bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semi-active damping using a hybrid control approach
Authors: Gawthrop Peter J , Neild Simon A , Wagg David J
Published: February 2012

In this article, a hybrid control framework is used to design semi-active controllers for vibration reduction. It is shown that the semi-active skyhook damper, typically used for vibration reduction, can be recast in the framework of an event-driven intermittent controller. By doing this, we can then exploit the well-developed techniques associated with hybrid control theory to design the semi-active control system. Illustrative simulation examples are based on a 2 degree-of-freedom system, often used to model the dynamics of a quarter car body model. The simulation results demonstrate how hybrid control design techniques can improve the overall performance of the semi-active control system.
Toward Enabling and Inclusive Global Environmental Governance
Authors: Dubash Navroz K.
Published: February 2012

Sustainable development has always been a compromise formulation that papered over real conflict between environment and development. Twenty years after Rio, the geopolitical climate is far less conducive to easy compromises. Given an embattled North and a rising South, particularly Asia, the language of zero sum conflict rather than positive sum cooperation is likely to prevail. Green growth offers one way to paper over these conflicts yet again, but it would be prudent to resist this temptation. There is incomplete buy-in to the green growth story, and some in the South are also concerned that this narrative will downgrade poverty alleviation and equity considerations from the sustainable development triad of environment, growth and distribution. In this context, Rio+20 can play a positive role by focusing on national and sub-national institutions and embracing a diversity of national political, institutional and legal contexts; seeking to impose uniformity is likely to chafe. Global efforts can play a supporting role by inducing normative change, stimulate national processes, and provide hooks for domestic policy actors. In addition, Rio+20 should ensure that inclusion of the weakest should remain firmly on the agenda. While the conversations may be difficult, Rio+20 will be most productive if it leads to engagement with fraught geopolitical issues than if, once again, these are papered over.
Fortress Conservation Trumps Human Rights?
Authors: Sand Peter H.
Published: February 2012

The new “marine protected area” proclaimed in 2010 in the Chagos Archipelago (British Indian Ocean Territory [BIOT]) raises a fundamental conflict between colonial nature protection and the human rights of the indigenous Chagos islanders who were expelled to make way for a U.S. military base, and whose resettlement in the archipelago the U.K. government now seeks to prevent by invoking global environmental concerns.
Exploring the Factor Structure of Implicit and Explicit Cognitions Associated With Depression
Authors: Phillips Wendy J. , Hine Donald W.
Published: February 2012

Dual-process models of cognitive vulnerability to depression propose that implicit (automatic) and explicit (effortful) processes are involved in depression. The current study investigated the underlying structure of four implicit and four explicit cognitive biases associated with depression in an undergraduate sample ( N = 355). An exploratory principal-axis factor analysis of implicit and explicit measures of self-esteem, dysfunctional beliefs, and memory for positive and negative stimuli produced a three-factor solution that was inconsistent with the dual process (two factor) account. Subsequent confirmatory factor analyses of biases exhibited by a hold-out sample also failed to support the hypothesized dual-process model and supported a three-factor solution. Overall, the results indicate that the latent structure of measures investigated in this study is not characterized by a clear differentiation between implicit and explicit cognition and that alternative models and measurement strategies should be investigated.
Thumb strength in all types of triphalangeal thumb
Authors: Zuidam J. M. , Selles R. W. , Hovius S. E. R.
Published: February 2012

Strength is regarded as normal in patients with an opposable triphalangeal thumb. Our clinical impression is, however, that intrinsic musculature is probably affected in all forms of triphalangeal thumb. Therefore, we established the strength of 38 thumbs in patients with a triphalangeal thumb. Patients were excluded if the intrinsic musculature was enhanced or if osteotomies of the first metacarpal were performed. On average, strength of all thumb functions was significantly diminished, up to 63% for opposition strength. Strength of the power grip was on average 70%. As shown in this study, strength of the musculature of the thumb is affected in all types of triphalangeal thumb. Although strength of the thumb is diminished, in the investigated group it is apparently sufficient in daily life, as these individuals did not seek surgical enhancement. However, reconstructive procedures that enhance intrinsic musculature must be considered in all types of triphalangeal thumb.
Exploring the role narrative free-text plays in discrepancies between physician coding and the InterVA regarding determination of malaria as cause of death, in a malaria holo-endemic region
Authors: Rankin Johanna C , Lorenz Eva , Neuhann Florian , Yé Maurice , Sié Ali , Becher Heiko , Ramroth Heribert
Published: February 2012

Background

In countries where tracking mortality and clinical cause of death are not routinely undertaken, gathering verbal autopsies (VA) is the principal method of estimating cause of death. The most common method for determining probable cause of death from the VA interview is Physician-Certified Verbal Autopsy (PCVA). A recent alternative method to interpret Verbal Autopsy (InterVA) is a computer model using a Bayesian approach to derive posterior probabilities for causes of death, given an a priori distribution at population level and a set of interview-based indicators. The model uses the same input information as PCVA, with the exception of narrative text information, which physicians can consult but which were not inputted into the model. Comparing the results of physician coding with the model, large differences could be due to difficulties in diagnosing malaria, especially in holo-endemic regions. Thus, the aim of the study was to explore whether physicians' access to electronically unavailable narrative text helps to explain the large discrepancy in malaria cause-specific mortality fractions (CSMFs) in physician coding versus the model.

