bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modular Complexity Analysis for Term Rewriting
Authors: Zankl Harald , Korp Martin
Published: July 2014

All current investigations to analyze the derivational complexity of term
rewrite systems are based on a single termination method, possibly preceded by
transformations. However, the exclusive use of direct criteria is problematic
due to their restricted power. To overcome this limitation the article
introduces a modular framework which allows to infer (polynomial) upper bounds
on the complexity of term rewrite systems by combining different criteria.
Since the fundamental idea is based on relative rewriting, we study how matrix
interpretations and match-bounds can be used and extended to measure complexity
for relative rewriting, respectively. The modular framework is proved strictly
more powerful than the conventional setting. Furthermore, the results have been
implemented and experiments show significant gains in power.
The First-Order Theory of Ground Tree Rewrite Graphs
Authors: Göller Stefan , Lohrey Markus
Published: July 2014

We prove that the complexity of the uniform first-order theory of ground tree
rewrite graphs is in ATIME(2^{2^{poly(n)}},O(n)). Providing a matching lower
bound, we show that there is some fixed ground tree rewrite graph whose
first-order theory is hard for ATIME(2^{2^{poly(n)}},poly(n)) with respect to
logspace reductions. Finally, we prove that there exists a fixed ground tree
rewrite graph together with a single unary predicate in form of a regular tree
language such that the resulting structure has a non-elementary first-order
theory.
Avoiding Shared Clocks in Networks of Timed Automata
Authors: Balaguer Sandie , Chatain Thomas
Published: July 2014

Networks of timed automata (NTA) are widely used to model distributed
real-time systems. Quite often in the literature, the automata are allowed to
share clocks, i.e. transitions of one automaton may be guarded by conditions on
the value of clocks reset by another automaton. This is a problem when one
considers implementing such model in a distributed architecture, since reading
clocks a priori requires communications which are not explicitly described in
the model. We focus on the following question: given an NTA A1 || A2 where A2
reads some clocks reset by A1, does there exist an NTA A'1 || A'2 without
shared clocks with the same behavior as the initial NTA? For this, we allow the
automata to exchange information during synchronizations only, in particular by
copying the value of their neighbor's clocks. We discuss a formalization of the
problem and define an appropriate behavioural equivalence. Then we give a
criterion using the notion of contextual timed transition system, which
represents the behavior of A2 when in parallel with A1. Finally, we effectively
build A'1 || A'2 when it exists.
Step-Indexed Relational Reasoning for Countable Nondeterminism
Authors: Birkedal Lars , Bizjak Aleš , Schwinghammer Jan
Published: July 2014

Programming languages with countable nondeterministic choice are
computationally interesting since countable nondeterminism arises when modeling
fairness for concurrent systems. Because countable choice introduces
non-continuous behaviour, it is well-known that developing semantic models for
programming languages with countable nondeterminism is challenging. We present
a step-indexed logical relations model of a higher-order functional programming
language with countable nondeterminism and demonstrate how it can be used to
reason about contextually defined may- and must-equivalence. In earlier
step-indexed models, the indices have been drawn from {\omega}. Here the
step-indexed relations for must-equivalence are indexed over an ordinal greater
than {\omega}.
Between Sicilia and Lombardy: Relation between trust, civil norms and social participation among citizens of Serbia
Authors: Stanojevic Dragan , Stokanic Dragana
Published: July 2014

The one of the key precondition of social and political participation of
citizens is their interpersonal and institutional trust. In order to avoid
the increase of individual atomization and/or excessively rise of informal
support networks, institutional organizations are crucial. For that reason,
it is necessary to exist certain level of trust in institutional
arrangements. This paper will be focused on widely used concept of social
capital for analysis of interaction between trust, social norms and
participation. Concerning participation, in this paper the difference between
?generalized? trust in public institutions and ?specific?, personalized trust
in people is explained. This situation of low trust in people and
institutions which are interlinked and create general atmosphere of distrust
is present in post-socialist societies, such as Serbia. Firstly, the aim of
this paper is to show level of participation in different organizations and
the trust of citizens of Serbia in political institutions, as well as trust
in people in general. Additionally, the acceptance of civil norms will be
presented. Secondly, it will be analyzed in what extant formal organizations
contribute to the trust creation and the acceptance of social norms as forms
of universal values which are necessary for basic social consensus and
solidarity. Also, it will be presented the relation between trust in certain
institutions and organizations and the acceptance of civil norms. In order to
achieve these goals, it will be used quantitative analysis and databases
World Values Survey, fifth wave conducted from 2005 to 2007.
Performances of packed bed double pass solar air heater with different inclinations and transverse wire mesh with different intervals
Authors: Sugantharaj Gnanadurai , Vijay Kumar , Kulundaivel Kalidasa
Published: July 2014

