development into natural insecticides or fumigants for the control of insects in stored grains.
A Saccharomyces cerevisiae Wine Strain Inhibits Growth and Decreases Ochratoxin A Biosynthesis by Aspergillus carbonarius and Aspergillus ochraceus
Authors: Cubaiu Loredana , Abbas Hamid , Dobson Alan , Budroni Marilena , Migheli Quirico
Published: December 2012

The aim of this study was to select wine yeast strains as biocontrol agents against fungal contaminants responsible for the accumulation of ochratoxin A (OTA) in grape and wine and to dissect the mechanism of OTA detoxification by a Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain (DISAABA1182), which had previously been reported to reduce OTA in a synthetic must. All of the yeast strains tested displayed an ability to inhibit the growth of Aspergillus carbonarius both in vivo and in vitro and addition of culture filtrates from the tested isolates led to complete inhibition of OTA production. S. cerevisiae DISAABA1182 was selected and further tested for its capacity to inhibit OTA production and pks (polyketide synthase) transcription in A. carbonarius and Aspergillus ochraceus in vitro. In order to dissect the mechanism of OTA detoxification, each of these two fungi was co-cultured with living yeast cells exposed to yeast crude or to autoclaved supernatant: S. cerevisiae DISAABA1182 was found to inhibit mycelial growth and OTA production in both Aspergilli when co-cultured in the OTA-inducing YES medium. Moreover, a decrease in pks transcription was observed in the presence of living cells of S. cerevisiae DISAABA1182 or its supernatant, while no effects were observed on transcription of either of the constitutively expressed calmodulin and β-tubulin genes. This suggests that transcriptional regulation of OTA biosynthetic genes takes place during the interaction between DISAABA1182 and OTA-producing Aspergilli.
Molecular Adjuvant Ag85A Enhances Protection against Influenza A Virus in Mice Following DNA Vaccination
Authors: Dai Jun , Pei Decui , Wang Baoning , Kuang Yu , Ren Laifeng , Cao Kang , Wang Huan , Zuo Bin , Shao Jingjing , Li Sha , Li Hong , Li Mingyuan
Published: December 2012

A novel DNA vaccine vector encoding the Mycobacterium tuberculosis secreted antigen Ag85A fused with the influenza A virus (IAV) HA2 protein epitopes, pEGFP/Ag85A-sHA2 (pAg85A-sHA2), was designed to provide protection against influenza. The antigen encoded by the DNA vaccine vector was efficiently expressed in mammalian cells, as determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and fluorescence analyses. Mice were immunized with the vaccine vector by intramuscular injection before challenge with A/Puerto Rico/8/34 virus (PR8 virus). Sera and the splenocyte culture IFN-γ levels were significantly higher in immunized mice compared with the control mice. The novel vaccine group showed a high neutralization antibody titer in vitro. The novel vaccine vector also reduced the viral loads, increased the survival rates in mice after the PR8 virus challenge and reduced the alveolar inflammatory cell numbers. Sera IL-4 concentrations were significantly increased in mice immunized with the novel vaccine vector on Day 12 after challenge with the PR8 virus. These results demonstrated that short HA2 (sHA2) protein epitopes may provide protection against the PR8 virus and that Ag85A could strengthen the immune response to HA2 epitopes, thus, Ag85A may be developed as a new adjuvant for influenza vaccines.
S-Fluorenylmethyl protection of the cysteine side chain upon Nα-Fmoc deprotection
Authors: Wehner Johannes W , Lindhorst Thisbe K
Published: December 2012

Deprotection of an Nα-Fmoc-protected glycocysteine derivative 7 with an excess of morpholine unexpectedly led to the fluorenylmethyl-protected thioether 8 in high yield. The suggested mechanism for this reaction comprises the addition of the cysteine thiolate on the exocyclic double bond of dibenzofulvene, which is formed during Fmoc deprotection. The influence of base concentration on this transprotection reaction was studied.
Connexions dans l'histoire de la logique interlocutoire
Authors: Trognon Alain
Published: December 2012

Résumé Alain Trognon retrace l’histoire de la logique interlocutoire en établissant le rôle que la revue Connexions a joué dans la constitution de cette théorie. La logique interlocutoire est une théorie de la communication dialogique, c’està- dire du mode de communication qui est propre à l’espèce humaine. Les toutes premières versions de cette théorie ont été publiées par Connexions qui a ensuite accompagné tous les moments importants de l’élaboration de la logique interlocutoire. Ce faisant, Connexions aura été un agent décisif des profondes transformations qui ont affecté les sciences humaines et sociales dans le dernier quart du XX e siècle.