Methods

Free-texts of electronically available records (N = 5,649) were summarised and incorporated into the InterVA version 3 (InterVA-3) for three sub-groups: (i) a 10%-representative subsample (N = 493) (ii) records diagnosed as malaria by physicians and not by the model (N = 1035), and (iii) records diagnosed by the model as malaria, but not by physicians (N = 332). CSMF results before and after free-text incorporation were compared.

Results

There were changes of between 5.5-10.2% between models before and after free-text incorporation. No impact on malaria CSMFs was seen in the representative sub-sample, but the proportion of malaria as cause of death increased in the physician sub-sample (2.7%) and saw a large decrease in the InterVA subsample (9.9%). Information on 13/106 indicators appeared at least once in the free-texts that had not been matched to any item in the structured, electronically available portion of the Nouna questionnaire.

Discussion

Free-texts are helpful in gathering information not adequately captured in VA questionnaires, though access to free-text does not explain differences in physician and model determination of malaria as cause of death.
Preparation, characterization, and application of titanium nano-tube array in dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Ho Shih-Yu , Su Chaochin , Cheng Chieh-Chung , Kathirvel Sasipriya , Li Chung-Yen , Li Wen-Ren
Published: February 2012

The vertically orientated TiO2 nanotube array (TNA) decorated with TiO2 nano-particles was successfully fabricated by electrochemically anodizing titanium (Ti) foils followed by Ti-precursor post-treatment and annealing process. The TNA morphology characterized by SEM and TEM was found to be filled with TiO2 nano-particles interior and exterior of the TiO2 nano-tubes after titanium (IV) n-butoxide (TnB) treatment, whereas TiO2 nano-particles were only found inside of TiO2 nano-tubes upon titanium tetrachloride (TiCl4) treatment. The efficiency in TNA-based DSSCs was improved by both TnB and TiCl4 treatment presumably due to the increase of dye adsorption.
Inhibitory effect of 4-O-methylhonokiol on lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation, amyloidogenesis and memory impairment via inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB in vitro and in vivo models
Authors: Lee Young-Jung , Choi Dong-Young , Choi Im Seop , Kim Ki Ho , Kim Young Hee , Kim Hwan Mook , Lee Kiho , Cho Won Gil , Jung Jea Kyung , Han Sang Bae , Han Jin-Yi , Nam Sang-Yoon , Yun Young Won , Jeong Jae Hwang , Oh Ki-Wan , Hong Jin Tae
Published: February 2012

Background

Neuroinflammation is important in the pathogenesis and progression of Alzheimer disease (AD). Previously, we demonstrated that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation caused memory impairments. In the present study, we investigated the possible preventive effects of 4-O-methylhonokiol, a constituent of Magnolia officinalis, on memory deficiency caused by LPS, along with the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

We investigated whether 4-O-methylhonokiol (0.5 and 1 mg/kg in 0.05% ethanol) prevents memory dysfunction and amyloidogenesis on AD model mice by intraperitoneal LPS (250 μg/kg daily 7 times) injection. In addition, LPS-treated cultured astrocytes and microglial BV-2 cells were investigated for anti-neuroinflammatory and anti-amyloidogenic effect of 4-O-methylhonkiol (0.5, 1 and 2 μM).

Results

Oral administration of 4-O-methylhonokiol ameliorated LPS-induced memory impairment in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, 4-O-methylhonokiol prevented the LPS-induced expression of inflammatory proteins; inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) as well as activation of astrocytes (expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP) in the brain. In in vitro study, we also found that 4-O-methylhonokiol suppressed the expression of iNOS and COX-2 as well as the production of reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β in the LPS-stimulated cultured astrocytes. 4-O-methylhonokiol also inhibited transcriptional and DNA binding activity of NF-κB via inhibition of IκB degradation as well as p50 and p65 translocation into nucleus of the brain and cultured astrocytes. Consistent with the inhibitory effect on neuroinflammation, 4-O-methylhonokiol inhibited LPS-induced Aβ1-42 generation, β- and γ-secretase activities, and expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP), BACE1 and C99 as well as activation of astrocytes and neuronal cell death in the brain, in cultured astrocytes and in microglial BV-2 cells.

Conclusion

These results suggest that 4-O-methylhonokiol inhibits LPS-induced amyloidogenesis via anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, 4-O-methylhonokiol can be a useful agent against neuroinflammation-associated development or the progression of AD.
Segmental correction of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis by all-screw fixation method in adolescents and young adults. minimum 5 years follow-up with SF-36 questionnaire
Authors: Yu Ching-Hsiao , Chen Po-Quang , Ma Shu-Chuang , Pan Chee-Huan
Published: February 2012

Background

In our institution, the fixation technique in treating idiopathic scoliosis was shifted from hybrid fixation to the all-screw method beginning in 2000. We conducted this study to assess the intermediate -term outcome of all-screw method in treating adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS).