Solar air heating is a technology in which the solar energy from the sun is
captured by an absorbing medium and used to heat the air flowing through the
heater. In this study, thermal performance of a double pass solar air heater
has been investigated experimentally at different conditions. The experiments
were conducted with different inclinations of the collector, with and without
wire mesh vertically fixed at the second pass in transverse direction and
with different mass flow rates. The effect of air mass flow rate, wire mesh
pitch and collector inclination on temperature rise and thermal efficiency
have been studied. Results show that efficiency increases with mass flow
rate. For the same mass flow rate, the thermal efficiency increases with the
decrease in the wire mesh pitch. The maximum daily average efficiency of air
heater was 79.8% at 0.025 kg/s mass flow rate, 10 cm wire mesh gap and 9?
collector inclination facing south. The highest collector efficiency was
observed in solar air heaters with 10 cm wire mesh gap.
Corrections in the list of references in the paper published in Thermal science, year 2010, vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 783-798 doi: 10.2298/TSCI100217005D
Authors: Oka Simeon
Published: July 2014

nema
Increased Circulating Levels of Betatrophin in Newly Diagnosed Type 2 Diabetic Patients
Authors: Hu Hao , Sun Wenjun , Yu Shuqin , Hong Xiafei , Qian Weiyun , Tang Bingqian , Wang Dong , Yang Ling , Wang Jifang , Mao Caoming , Zhou Libin , Yuan Guoyue
Published: July 2014

OBJECTIVE

Betatrophin, a newly identified hormone, has been recently characterized as a potent stimulator that increases the production and expansion of insulin-secreting β-cells in mice, but the physiological role of betatrophin remains poorly understood. This study measured for the first time serum betatrophin levels in newly diagnosed patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and explored the correlations between its serum levels and various metabolic parameters in T2DM.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We analyzed the concentrations of betatrophin by ELISA in blood samples of 166 well-characterized individuals in whom anthropometric parameters, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glycosylated hemoglobin, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity (1/homeostasis model assesment of insulin resistance [1/HOMA-IR] and Matsuda index [ISIM]), and insulin secretion were measured. The participants were divided into newly diagnosed T2DM patients (n = 83) and age-, sex- and BMI-matched healthy control subjects (n = 83).

RESULTS

Serum betatrophin levels were significantly higher in T2DM patients than in healthy control subjects (613.08 [422.19–813.08] vs. 296.57 [196.53–509.46] pg/mL; P < 0.01). Serum betatrophin positively correlated with age, 2-h post-OGTT glucose (2hPG), and postprandial serum insulin (PSI), but negatively with 1/HOMA-IR and ISIM in T2DM patients. In the control group, betatrophin was only positively associated with age. In T2DM subjects, multivariate regression analyses showed that age, 2hPG, and PSI were independent factors influencing serum betatrophin levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Circulating concentrations of betatrophin are significantly increased in T2DM patients. Our results suggest that betatrophin may play a role in the pathogenesis of T2DM.
Sensitivity to Functional Improvements of Gmfm-88, Gmfm-66, and Pedi Mobility Scores in Young Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Ko Jooyeon
Published: July 2014

This study assessed the sensitivity to functional change of the total score on age- and severity-relevant dimensions (Goal Total score) of the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM)-88 compared with GMFM-88 Total, GMFM-66, and Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory (PEDI) Mobility scores in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Correlations among the four parameters were calculated to assess how sensitivity may differ according to the severity of CP. 64 children with CP ( M age=43.8 mo., SD=16.5, range=21 to 84 mo.; 36 boys, 28 girls) were recruited. The GMFM and PEDI assessments were performed over an interval of 6 mo. The effect sizes for changes over time were large (0.88 to 1.26) for the selected GMFM-88 Goal Total scores. The minimally important differences of the GMFM-88 Goal Total scores were within the mean range of change, with CP severity categorized as GMFCS Levels I/II, Level III, and Levels IV/V. The selected GMFM-88 Goal Total scores showed from poor to good correlations with GMFM-88 Total, GMFM-66, and PEDI Mobility scores. The results indicated that age- and severity-relevant GMFM-88 Goal Total scores were the optimal parameter to detect meaningful change in children with CP for clinical and research use.
Analysis of the Private, Collective, and Relational Self-Cognitions among Han and Tibetan Chinese
Authors: Huang Wei , Mamat Marhaba , Shang Rui , Zhang Tianyang , Li Hao , Wang Yao , Luo Wei , Wu Yanhong
Published: July 2014

Differences in the concepts of private, collective, and relational selves between two Chinese ethnic groups, the Han and Tibetan—adhering to the philosophies of Confucianism and Tibetan Buddhism, respectively—were examined. 128 students (54 men, 74 women; M age=20.9 yr., SD = 2.2) completed the revised Twenty Statements Test and self-reference paradigm. Study 1 found that for Han participants relational and private selves were ranked similarly and as more important than the collective self. Studies 2 and 3 found that adjective words describing private and relational selves were recalled in greater proportions than words describing the collective self. Tibetan participants showed no significant differences between the three self-cognitions. The findings correspond to differences in self-identity among these two subcultures.
Assessing Factor Structure and Convergent Validity of the Work Regulatory Focus Scale
Authors: Akhtar Syed , Lee Jenny S. Y.
Published: July 2014

This study assessed the factor structure of the Work Regulatory Focus Scale, which includes work-related prevention and promotion as dimensions of regulatory focus. To examine the concurrent validity, these dimensions were correlated with the prevention and promotion subscales of the Chronic Regulatory Focus Questionnaire. Using computer-assisted telephone interviews, data were collected from 237 full-time working people in Hong Kong, with a response rate of 72.9%. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the two-factor model of the Work Regulatory Focus Scale fit the data adequately. Fit indices improved after two of the items with low factor loadings on the promotion focus dimension were excluded from the analysis, which left 10 items in the scale. Pearson correlations between work-related regulatory focus subscales and chronic regulatory focus subscales were low but significant (range, .19−.39). The mean score differences between regulatory focus subscales were mostly in the expected direction, providing convergent validity evidence. The implications of these findings and suggestions for future research on the validity of the scale were discussed.
Reducing Statistics Anxiety and Enhancing Statistics Learning Achievement: Effectiveness of a One-Minute Strategy
Authors: Chiou Chei-Chang , Wang Yu-Min , Lee Li-Tze
Published: July 2014

