bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Ornstein-Uhlenbeck potentials for the one-dimensional Schrödinger operator part II: position-dependent drift
Authors: Cambronero V. Santiago
Published: August 2014

We consider the Schrödinger operator on the unit circle, whose potential is an Ornstein – Uhlenbeck type process, with drift depending on its position. We describe the distribution of the periodic groundstate, based on the circular brownian motion measure. The results exposed here, have been mentioned, but not proved, in [7].
Aplicación del método de selección de propuestas a la descomposición de tareas discretas de optimización de gran complejidad
Authors: Arzola Ruiz José , Fiol Zulueta Alberto
Published: August 2014

En el artículo se estudia el método de Selección de Propuestas y su generalización, así como el problema de la organización de estructuras de conciliación de decisiones entre sistemas interelacionados, se brindan enfoques para la conciliación óptima de decisiones entre sistemas organizados en estructuras jerárquicas, coincidentes con los procedimientos de composición de decisiones de las subtareas resultantes de la descomposición de tareas de optimización de gran complejidad y se aplica el método de Selección de Propuestas a la solución de este problema.

La exposición se organiza en las siguientes etapas:

-Tarea de selección de propuestas, su generalización, métodos de solución y esquemas de descomposición de tareas de gran complejidad. -Enfoques para la conciliación de decisiones entre sistemas organizados en diferentes estructuras.
Novel treatment opportunities in Graves’ orbitopathy
Authors: Erdei Annamária , Gazdag Annamária , Bodor Miklós , Berta Eszter , Katkó Mónika , Ujhelyi Bernadett , Steiber Zita , Győry Ferenc , Urbancsek Hilda , Barna Sándor , Galuska László , Nagy V. Endre
Published: August 2014

Graves’ orbitopathy is the most common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves’ disease. Up to now, curative treatment modalities for the most severe sight-threatening cases have not been developed. Here the authors summarize the treatment protocol of Graves’ orbitopathy and review novel therapeutic options. They review the literature on this topic and present their own clinical experience. The authors point out that anti-CD20 antibody could positively influence the clinical course of Graves’ orbitopathy. Selenium is efficient in mild cases. Further prospective investigations are warranted. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(33), 1295–1300.
Insulin-like growth factor-II secreting prostate tumour causing severe hypoglycaemi
Authors: Vadász János , Barta György , Krasznai Géza , Ludger Fink , Zalatnai Attila
Published: August 2014

The authors present a case of an 82-year-old male patient who presented with frequent hypoglycaemia. Four years prior to the current evaluation the patient had been diagnosed with prostate carcinoma; however, he refused surgical treatment. Initial diagnostic tests indicated organic hypoglycaemia with low serum insulin levels. Insulinoma was excluded and further laboratory tests showed reduced serum insulin-like growth factor-II and normal serum chromogranin A levels as well as normal hypophysis and peripheral hormone values. The authors hypothesised that the severe hypoglycaemia might be the consequence of synthesis and secretion of insulin-like growth factor-II (or its prohormone) by the previously diagnosed prostate tumour. Insulin-like growth factor-II and its prohormone directly increases glucose uptake of the tumour, muscle and adipose tissue, decreases glucose release from the liver and downregulates insulin synthesis due to inhibition of the pancreatic beta cells. The patient required continuous intravenous glucose substitution initially with 5%, subsequently with 20% glucose infusion. Administration of other agents resulted only in temporary improvement. Prostatectomy was again considered but then excluded because of the recurrent hypoglycaemia and the poor general condition of the patient. Hypoglycaemia was finally controlled with glucose and diazoxide therapy, but no improvement in the general condition of the patients was observed and the patient deceased. Immunohistochemistry of the prostate sections showed a carcinoma with strong insulin-like growth factor-II staining, suggesting that insulin-like growth factor-II-secreting prostate tumour caused the severe hypoglycaemia. Orv. Hetil., 2014, 155(33), 1319–1324.
Resistance to Cigarette Smoke Is Increased in Periodontal Ligament Cells by Attachment to Collagen and Fibronectin
Authors: Lallier Thomas E. , Maturin Erin , Brady Matt , Stoute Diana , Ward Tyrous
Published: August 2014

Background: The toxic effects of cigarette smoke often presents in smokers as increased incidence and severity of periodontal disease. These patients demonstrate symptomatic inflammation, increased probing depth, and tooth loss likely attributable to the direct effects of cigarette smoke on periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. The goal of this in vitro study is to investigate the direct effects of smoking on PDL fibroblasts, focusing on cell–extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions and cell survival.

Methods: PDL cells were plated for various times on tissue culture plastic, PDL‐derived ECMs, collagen Type I, or fibronectin. Cells were exposed to various concentrations of cigarette smoke extract (CSE) at different times during the cell attachment process. Subsequently, cell survival was quantified using calcein‐acetoxymethyl ester compound and a fluorescent plate reader.