Methods

Forty-nine consecutive patients were retrospectively included with minimum of 5-year follow-up (mean, 6.1; range, 5.1-7.3 years). The average age of surgery was 18.5 ± 5.0 years. We assessed radiographic measurements at preoperative (Preop), postoperative (PO) and final follow-up (FFU) period. Curve correction rate, correction loss rate, complications, accuracy of pedicle screws and SF-36 scores were analyzed.

Results

The average major curve was corrected from 58.0 ± 13.0° Preop to 16.0 ± 9.0° PO(p < 0.0001), and increased to 18.4 ± 8.6°(p = 0.12) FFU. This revealed a 72.7% correction rate and a correction loss of 2.4° (3.92%). The thoracic kyphosis decreased little at FFU (22 ± 12° to 20 ± 6°, (p = 0.25)). Apical vertebral rotation decreased from 2.1 ± 0.8 PreOP to 0.8 ± 0.8 at FFU (Nash-Moe grading, p < 0.01). Among total 831 pedicle screws, 56 (6.7%) were found to be malpositioned. Compared with 2069 age-matched Taiwanese, SF-36 scores showed inferior result in 2 variables: physical function and role physical.

Conclusion

Follow-up more than 5 years, the authors suggest that all-screw method is an efficient and safe method.
A new approach for detecting topographic and geologic information in seismic data
Authors: Gersztenkorn Adam
Published: February 2012

Interpreting 3D seismic volumes can be an intensive and time-consuming endeavor. Algorithms that provide additional information and expedite this process can therefore be useful tools for the interpreter. To further this goal, an algorithm that gives a topographic perspective of seismic data is described. After applying the continuous wavelet transform to the data, templates having a directional orientation are constructed locally in the complex wavelet domain for a number of scales. For each scale, a complex matrix is formed having real and imaginary parts, which are independently designed for a specific purpose and then combined to produce the final result. Whereas the composition of the real matrix is not well suited for dealing with the topographic aspect of the data, the imaginary matrix is. Using basic concepts from graph theory, the imaginary matrix is constructed to reveal the topographic nature of the underlying data. To a limited extent, dip scans provide similar results. Nonetheless, comparisons with dip scans reveal significant differences in the final results and computational efficiency. Although the general features seem to be similar, detailed features appear to be missing from the dip scan results. For the dip scans, semblance is measured over a number of dips and the highest value is used to determine the dip. The computational cost can vary, depending on factors such as the number of dips tested and implementation, but a comparison indicates that dip scans can be computationally more costly. In contrast, the algorithm to be described uses a single suite of wavelets convolved with the data to produce a number of scale-dependent complex matrices that are summed in a specific way. Furthermore, convolutions may be performed in the frequency domain. This reduces the computational cost, making this algorithm an effective and relatively fast interpretation tool.
Specialisation within the DWARF14 protein family confers distinct responses to karrikins and strigolactones in Arabidopsis
Authors: Waters Mark T. , Nelson David C. , Scaffidi Adrian , Flematti Gavin R. , Sun Yueming K. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Smith Steven M.
Published: February 2012

Karrikins are butenolides derived from burnt vegetation that stimulate seed germination and enhance seedling responses to light. Strigolactones are endogenous butenolide hormones that regulate shoot and root architecture, and stimulate the branching of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Thus, karrikins and strigolactones are structurally similar but physiologically distinct plant growth regulators. In Arabidopsis thaliana, responses to both classes of butenolides require the F-box protein MAX2, but it remains unclear how discrete responses to karrikins and strigolactones are achieved. In rice, the DWARF14 protein is required for strigolactone-dependent inhibition of shoot branching. Here, we show that the Arabidopsis DWARF14 orthologue, AtD14, is also necessary for normal strigolactone responses in seedlings and adult plants. However, the AtD14 paralogue KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE 2 (KAI2) is specifically required for responses to karrikins, and not to strigolactones. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that KAI2 is ancestral and that AtD14 functional specialisation has evolved subsequently. Atd14 and kai2 mutants exhibit distinct subsets of max2 phenotypes, and expression patterns of AtD14 and KAI2 are consistent with the capacity to respond to either strigolactones or karrikins at different stages of plant development. We propose that AtD14 and KAI2 define a class of proteins that permit the separate regulation of karrikin and strigolactone signalling by MAX2. Our results support the existence of an endogenous, butenolide-based signalling mechanism that is distinct from the strigolactone pathway, providing a molecular basis for the adaptive response of plants to smoke.
The transient appearance of zipper-like actin superstructures during the fusion of osteoclasts
Authors: Takito Jiro , Nakamura Masanori , Yoda Masaki , Tohmonda Takahide , Uchikawa Shinichi , Horiuchi Keisuke , Toyama Yoshiaki , Chiba Kazuhiro
Published: February 2012