Statistical knowledge is widely used in academia; however, statistics teachers struggle with the issue of how to reduce students' statistics anxiety and enhance students' statistics learning. This study assesses the effectiveness of a “one-minute paper strategy” in reducing students' statistics-related anxiety and in improving students' statistics-related achievement. Participants were 77 undergraduates from two classes enrolled in applied statistics courses. An experiment was implemented according to a pretest/posttest comparison group design. The quasi-experimental design showed that the one-minute paper strategy significantly reduced students' statistics anxiety and improved students' statistics learning achievement. The strategy was a better instructional tool than the textbook exercise for reducing students' statistics anxiety and improving students' statistics achievement.
Case Studies of Technology for Adults with Multiple Disabilities to Make Telephone Calls Independently
Authors: Lancioni Giulio E. , O'Reilly Mark F. , Boccasini Adele , Martire Maria L. La , Singh Nirbhay N. , Sigafoos Jeff , Lang Russell
Published: July 2014

Recent literature has shown the possibility of enabling individuals with multiple disabilities to make telephone calls independently via computer-aided telephone technology. These two case studies assessed a modified version of such technology and a commercial alternative to it for a woman and a man with multiple disabilities, respectively. The modified version used in Study 1 (a) presented the names of the persons available for a call and (b) reminded the participant of the response she needed to perform (i.e., pressing a microswitch) if she wanted to call any of those names/persons. The commercial device used in Study 2 was a Galaxy S3 (Samsung) equipped with the S-voice module, which allowed the participant to activate phone calls by uttering the word ‘Call’ followed by the name of the persons he wanted to call. The results of the studies showed that the participants learned to make phone calls independently using the technology / device available. Implications of the results are discussed.
Do Peritraumatic Emotions Differentially Predict PTSD Symptom Clusters? Initial Evidence for Emotion Specificity
Authors: Dewey Daniel , Schuldberg David , Madathil Renee
Published: July 2014

This study investigated whether specific peritraumatic emotions differentially predict PTSD symptom clusters in individuals who have experienced stressful life events. Hypotheses were developed based on the SPAARS model of PTSD. It was predicted that the peritraumatic emotions of anger, disgust, guilt, and fear would significantly predict re-experiencing and avoidance symptoms, while only fear would predict hyperarousal. Undergraduate students ( N = 144) participated in this study by completing a packet of self-report questionnaires. Multiple regression analyses were conducted with PCL-S symptom cluster scores as dependent variables and peritraumatic fear, guilt, anger, shame, and disgust as predictor variables. As hypothesized, peritraumatic anger, guilt, and fear all significantly predicted re-experiencing. However, only fear predicted avoidance, and anger significantly predicted hyperarousal. Results are discussed in relation to the theoretical role of emotions in the etiology of PTSD following the experience of a stressful life event.
Rapid Adaptation Effect of N170 for Printed Words
Authors: Cao Xiao-Hua , Jiang Bei , Li Chao , He Zi-Qiao
Published: July 2014

Faces and written words are two of the most familiar types of visual patterns with the brain's selective response of N170 component in early perception. Using ERP adaptation paradigms, studies have found the N170 response is reduced when there is repeated presentation of upright faces relative to a control condition. In contrast to these well-established features of the face-related N170 adaptation effect, the characteristics of the N170 adaptation effect for printed words are less clear. The goal was to investigate the ERP adaptation effects of printed language (English words and Chinese characters) in a short ISI (200msec.) adaptation paradigm. The present study showed that both alphabetic words and non-alphabetic words could produce a rapid N170 adaptation effect. Objects of expertise (e.g. words and faces) can produce a rapid N170 adaptation effect but other objects (e.g., houses) cannot, indicating that the specific stimuli have some specific mechanisms for the rapid N170 adaptation.
ACHIEVING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE THROUGH PRACTICING TQM TOOLS IN PHARMACEUTICALS COMPANY
Authors: Hossain Niamat Ullah Ibne , Nur Farjana , Habib Md. Ahasan
Published: July 2014

In order to survive in a competitive market, improving quality and productivity of Product or processis a must for any company. And in case of pharmaceutical industry, effective quality assurance policyimplementation is the most important goal. The main objective of this paper is to apply the Total QualityManagement (TQM) tools in a pharmaceutical company and prove its advantage. Here Control Chart,Fishbone diagram, EWMA were used and the control limits were improved. This activity resulted in moreperfect control limit recommendations which actually capable of reducing the material cost. The TQMperspective views quality as the pivotal purpose of the organization. Present review attempts to furnish a wideoverview of the TQM tools leading to quality improvement of Pharmaceuticals Company.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jme.v43i2.17834
THE INFLUENCE OF WELDING CURRENTS ON THE MECHANICAL AND PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF CHROMIUM-MOLYBDENUM STEEL
Authors: Kaiser M. S. , Shorowordi K. M.
Published: July 2014