Multinucleated osteoclasts are responsible for bone resorption. Hypermultinucleated osteoclasts are often observed in some bone-related diseases such as Paget's disease and cherubism. The cellular mechanics controlling the size of osteoclasts is poorly understood. We introduced EGFP–actin into RAW 264.7 cells to monitor actin dynamics during osteoclast differentiation. Before their terminal differentiation into osteoclasts, syncytia displayed two main types of actin assembly, podosome clusters and clusters of zipper-like structures. The zipper-like structures morphologically resembled the adhesion zippers found at the initial stage of cell–cell adhesion in keratinocytes. In the zipper-like structure, Arp3 and cortactin overlapped with the distribution of dense F-actin, whereas integrin β3, paxillin and vinculin were localized to the periphery of the structure. The structure was negative for WGA–lectin staining and biotin labeling. The zipper-like structure broke down and transformed into a large actin ring, called a podosome belt. Syncytia containing clusters of zipper-like structures had more nuclei than those with podosome clusters. Differentiated osteoclasts with a podosome belt also formed the zipper-like structure at the cell contact site during cell fusion. The breakdown of the cell contact site resulted in the fusion of the podosome belts following plasma membrane fusion. Additionally, osteoclasts in mouse calvariae formed the zipper-like structure in the sealing zone. Therefore, we propose that the zipper-like actin superstructures might be involved in cell–cell interaction to achieve efficient multinucleation of osteoclasts. Understanding of the zipper-like structure might lead to selective therapeutics for bone diseases caused by hypermultinucleated osteoclasts.
HIV-associated gastric natural killer/T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Manley K , Dunning J , Nelson M , Bower M
Published: February 2012

Natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma is a rare form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that is seen with increased frequency in HIV infection and in transplant recipients. This case report describes an unusual case of extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma in a patient with advanced HIV disease in which gastric involvement was a significant feature.
Severe personality disorder in the secure estate: continuity and change
Authors: Taylor Paul
Published: February 2012

The Response to Offender Personality Disorder Consultation was released in October 2011. For some this is a welcome step in the right direction due to its therapeutic optimism, however for practitioners operating in the secure estate there are significant challenges ahead. This aim of this article is to discuss the increasing convergence of health and criminal justice and their inherent ideological and practical difficulties. It does so with reference to the consultation on offender personality disorder pathways and in particular the implications regarding multi-disciplinary and cross agency approaches to risk, public protection and personality disorder respectfully. It concludes that before embarking on a new wave of determining and responding to those with personality disorder, offender or otherwise, a more in-depth and empirically informed critical reflection is warranted.
Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy within a rolling treatment programme is an effective low-cost treatment for superficial venous insufficiency
Authors: Abbassi-Ghadi N , Hafez H
Published: February 2012

Aims

To review the results and cost of a rolling ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) treatment programme for patients with chronic superficial venous insufficiency.

Method

A prospective study of a rolling treatment programme where patients were offered unlimited follow-up at intervals of 6–8 weeks and further (top up) UGFS when necessary, until occlusion criteria were met.

Results

A total of 213 lower limbs with complete follow-up were included in the study. Median (range) age was 57 (16–94) years, maximum diameter of varicose vein was 10 (3–18) mm, C of CEAP (clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological elements) was 4 (2–6), number of treatment sessions was one (1–4) and follow-up was three (1.5–33) months. Satisfactory occlusion could not be achieved in nine (4%) limbs. The ratio of odds (95% CI) for requiring more than one treatment session was 3.58 (1.46–8.77), P = 0.002 for great saphenous varicosity and 2.11 (1.13–3.94), P = 0.015 for age 50 or more. There were 20 (9.3%) immediate and 63 (29.5%) delayed adverse effects. All were minor except for one cutaneous nerve injury, one pulmonary embolism and one infected haematoma. The ratio for odds (95% CI) for post-treatment skin discolouration was 2.59 (1.14–5.87), P = 0.017 for women and 1.32 (1.02–1.71), P = 0.032 for increasing sclerosant volume used. Service line costing per completed treatment episode was £115.22 (€130.07, $188.60).

Conclusion

UGFS in a rolling treatment programme is safe and can achieve high occlusion rates at a low cost. Patients above the age of 50 with great saphenous varicosity are likely to require more than one treatment session.
Polished Person or Parasite? The Implications of Education for Social Identities and Self Concepts and the Culturally Diverse Emotional Consequences. An Indian Example
Authors: Clemens Iris
Published: February 2012

Education is not only an innocent tool but leads to many conflicts all over the world as well. For an analysis of these conflicts one has to keep in mind that education as a concept is a culturally diverse construction with very different connotations in theory as much as in the everyday world. Taking the example of an empirical study on concepts of education and educated persons in an Indian urban middle class sample, the implications of cultural constructions of education for self concepts, social identities and therefore for social inclusion and exclusion will be discussed. Following the figure of Sanskritization by Srinivas, the founded pattern of argumentation in the data is called educationalization.
Cervical remodeling in term and preterm birth: insights from an animal model
Authors: Mahendroo Mala
Published: February 2012

Proper cervical function is essential for a normal pregnancy and birth to occur. Understanding the mechanisms that take place in normal pregnancy will allow a better comprehension of the complications involved in premature cervical remodeling and lead to better methods of diagnostics and prevention for preterm birth. Unfortunately, human samples are not easily available, and samples that are collected are often confounded by variations in timing and region of cervix from which sample is collected. Animal models, specifically the mouse, have facilitated a great deal of exploration into the mechanisms of cervical function and pathways of preterm birth. This review highlights some of the groundbreaking discoveries that have arisen from murine research including 1) the identification of early pregnancy changes in collagen fibril processing and assembly that result in progressive modifications to collagen architecture with subsequent loss of tissue stiffness during pregnancy, 2) the determination that immune cells are not key to cervical ripening at term but have diverse phenotypes and functions inpostpartumrepair, and 3) the finding that the process of preterm cervical ripening can differ from term ripening and is dependent on the etiology of prematurity. These findings, which are relevant to human cervical biology, provide new insights that will allow targeted studies on the human cervix as well as identify potential biomarkers for early detection of premature cervical ripening and development of improved therapies to prevent premature ripening of the cervix and subsequent preterm birth.
Children and Adolescents With Gender Identity Disorder Referred to a Pediatric Medical Center
Authors: Spack Norman P. , Edwards-Leeper Laura , Feldman Henry A. , Leibowitz Scott , Mandel Francie , Diamond David A. , Vance Stanley R.
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:

To describe the patients with gender identity disorder referred to a pediatric medical center. We identify changes in patients after creation of the multidisciplinary Gender Management Service by expanding the Disorders of Sex Development clinic to include transgender patients.

METHODS:

Data gathered on 97 consecutive patients <21 years, with initial visits between January 1998 and February 2010, who fulfilled the following criteria: long-standing cross-gender behaviors, provided letters from current mental health professional, and parental support. Main descriptive measures included gender, age, Tanner stage, history of gender identity development, and psychiatric comorbidity.

RESULTS:

Genotypic male:female ratio was 43:54 (0.8:1); there was a slight preponderance of female patients but not significant from 1:1. Age of presentation was 14.8 ± 3.4 years (mean ± SD) without sex difference (P = .11). Tanner stage at presentation was 4.1 ± 1.4 for genotypic female patients and 3.6 ± 1.5 for genotypic male patients (P = .02). Age at start of medical treatment was 15.6 ± 2.8 years. Forty-three patients (44.3%) presented with significant psychiatric history, including 20 reporting self-mutilation (20.6%) and suicide attempts (9.3%).

CONCLUSIONS:

After establishment of a multidisciplinary gender clinic, the gender identity disorder population increased fourfold. Complex clinical presentations required additional mental health support as the patient population grew. Mean age and Tanner Stage were too advanced for pubertal suppressive therapy to be an affordable option for most patients. Two-thirds of patients were started on cross-sex hormone therapy. Greater awareness of the benefit of early medical intervention is needed. Psychological and physical effects of pubertal suppression and/or cross-sex hormones in our patients require further investigation.
Association Between a Functional Polymorphism in the MAOA Gene and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
Authors: Klintschar Michael , Heimbold Christian
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVES:

Abnormalities in the serotonergic as well as the noradrenergic neuronal systems are believed to contribute to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The X-chromosomal monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene is of importance for both systems and up to now no systematic study on a functional polymorphism in this gene has been performed in a sufficiently large group.

METHODS:

We investigated a functional MAOA promoter length polymorphism in 156 white SIDS cases and 260 gender- and age-matched control subjects by using capillary electrophoresis and fluorescence dye labeled primers.

RESULTS:

The pooled low-expressing alleles *2 and *3 were more frequent in the 99 male SIDS cases than in 161 male control subjects (44.4% vs 25.5%). However, there were no differences in female cases. The frequency of low expression alleles varied significantly with the age at death and were significantly more frequent in children who died between an age of 46 and 154 days than at an older age (54.9% vs 22.6%).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results indicate a relationship between SIDS and the MAOA genotype in boys via influencing serotonergic and noradrenergic neurons in the brainstem. This locus is the first X-chromosomal locus associated with SIDS. Our results support the theory that abnormalities in the brainstem contribute to a subset of SIDS, at least in boys. Moreover, we argue that not only the serotonergic system but also other neuronal systems, among those the noradrenergic one, are involved.
Phonon Transport and Thermoelectricity in Defect-Engineered InAs Nanowires
Authors: Weathers Annie , Moore Arden L. , Pettes Michael T. , Salta Daniel , Kim Jaehyun , Dick Kimberly , Samuelson Lars , Linke Heiner , Caroff Philippe , Shi Li
Published: February 2012

There have been reports of improvements in the thermoelectric figure of merit through the use of nanostructured materials to suppress the lattice thermal conductivity. Here, we report on a fundamental study of the combined effects of defect planes and surface scattering on phonon transport and thermoelectric properties of defect-engineered InAs nanowires. A microfabricated device is employed to measure the thermal conductivity and thermopower of individual suspended indium arsenide nanowires grown by metal organic vapor phase epitaxy. The four-probe measurement device consists of platinum resistance thermometers and electrodes patterned on two adjacent SiNx membranes. A nanowire was suspended between the two membranes, and electrical contact between the nanowire and the platinum electrodes was made with the evaporation of a Ni/Pd film through a shadow mask. The exposed back side of the device substrate allows for characterization of the crystal structure of the suspended nanowire with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) following measurement. The 100-200 nm diameter zincblende (ZB) InAs nanowire samples were grown with randomly spaced twin defects, stacking faults, or phases boundaries perpendicular to the nanowire growth direction, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Compared to single-crystal ZB InAs nanowires with a similar lateral dimension, the thermal conductivity of the defect-engineered nanowires is reduced by fifty percent at room temperature.
A new species of Sclerocephalus (Temnospondyli: Stereospondylomorpha) from the early Permian of the Boskovice Basin (Czech Republic)
Authors: Klembara Jozef , Steyer J. Sébastien
Published: February 2012