An attempt has been made to determine the strength and impact properties of Cr-Mo steel base metal and joints welded by varying the current during manual metal arc welding. A set of sample is heat treated at 650°C for 2 hours and cooled in furnace to room temperature. Microstudy of the welded Cr-Mo steels is performed to make relationship with properties. Microhardness and hardness are measured at different locations viz., base metal, heat affected zone (HAZ) and weld deposit. Toughness over a temperature range from -32 to 100°C of three zones at three current settings is measured. It is found that toughness of all three zones at -32°C is almost same for any current settings. The toughness at HAZ area are higher than that of deposited weld area due to the coarsening of ferrite grain of HAZ occurs with higher heat input. The hardness and tensile properties of three zones with different welding current is also discussed.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jme.v44i1.19493
SENSITIVITY TEST OF PARAMETERIZATION SCHEMES OF MM5 MODEL FOR PREDICTION OF THE HIGH IMPACT RAINFALL EVENTS OVER BANGLADESH
Authors: Ahasan M.N. , Chowdhury M. A. M. , Quadir D.A.
Published: July 2014

The sensitivity test of parameterization schemes for prediction of summer monsoon high impact rainfallevents (HIRE) over Bangladesh has been performed using the Fifth-Generation PSU/NCAR Mesoscale Model(MM5) conducting six historical HIRE cases. The MM5 model was run on triple-nested domains at 45, 15, 5 kmhorizontal resolutions using Anthes-Kuo (AK), Grell (Gr), Kain-Fritsch (KF), Betts-Miller (BM) andKain-Fritsch2 (KF2) cumulus parameterization schemes (CPS) with Medium Range Forecast (MRF) andBlackadar planetary boundary layer (PBL).The model predicted rainfall was compared both spatially andquantitatively with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall. While parameterization options ofMM5 model have been investigated spatially for Bangladesh, Anthes-Kuo CPS with both MRF and BlackadarPBL (AKM & AKB) options of MM5 have found suitable. Quantitatively, Anthes-Kuo CPS with MRF PBL (AKM)option has calculated the better average rainfall over Bangladesh. By this way, AKM has found suitable in bothspatial and quantitaive comparisons. Thus, Anthes-Kuo CPS with MRF PBL (AKM) has considered as the bestMM5 option for prediction of summer monsoon HIRE cases over Bangladesh.The sensitivity test of parameterization schemes for prediction of summer monsoon high impact rainfall events (HIRE) over Bangladesh has been performed using the Fifth-Generation PSU/NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5) conducting six historical HIRE cases. The MM5 model was run on triple-nested domains at 45, 15, 5 km horizontal resolutions using Anthes-Kuo (AK), Grell (Gr), Kain-Fritsch (KF), Betts-Miller (BM) and Kain-Fritsch2 (KF2) cumulus parameterization schemes (CPS) with Medium Range Forecast (MRF) and Blackadar planetary boundary layer (PBL).The model predicted rainfall was compared both spatially and quantitatively with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) rainfall. While parameterization options of MM5 model have been investigated spatially for Bangladesh, Anthes-Kuo CPS with both MRF and Blackadar PBL (AKM & AKB) options of MM5 have found suitable. Quantitatively, Anthes-Kuo CPS with MRF PBL (AKM) option has calculated the better average rainfall over Bangladesh. By this way, AKM has found suitable in both spatial and quantitaive comparisons. Thus, Anthes-Kuo CPS with MRF PBL (AKM) has considered as the best MM5 option for prediction of summer monsoon HIRE cases over Bangladesh. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jme.v44i1.19496
AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION OF FLOW OVER PENTAGONAL CYLINDER
Authors: Ghosh Kapil , Islam Md. Quamrul , Ali M
Published: July 2014

In this research work, an experimental investigation of wind effect on pentagonal cylinders was carried out. The study was performed on the single cylinder in an open circuit wind tunnel at a Reynolds number of 4.22 x 104 based on the face width of the cylinder across the flow direction in a uniform flow velocity of 13.5 m/s. The test was carried out at various angles of attack from 0° to 63° at a step of 9°. The surface static pressures at the different locations of the cylinder were measured with the help of inclined multi-manometers. The wind velocity was kept constant at 13.5 m/s. The pressure coefficients were calculated from the measured values of the surface static pressure distribution on the cylinder. Later the drag and lift coefficients were obtained from the pressure coefficients by the numerical integration method. The results will enable the engineers and architects to design buildings more efficiently. Since the results will be expressed in the nondimensional form they may be applied for the prototype building. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jme.v44i1.19499
CUSTOMER NEEDS SIMULATION SYSTEM FOR INVESTIGATING MUST-BE ATTRIBUTE
Authors: Rashid Md Mamunur
Published: July 2014

All the key features, functions, characteristics, and spirit of a design are needed for a full concept for a product. Moreover, every product serves a certain purpose; if a product cant serve its purpose, then its useless. This is the basis of design, though it can hardly be evaluated and coped with properly. This type attribute is called must-be attribute. Thus, Many trouble occur if Must design is ignored; consequently design cannot provide a design warranty. Thus, computational tools are needed to assist a product development team to determine beforehand the critical number of respondents to make a right decision. In this regard, absolutely this paper presents a Kano model based customer needs simulation system for investigating must-be attribute. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jme.v44i1.19500
INVESTIGATION OF DYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF MULTI-BLADED S-SHAPED VANE TYPE ROTOR
Authors: Afroz Z. , Islam M.Q. , Ali M.
Published: July 2014

In the present research work the dynamic conditions of Multi S-shaped bladed rotor at different Reynolds number have been identified. The investigation on wind loading and aerodynamic effects on the four, five and six bladed S-shaped vertical axis vane type rotor has been conducted with the help of an open circuit subsonic wind tunnel. For different bladed rotor the flow velocities were varied from 5m/s to 9m/s covering the Reynolds numbers up to 1.35 x 105. It was experiential that by increasing the number of blades of rotor to the optimum limit considering all significant factors and at the same time by increasing its Reynolds number, the power output can be increased to its maximum level Finally, the nature of predicted dynamic characteristics has been examined by comparing with the existing research works. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jme.v44i1.19501
Comparison Between One Stage Correction of Vestibular Fistula by Transfistula Anorectoplasty (TFARP) and Anterior Sagittal Anorectoplasty (ASARP)
Authors: Khan Jaglul Gaffer , Islam Mohammad Kabirul , Rahaman M. A. , Akter Jamila , Hasina Kaniz , Mondal Susankar Kumar , Ali Md. Ansar
Published: July 2014

Background: Various innovative approach have been tried for the surgical management of vestibular fistula, most of them have post operative complication like wound infection, wound dehiscence, more hospital stay which compromise the functional out come, financial burden and aesthetic appearance of the perineum. This article details a new technique, Transfistula Anorectoplasty (TFARP), which includes minimal dissection without interruption of perineal body and perineal skin.Materials and methods: This cross sectional comparative study on 43 patients with vestibular fistula conducted in Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital from September 2008 to April 2010, about 20 months. Patients were operated according to parent choice after obtaining informed consent and standard bowel preparation. Data on demographics, operation time and ostoperative complications were analyzed systematically by SPSS program. Patients were followed up for a period of 2½ months postoperatively.Results: There is no statistical difference in patient population regarding age, geographical distribution and clinical presentation. Mean operation time was 76.5 min for TFARP and 84.34 min for ASARP. Two cases had wound infection after TFARP operation and 11 patients after ASARP operation. One patient developed partial wound dehiscence after TFARP and was healed after conservative treatment within 7 days. On the other hand 5 patients developed partial wound dehiscence and 4 patients developed complete wound disruption after ASARP which were also treated conservatively need more than 02 week on an average. Mean hospital stay were 6.45 days after TFARP operation and mean hospital stay were 7.87 days after ASARP peration. Twenty neonates and infant who were treated by TFARP operation have good bowel movement without laxative and symmetrical anal contraction after stimulation.Conclusion: TFARP is an operation which produces less morbidity and is more effective and superior procedure than that of ASARP operation and gives better aesthetic appearance of the perineum.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v1i2.19525
Postnatal Management of Prenatal Obstructive Hydronephrosis
Authors: Al-Hassan Mugahid , Dewan Paddy , Rao Padma
Published: July 2014

Not Available.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v1i2.19529
Laparoscopic Repair of Peptic Ulcer Perforation - Our Initial Experience
Authors: Hoque Md. Saiful , Hossain Gazi Mohammad Zakir , Bhuiyan Nur Hossain , Hasan Md. Rashedul , Mahmud Mayin Uddin , Chowdhury Alamgir Rashid
Published: July 2014

Background: Laparoscopic repair of perforated peptic ulcer was reported in 1990 but has not gained wide acceptance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic repair in routine clinical practice.Methods: This was a prospective analysis of 30 patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of a perforated peptic ulcer between July 2009 and June2010.Results: Thirty patients of mean age 45 (range 25-52) years had perforated ulcer diagnosed by clinical examination and x-ray abdomen and confirmed by laparoscopy. 28 was duodenal ulcer perforation and rest 2 was gastric ulcer perforation. Only 3 patients required conversion to laparotomy out of them 2 were DU perforation and one was gastric ulcer perforation. Mean operation time was 75 (range 75-150) minutes. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 6 (5-10) days. Postoperative convalescences were good. There was no operation related complication but one patient needs transfer to ICU for delayed recovery and the patient eventually recovered well. Post-operative leakage occurred in one patient and that was treated by laparotomy. One of 3 conversion cases developed wound infection but wound related complications in laparoscopic cases were very negligibe.Conclusion: Laparoscopic repair is a safe and effective procedure for repair of perforated peptic ulcer.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jpsb.v1i2.19535
Tahereh Saffarzadeh : Poet of Humanity
Authors: Al Rashid Md Mumit
Published: July 2014

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pp.v51i1-2.17680
The Linguistic Philosophy of Noam Chomsky
Authors: Barman Binoy
Published: July 2014