A new species of the temnospondyl tetrapod, Sclerocephalus stambergi n. sp., is described from the early Permian deposits of the Boskovice Basin in Moravia (Czech Republic). The length of the skull of the only known specimen is about 50 mm. Characters including the well-ossified quadrate, septomaxilla and scapulocoracoid, presence of the maxilla-nasal suture and a free posterolateral margin of the supratemporal suggest an early adult age. This new species of Sclerocephalus is distinguished from the others on the basis of the following characters: nasal and maxillary processes of the premaxilla of equal width; absence of the alary process of the premaxilla; distinct pointed process on the lacrimal between the maxilla and jugal; narrow interclavicle; and very peculiar tabular presenting a quadrangular, plate-like process extending from its posterolateral portion, an almost right angle between its lateral and posterior margins, and a long posteromedial process. The new species represents the smallest and possibly the most basal Sclerocephalus species. The specimen described here sheds new light on the anatomy and taxonomy of Sclerocephalus. It completes the biodiversity of the tetrapod fauna from the Boskovice Basin, and our knowledge on the evolution of the European Paleozoic temnospondyls.
Frequency of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus at Collaborating Centers Based on IADPSG Consensus Panel–Recommended Criteria
Authors: Sacks David A. , Hadden David R. , Maresh Michael , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Dyer Alan R. , Metzger Boyd E. , Lowe Lynn P. , Coustan Donald R. , Hod Moshe , Oats Jeremy J.N. , Persson Bengt , Trimble Elisabeth R. ,   for the HAPO Study Cooperative Research Group
Published: February 2012

OBJECTIVE

To report frequencies of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among the 15 centers that participated in the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcome (HAPO) Study using the new International Association of the Diabetes and Pregnancy Study Groups (IADPSG) criteria.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

All participants underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 32 weeks’ gestation. GDM was retrospectively classified using the IADPSG criteria (one or more fasting, 1-h, or 2-h plasma glucose concentrations equal to or greater than threshold values of 5.1, 10.0, or 8.5 mmol/L, respectively).

RESULTS

Overall frequency of GDM was 17.8% (range 9.3–25.5%). There was substantial center-to-center variation in which glucose measures met diagnostic thresholds.

CONCLUSIONS

Although the new diagnostic criteria for GDM apply globally, center-to-center differences occur in GDM frequency and relative diagnostic importance of fasting, 1-h, and 2-h glucose levels. This may impact strategies used for the diagnosis of GDM.
Hypergraphs with large transversal number and with edge sizes at least four
Authors: Henning Michael , Löwenstein Christian
Published: February 2012

Let H be a hypergraph on n vertices and m edges with all edges of size at least four. The transversal number τ(H) of H is the minimum number of vertices that intersect every edge. Lai and Chang [An upper bound for the transversal numbers of 4-uniform hypergraphs, J. Combin. Theory Ser. B, 1990, 50(1), 129–133] proved that τ(H) ≤ 2(n+m)/9, while Chvátal and McDiarmid [Small transversals in hypergraphs, Combinatorica, 1992, 12(1), 19–26] proved that τ(H) ≤ (n + 2m)/6. In this paper, we characterize the connected hypergraphs that achieve equality in the Lai-Chang bound and in the Chvátal-McDiarmid bound.
Transportation Mode Choice Analysis Based on Classification Methods
Authors: Zenina Nadezda , Borisov Arkady
Published: February 2012

Transportation Mode Choice Analysis Based on Classification Methods

Mode choice analysis has received the most attention among discrete choice problems in travel behavior literature. Most traditional mode choice models are based on the principle of random utility maximization derived from econometric theory. This paper investigates performance of mode choice analysis with classification methods - decision trees, discriminant analysis and multinomial logit. Experimental results have demonstrated satisfactory quality of classification.
The Business School in the Corporation of Higher Learning in the USA
Authors: Kemp Robert
Published: February 2012

The Business School in the Corporation of Higher Learning in the USA

In The Higher Learning in America, Veblen speculated on the prospects of the schools of commerce within the American university. Specifically he postulated that (a) instruction in the field of commercial training may all into a more rigidly drawn curriculum, that diverges from the ways of scientific inquiry (b) the college of commerce would divert funds from legitimate university uses, (c) create a bias hostile to scholarly and scientific work and (d) train graduates who would have better skills to predate on the community. The Higher Learning in America is an extension of his economics and was meant to be a warning about the cumulative effect of the conduct of universities by business principles. This paper summarizes the Veblenian approach used to question the legitimacy of the business school in the modern university. The goal is to promote a re-consideration of the role of the business school with respect to a Veblenian analysis.
In Vitro Production Of Goat Embryos In Bangladesh
Authors: Mondal A , Khandoker MAMY , Mondal MA , Rahman AHMS , Apu AS , Pervage S
Published: February 2012