Noam Chomsky, one of the most famous linguists of the twentieth century, based his linguistic works on certain philosophical doctrines. His main contribution to linguistics is Transformational Generative Grammar, which is founded on mentalist philosophy. He opposes the behaviourist psychology in favour of innatism for explaining the acquisition of language. He claims that it becomes possible for human child to learn a language for the linguistic faculty with which the child is born, and that the use of language for an adult is mostly a mental exercise. His ideas brought about a revolution in linguistics, dubbed as Chomskyan Revolution. According to him, the part of language which is innate to human being would be called Universal Grammar. His philosophy holds a strong propensity to rationalism in search of a cognitive foundation. His theory is a continuation of analytic philosophy, which puts language in the centre of philosophical investigation. He would also be identified as an essentialist. This paper considers various aspects of Chomskys linguistic philosophy with necessary elaborations.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/pp.v51i1-2.17681
On the Design and Response of Domestic Ground-Source Heat Pumps in the UK
Authors: Underwood Chris
Published: July 2014

The design and response of ground source heat pumps coupled to vertical closed loop arrays in UK domestic applications are investigated in this article. Two typical UK house types are selected as the vehicle for the study and a detailed dynamic thermal modelling method is used to arrive at time-series heating demands for the two houses. A new empirical heat pump model is derived using experimental data taking into account the deteriorating performance of the heat pump during periods of light load. The heat pump model is incorporated into an existing numerical ground model and completed with a classical effectiveness type heat exchange model of the closed loop array. The model is used to analyse array sizing and performance over an extended time period, as well as sensitivity of the design to soil conductivity and borehole heat exchanger resistance and sensitivity to over-sizing and part-load behavior of the heat pump. Results show that the UK’s standard for ground source design (the Microgeneration Certification Scheme) may lead to under-estimated array sizes and that heating system over-sizing and deleterious part-load heat pump performance can add up to 20% to the electrical consumption of these systems.
Proteomic Analyses Reveal that Sky1 Modulates Apoptosis and Mitophagy in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells Exposed to Cisplatin
Authors: Rodríguez-Lombardero Silvia , Rodríguez-Belmonte M. , González-Siso M. , Vizoso-Vázquez Ángel , Valdiglesias Vanessa , Laffón Blanca , Cerdán M.
Published: July 2014

Sky1 is the only member of the SR (Serine–Arginine) protein kinase family in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. When yeast cells are treated with the anti-cancer drug cisplatin, Sky1 kinase activity is necessary to produce the cytotoxic effect. In this study, proteome changes in response to this drug and/or SKY1 deletion have been evaluated in order to understand the role of Sky1 in the response of yeast cells to cisplatin. Results reveal differential expression of proteins previously related to the oxidative stress response, DNA damage, apoptosis and mitophagy. With these precedents, the role of Sky1 in apoptosis, necrosis and mitophagy has been evaluated by flow-cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, biosensors and fluorescence techniques. After cisplatin treatment, an apoptotic-like process diminishes in the ∆sky1 strain in comparison to the wild-type. The treatment does not affect mitophagy in the wild-type strain, while an increase is observed in the ∆sky1 strain. The increased resistance to cisplatin observed in the ∆sky1 strain may be attributable to a decrease of apoptosis and an increase of mitophagy.
Gut-Brain Endocrine Axes in Weight Regulation and Obesity Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Merlino Dante , Blomain Erik , Aing Amanda , Waldman Scott
Published: July 2014

In recent years, the obesity epidemic has developed into a major health crisis both in the United States as well as throughout the developed world. With current treatments limited to expensive, high-risk surgery and minimally efficacious pharmacotherapy, new therapeutic options are urgently needed to combat this alarming trend. This review focuses on the endogenous gut-brain signaling axes that regulate appetite under physiological conditions, and discusses their clinical relevance by summarizing the clinical and preclinical studies that have investigated manipulation of these pathways to treat obesity.
Review on Non-Volatile Memory with High-k Dielectrics: Flash for Generation Beyond 32 nm
Authors: Zhao Chun , Zhao Ce , Taylor Stephen , Chalker Paul
Published: July 2014

Flash memory is the most widely used non-volatile memory device nowadays. In order to keep up with the demand for increased memory capacities, flash memory has been continuously scaled to smaller and smaller dimensions. The main benefits of down-scaling cell size and increasing integration are that they enable lower manufacturing cost as well as higher performance. Charge trapping memory is regarded as one of the most promising flash memory technologies as further down-scaling continues. In addition, more and more exploration is investigated with high-k dielectrics implemented in the charge trapping memory. The paper reviews the advanced research status concerning charge trapping memory with high-k dielectrics for the performance improvement. Application of high-k dielectric as charge trapping layer, blocking layer, and tunneling layer is comprehensively discussed accordingly.
Inductive Displacement Sensors with a Notch Filter for an Active Magnetic Bearing System
Authors: Chen Seng-Chi , Le Dinh-Kha , Nguyen Van-Sum
Published: July 2014

Active magnetic bearing (AMB) systems support rotating shafts without any physical contact, using electromagnetic forces. Each radial AMB uses two pairs of electromagnets at opposite sides of the rotor. This allows the rotor to float in the air gap, and the machine to operate without frictional losses. In active magnetic suspension, displacement sensors are necessary to detect the radial and axial movement of the suspended object. In a high-speed rotating machine equipped with an AMB, the rotor bending modes may be limited to the operating range. The natural frequencies of the rotor can cause instability. Thus, notch filters are a useful circuit for stabilizing the system. In addition, commercial displacement sensors are sometimes not suitable for AMB design, and cannot filter the noise caused by the natural frequencies of rotor. Hence, implementing displacement sensors based on the AMB structure is necessary to eliminate noises caused by natural frequency disturbances. The displacement sensor must be highly sensitive in the desired working range, and also exhibit a low interference noise, high stability, and low cost. In this study, we used the differential inductive sensor head and lock-in amplifier for synchronous demodulation. In addition, an active low-pass filter and a notch filter were used to eliminate disturbances, which caused by natural frequencies. As a consequence, the inductive displacement sensor achieved satisfactory linearity, high sensitivity, and disturbance elimination. This sensor can be easily produced for AMB applications. A prototype of these displacement sensors was built and tested.
A Look inside the Current Climate of the Video Game Industry
Authors: Pugh Vachon M.C.
Published: July 2014