The present study was undertaken to collect the quality cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) from ovaries of goat from slaughterhouse by aspiration to establish the suitable culture condition for in vitro maturation (IVM), in vitro fertilization (IVF) and in vitro culture (IVC). Follicular COCs were collected from follicles of 2-6 mm diameter, categorized by microscopic observation and cultured for 22 h in TCM-199 medium supplemented with 5% fetal calf serum (FCS) to determine the success rate of in vitro maturation in a condition of 5% CO2 in air at 38.5°C. The collected ovaries were classified as type-I (corpus luteum absent) and type-II (corpus luteum present). The average numbers of follicles aspirated per ovary were 3.15 and 2.57 in type-I and type-II, respectively. The collected COCs were classified into normal COCs (grade A and B) and abnormal COCs (grade C and D). The number of normal and abnormal COCs collected from two type of ovaries were significantly (P<0.01) differed. Average number of normal COCs per ovary obtained from type-I (1.30) was significantly (P<0.01) higher than that of type-II (0.68). Within the normal COCs significantly (P<0.01) higher maturation was obtained in grade A COCs (71.70%) than that of grade B (51.52%). The matured COCs were cultured for 5 h with fresh buck semen in Brackett and Oliphant (BO) medium and assumed that the COCs were fertilized successfully. In progress, IVC was practiced in TCM-199 supplemented with FCS and bovine serum albumen (BSA) at 38.5°C with 5% CO2 for 6-7 days. The rate of development to compact morula was found significantly (P<0.01) higher in grade A (25.64%) compared to grade B COCs (6.89%) and similar trend of blastocyst was found in grade A COCs (12.82%) than that of grade of B (3.45%). The results suggested that culture condition for IVM, IVF and IVC was found optimum and grade A COCs might be suitable for in vitro production (IVP) of goat embryos.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i1.9859 BJAS 2008; 37(1): 1-9
Supplementation Of Concentrate With Different Levels Of Protein On Nutrient Intake, Digestibility And Growth Of Red Chittagong Heifers
Authors: Barua S , Khan MJ , Bhuiyan AKFH , Islam MN , Islam SS
Published: February 2012

The study was undertaken to investigate the effects of concentrate supplementation with different protein levels on intake, digestibility and growth performance of Red Chittagong (RC) heifers fed urea molasses straw (UMS) based diet. Twelve RC heifers having average live weight of 124.83±43.15 kg and aged between 8 to 14 months were selected for 90 days feeding trial. Animals were divided into four groups having three animals in each and were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a Randomized Block Design (RBD). The experimental diets were formulated using urea molasses straw (UMS), German grass (Echinochloa grousgalli) with or without concentrate mix (having different levels of protein). All the animals received UMS ad libitum and German grass at the rate of 20% of total DM intake. In addition to UMS and German grass of control diet T0, animals on diets T1, T2 and T3 were supplied with concentrate mixture at the rate of 10% of DM intake containing 15, 20 and 25% CP, respectively. Average daily DM intake was 2.65, 3.06, 2.62 and 2.86 kg/100 kg LW for diets T0, T1, T2 and T3, respectively and the difference was non significant (P>0.05). The digestibility of DM, CP, EE, NFE and digestible nutrients (DCP, DEE and DNFE) for diets T1, T2 and T3 was significantly higher than those for diet T0. The daily average liveweight gain of RC heifers fed diets T0, T1, T2 and T3 were 100, 275, 333 and 291 g respectively (P<0.01). Concentrate mixture having 20% crude protein may be supplemented at the rate of 10% of DM intake per day for optimum growth of Red Chittagong heifers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i1.9861 BJAS 2008; 37(1): 10-16
Effect Of Genotype, Age And Season On Hatchability Of Egg
Authors: Islam SS , Hossain MB , Khan MKA
Published: February 2012

The study was conducted to study the effects of genotype and age of hen and hatching season on hatchability of egg. Hatching eggs were collected from hens having three genotypes viz. White Leghorn (WLH), Rhode Island Red (RIR) and Fayoumi covering three age groups (28 to 40, 41 to 60 and 61 weeks & above) at winter, monsoon and summer seasons. The study revealed that the highest (P<0.05) average hatchability was observed in winter (78.62%) followed by monsoon (76.70%) and summer (75.79%). Among different genotypes the highest (P<0.001) hatchability was found in Fayoumi (78.34%) followed by White Leghorn (76.48%) and Rhode Island Red (74.59%). Considering the age of hen, highest (P<0.05) hatchability was found in the age group between 41 to 60 weeks (77.99%) followed by 61 weeks and above (76.49%) and 28 to 40 weeks (75.71%) of age. From the findings it can be concluded that the winter season was suitable for hatching of eggs and the performance of Fayoumi hen was better in terms of hatchability of egg. On the other hand, the age of hen between 41 to 60 weeks was better for producing hatching eggs. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i1.9863 BJAS 2008; 37(1): 17-22
Analysis Of Economic Loss Of Flood Victim Broiler Farms
Authors: Hossain MR , Ali A , Rahman AHMS , Apu AS
Published: February 2012