The issue of the lack of women in the video game industry has been a hot topic for quite some time. For the past twelve years, Game Developer Magazine has published their annual Game Developer Salary Survey, which not only lists the average salaries for each department; but also breaks down each department by gender. By examining the salary surveys for the past four years (2009-2012), an initial assessment can be made on the amount of women working in the game industry, and in what disciplines. The purpose of this chapter is to assess the current climate of the video game industry, and briefly discuss possible causes of the lack of women in this particular field.
The Effect of Adjuvanting Cancer Vaccines with Herpes Simplex Virus Glycoprotein D on Melanoma-Driven CD8+ T Cell Exhaustion
Authors: Zhang Ying , Ertl Hildegund C. J.
Published: July 2014

Two vaccines expressing CD4+ and CD8+ T cell epitopes of melanoma-associated Ags (MAAs) by a chimpanzee-derived replication-defective AdC68 vector were compared in a mouse model of melanoma. In one vaccine, termed AdC68-gDMelapoly, the epitopes were expressed as a fusion protein within HSV-1 glycoprotein D (gD), which blocks immunoinhibitory signaling through the herpes virus entry mediator pathway. The other vaccine, termed AdC68-Melapoly, expressed only the MAA epitopes. AdC68-gDMelapoly induced more potent MAA-specific CD8+ T cell responses especially to the subdominant MAA epitopes. Upon prophylactic vaccination, mice that developed CD8+ T cell responses to the two vaccines that were comparable in magnitude showed equal protection against tumor challenge. When mice were first challenged with tumor cells and then vaccinated results differed. In animals with comparable CD8+ T cell responses, the AdC68-gDMelapoly vaccine was more efficacious compared with the AdC68-Melapoly vaccine in delaying tumor growth. This effect was linked to reduced expression of 2B4, LAG-3, and programmed death-1 on tumor-infiltrating MAA-specific CD8+ T cells elicited by the gD-adjuvanted vaccine, suggesting that CD8+ T cells induced in presence of gD are less susceptible to tumor-driven exhaustion.
Distinct Fcγ Receptors Mediate the Effect of Serum Amyloid P on Neutrophil Adhesion and Fibrocyte Differentiation
Authors: Cox Nehemiah , Pilling Darrell , Gomer Richard H.
Published: July 2014

The plasma protein serum amyloid P (SAP) reduces neutrophil adhesion, inhibits the differentiation of monocytes into fibroblast-like cells called fibrocytes, and promotes phagocytosis of cell debris by macrophages. Together, these effects of SAP reduce key aspects of inflammation and fibrosis, and SAP injections improve lung function in pulmonary fibrosis patients. SAP functions are mediated, in part, by FcγRs, but the contribution of each FcγR is not fully understood. We found that aa Q55 and E126 in human SAP affect human fibrocyte differentiation and SAP binding to FcγRI. E126, K130, and Q128 affect neutrophil adhesion and SAP affinity for FcγRIIa. Q128 also affects phagocytosis by macrophages and SAP affinity for FcγRI. All the identified functionally significant amino acids in SAP form a binding site that is distinct from the previously described SAP-FcγRIIa binding site. Blocking FcγRI with an IgG-blocking Ab reduces the SAP effect on fibrocyte differentiation, and ligating FcγRIIa with Abs reduces neutrophil adhesion. Together, these results suggest that SAP binds to FcγRI on monocytes to inhibit fibrocyte differentiation, and binds to FcγRIIa on neutrophils to reduce neutrophil adhesion.
T Cell Antigen Discovery Using Soluble Vaccinia Proteome Reveals Recognition of Antigens with Both Virion and Nonvirion Association
Authors: Davies D. Huw , Chun Sookhee , Hermanson Gary , Tucker Jo Anne , Jain Aarti , Nakajima Rie , Pablo Jozelyn , Felgner Philip L. , Liang Xiaowu
Published: July 2014

Vaccinia virus (VACV) is a useful model system for understanding the immune response to a complex pathogen. Proteome-wide Ab profiling studies reveal the humoral response to be strongly biased toward virion-associated Ags, and several membrane proteins induce Ab-mediated protection against VACV challenge in mice. Some studies have indicated that the CD4 response is also skewed toward proteins with virion association, whereas the CD8 response is more biased toward proteins with early expression. In this study, we have leveraged a VACV strain Western Reserve (VACV-WR) plasmid expression library, produced previously for proteome microarrays for Ab profiling, to make a solubilized full VACV-WR proteome for T cell Ag profiling. Splenocytes from VACV-WR–infected mice were assayed without prior expansion against the soluble proteome in assays for Th1 and Th2 signature cytokines. The response to infection was polarized toward a Th1 response, with the distribution of reactive T cell Ags comprising both early and late VACV proteins. Interestingly, the proportions of different functional subsets were similar to that present in the whole proteome. In contrast, the targets of Abs from the same mice were enriched for membrane and other virion components, as described previously. We conclude that a “nonbiasing” approach to T cell Ag discovery reveals a T cell Ag profile in VACV that is broader and less skewed to virion association than the Ab profile. The T cell Ag mapping method developed in the present study should be applicable to other organisms where expressible “ORFeome” libraries are also available, and it is readily scalable for larger pathogens.
Post-radiation changes in oral tissues - An analysis of cancer irradiation cases
Authors: Pandya Jay Ashokkumar , Srikant N. , Boaz Karen , Manaktala Nidhi , Kapila Supriya Nikita , Yinti Shanmukha Raviteja
Published: July 2014