The present study was carried out to investigate the economic loss of flood victim broiler farms and also to explore the relationship between various independent variables with economic loss of flood victim broiler farms (dependent variable). The independent variables were considered as education, family size, occupation, farm size, feed sources, types of vaccine and medicine used and marketing place of broiler. Data were collected through interview schedule from 43 broiler farmers at 6 upazila of Netrokona district after flood. Most of the farmers were between 30-40 years of age and had small sized (3-6) family depending mainly on combined agriculture and poultry husbandry. They had small sized farms (500-1000 birds/ farm). They did not use any vaccine but use Antibiotic + Antifungal as medicine in case of disease. According to three-fourth of the farmers, the mortality rate of the broilers were within 1-100 nos. Marketable age of broiler was mostly 23-27 days and most of the farmers sold their broiler to the local market. During natural calamities, the price of chick, feed and transportation cost were suddenly increased. Majority of the farmers had to buy their chicks and feeds at a higher cost (2.0-2.9 Tk. more/chick; 0.6 Tk. more/kg feed) after the flood. They faced a loss of 13 Tk.. and above per kg broiler. The overall analysis also indicated that about half of the farms (51.2%) faced high economic loss (1500 Tk. and above) due to flood. From the various correlation analysis, it was revealed that family size, occupation, feed sources and types of vaccine used had no significant relationship but education, farm size, types of medicine and marketing place of broiler had significant (P<0.01) and negative correlation with economic loss of flood victim broiler farms. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i1.9864 BJAS 2008; 37(1): 23-31
Effect Of Age And Wholesale Cuts On The Quality Of Indigenous Sheep Carcass
Authors: Hamid MA , Akhter S , Rahman SME , Khan M
Published: February 2012

The study was conducted to investigate the nutritive value and microbial status of different wholesale cuts of sheep carcass. The meat sample was obtained from 3 sheep. The ages of sheep were approximately of 1, 2 and 3 years. The wholesale cuts were shoulder, rack, loin and leg of each sheep carcass. The pH, juiciness, chemical composition, total bacteria, coliform bacteria, yeast and mould were studied to assess the quality of meat. The range of pH value were 5.077 - 5.927. The value of juiciness was decreased with the age. The value of dry matter, ash, crude protein, ether extract, calcium and phosphorus content of all samples were ranged from 23.32-30.40%, 0.88-1.027%, 20.50-24.88%, 8.10-12.13%, 0.012-0.038% and 0.048-0.185% respectively. Statistical analysis indicated that the value of pH, juiciness, dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, calcium, phosphorus and yeast (log value) was highly significant (P< 0.01) due to age and cut. Chemical composition, such as dry matter, ash, ether extract and calcium of all the samples increased gradually with the age, except crude protein, which decreased gradually with the age. The phosphorus content of the sample did not differ significantly due to age and cuts. The value of ash content was less significant (P<0.05) due to different cuts but highly significant (P<0.01) due to age. The range of total bacteria and coliform bacteria was 4.210-4.787 and 2.38-3.637/g of sample respectively. The range of yeast was 1.297-2.777/g of sample. Different meat cuts and ages did not show significant difference on total bacteria and coliform bacteria but in case of yeast, the value was highly significant (P<0.01) for the ages and cuts. Nutrient content of mutton varies due to different wholesale cuts as well as age. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i1.9865 BJAS 2008; 37(1): 32-38
Productive And Reproductive Performance Of Indigenous And Crossbred Cattle In Comilla District
Authors: Uddin MK , Wadud A , Begum D , Siddiki MSR , Rashid MH
Published: February 2012

This study was conducted to compare the productive and reproductive performance of indigenous and crossbred cow likely Friesian, Sahiwal and Sindhi cross. A total of 180 dairy cows were selected randomly from four upazilas of Comilla district. It was observed that mean milk yield and lactation length of indigenous, Friesian cross, Sahiwal cross and Sindhi cross were 2.35±0.04, 7.36±0.11, 4.78±0.08 and 4.03±0.05 litre/day and 218.22±8.35, 284.69±1.64, 251.77±3.66 and 259.77±4.91 days respectively. It reveals that the Friesian cross is the best performer in relation to milk production and lactation length. About the reproductive performances it shows that indigenous cows need minimum (1.81±0.048) services per conception. Gestation length was shorter in case of Sahiwal cross (277.64±1.99 days) and it varies within Friesian and Sindhi cross in a short range (278.77±1.38 to 279.31±1.00 days). Calving interval was lower in Friesian crosses (413.77±53.87 days) than its counterparts. Age at puberty was shorter in Friesian cross (662.44±2.52 days). It interprets that Friesian cross was the best performer than other crossbred and indigenous cows in dairy potentialities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjas.v37i1.9866 BJAS 2008; 37(1): 39-43