Introduction: Radiation, commonly employed as neoadjuvant, primary, and adjuvant therapy for head and neck cancer causes numerous epithelial and stromal changes, prominent among which is fibrosis with its early and late consequences. Very little is known about the true nature of the fibrosed tissue and the type of fibers accumulated. Radiotherapy affects the supporting tumor stroma often resulting in a worsening grade of tumor post-radiation. Aim: To study epithelial, neoplastic, stromal, and glandular changes in oral cavity induced by radiation therapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using special stains. Materials and Methods: The study included 27 samples of recurrent OSCC following completion of radiotherapy (recurrence within an average span of 11 months), and 26 non-irradiated cases of OSCC. Patients with a history of combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy were not included in the study. The epithelial changes assessed included epithelial atrophy, apoptosis, necrosis, dysplasia, and neoplasia. The connective tissue was evaluated for amount of fibrosis, quality of fibers (using picrosirius red staining), fibrinous exudate, necrosis, pattern of invasion, vessel wall thickening, and salivary gland changes. The aforementioned changes were assessed using light and polarizing microscopy and tabulated. Statistical Analysis: Epithelial and connective tissue parameters were compared between the irradiated and non-irradiated cases using chi square and t-tests. Results: Epithelial and connective tissue parameters were found to be increased in irradiated patients. Pattern of invasion by tumor cells varied from strands and  cords between the two groups studied. The effect of radiation was seen to reflect on the maturity of fibers and the regularity of their distribution.
Palliative low dose fortnightly methotrexate in oral cancers: Experience at a rural cancer centre from India
Authors: Chakraborty Santam , Geetha M. , Sujith K. M. , Biji M. S. , Sateeshan B.
Published: July 2014

Context: Palliative fortnightly chemotherapy in oral cancers. Aims: We present our experience with a regimen employing fortnightly (once in 2 weeks) injectable methotrexate (MTX) (40 mg/m 2 ) in a predominantly elderly cohort of patients with carcinoma of oral cavity and oropharynx. Settings and Design: Retrospective chart review conducted at a rural cancer center in India. Materials and Methods: All patients with oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers started on treatment with fortnightly injectable MTX (40 mg/m 2 ) between 01/01/2011 and 31/12/2011. Statistical Analysis Used: The factors analyzed included the duration of disease control, pain control, overall survival and progression free survival which were evaluated using the Kaplan Meier method. Results: A total of 60 patients with a median age of 66.5 years were analyzed. Majority of the patients had poor nutritional status, performance status or co-morbidities. MTX was given for recurrent disease in 19 patients and after initial palliative radiotherapy in 41 patients. The median number of cycles delivered was nine. Grade 3/4 toxicities were seen in 2 patients only. Disease control rate at the end of treatment was seen in 33 (55%) patients. Median overall survival was 34 weeks (interquartile range: 17-50 weeks). Conclusions: The fortnightly regimen of MTX was well-tolerated and showed a good clinical activity in this elderly cohort of patients with advanced oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers.
A retrospective study of clinico-pathological spectrum of carcinoma breast
in a West Delhi, India
Authors: Nigam Jitendra Singh , Yadav Poonam , Sood Neelam
Published: July 2014

Background: Data on the demographic profile of breast cancer patients from Delhi is scarce and whatever is available is from higher referral center. Our hospital caters to patients from an urban population of the lower socioeconomic strata and is a representation of cases at a tertiary care hospital in west Delhi. In Delhi, breast cancer (26.8%) is commonest cancer among the female followed by cervix (12.5%), gallbladder (7.2%), ovary (7.1%), and uterus (3.3%). Aims and Objectives: A retrospective audit of breast cancer patients presenting at a tertiary referral center from 2004 to 2011. Materials and Methods: A total of 328 cases diagnosed as carcinoma breast on histopathology from year 2004 to 2011 were retrieved and studied retrospectively with regards to demographic profile and their histological features with estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and Her2neu status.Results: The median age of presentation was 49 years of age. Infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC, not otherwise specified (NOS)) was the commonest histopathological variant (81.40%) followed by medullary carcinoma (10.36%) and mucinous carcinoma (2.74%). Triple negative were found to be the commonest group comprising 39.4% of all the cases followed by ER and PR both positive. Pathological tumor, node, and metastasis (TNM) staging showed most common group was T 2 N 0 M 0 ( 19.5%) followed by T 2 N 1 M 0 (17.1%) and T 2 N 2 M 0 (14%). Conclusion: The incidence of breast cancer in the India and include a higher incidence of ER, PR, and Her2neu negative disease in west Delhi.