Results: After exposure to CSE, PDL cell survival increased with increased cell attachment time to plastic. These observations were independent of soluble factors present in PDL cell–conditioned media. PDL‐derived ECMs and collagen Type I–pretreated plates promoted increased cell survival after 1 day of cell attachment. Fibronectin‐pretreated plates demonstrated increased cell survival after 3 days of cell attachment.

Conclusions: Cell–ECM interactions increase survival of PDL cells exposed to CSE. It is suggested that the increased survival is attributable to PDL cells altering their ECM, potentially by depositing collagen and fibronectin. This may imply that cells embedded in an ECM would be more resistant to the toxic effects of cigarette smoke, leading to increased cell death near the exposed edges of a wound.
Effects of Statewide Job Losses on Adolescent Suicide-Related Behaviors
Authors: Gassman-Pines Anna , Ananat Elizabeth Oltmans , Gibson-Davis Christina M.
Published: August 2014

Objectives. We investigated the impact of statewide job loss on adolescent suicide-related behaviors.

Methods. We used 1997 to 2009 data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey and the Bureau of Labor Statistics to estimate the effects of statewide job loss on adolescents’ suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide plans. Probit regression models controlled for demographic characteristics, state of residence, and year; samples were divided according to gender and race/ethnicity.

Results. Statewide job losses during the year preceding the survey increased girls’ probability of suicidal ideation and suicide plans and non-Hispanic Black adolescents’ probability of suicidal ideation, suicide plans, and suicide attempts. Job losses among 1% of a state’s working-age population increased the probability of girls and Blacks reporting suicide-related behaviors by 2 to 3 percentage points. Job losses did not affect the suicide-related behaviors of boys, non-Hispanic Whites, or Hispanics. The results were robust to the inclusion of other state economic characteristics.

Conclusions. As are adults, adolescents are affected by economic downturns. Our findings show that statewide job loss increases adolescent girls’ and non-Hispanic Blacks’ suicide-related behaviors.
The Emergence of a New Rule of Customary Law: An Experimental Contribution
Authors: Engel Christoph
Published: August 2014

For most legal rules, an evolutionary perspective may be elucidating. Yet it would be hard to claim that otherwise one misses the essence of the rule-making procedure. This paper uses experimental data to show that customary law is different. While some doctrinal concepts of this source of law try to freeze the resulting rule, and to isolate it from the process of rule generation, Maurice Mendelson (in a 1998 paper in ‘Recueil des Cours’) forcefully argues that this conceptualization misses the very difference between statutory (treaty-based) and customary international law. Consequently, he also challenges the conventional claim that for a new rule of customary law to originate, two conditions must be met: there must be consistent practice, and it must be shown that this practice is motivated by the belief that such behavior is required in law. Mendelson claims that this doctrine misses the fundamentally incomplete nature of public international law. He claims that a new rule emerges when mere practice leads to convergent expectations. This paper uses data from public good experiments to back Mendelson’s theory. This evidence demonstrates that behavior converges even absent verbal communication; that convergence is guided by mean contributions in the previous round, which serve as an implicit norm; that free-riding on this implicit norm is regarded as illegitimate; that cooperation can be stabilized at a high level if the functional equivalent of what public international lawyers call “reprisals” are permitted. Hence the mechanism of norm formation proposed by Maurice Mendelson is fully borne out by the experimental data.
Is Law a Parasite? An Evolutionary Explanation of Differences among Legal Traditions
Authors: Smits Jan M.
Published: August 2014

One of the most salient characteristics of law is that it can be seen as a tradition: law is passed on from one generation to another and, even though profound changes in the law may occur over time, its development is usually seen as a continuous one. Thus, in The Common Law, Oliver Wendell Holmes states that “‘the law embodies the story of a nation’s development through many centuries (...).” Alan Watson also emphasizes the extraordinary persistence of rules by noting that similar rules have been transplanted from one society to another. This paper seeks to explain differences among legal traditions by applying a specific evolutionary framework. This framework is based on ‘symbiosism,’ a Darwinian theory developed by linguists to explain the origins and development of language. The basis for this theory is that language is an organism residing in the human brain and therefore a memetic life form. In this respect, interesting parallels can be drawn between language and law. This theory can be used to help explain differences among jurisdictions, in particular why it is that these differences continue to exist over time.
Bio-Legal History, Dual Inheritance Theory and Naturalistic Comparative Law: On Content and Context Biases in Legal Evolution
Authors: Du Laing Bart
Published: August 2014

In this article, I take a closer look at what contemporary evolutionary approaches to human behavior and culture could have to offer comparative legal theory. I shall argue that these contemporary evolutionary approaches have reached a sufficient level of both sophistication and agreement to warrant their cautious re-inclusion into comparative legal theory. The article is structured as follows. In the first section I will introduce the concept of “bio-legal histories” as a new, but possibly better, variant – inspired by evolutionary psychology – of the much older idea that the “psychic unity of humankind” leads to “universal comparative law.” The contemporary evolutionary approaches to human behavior (and culture) underlying these views – evolutionary psychology and cultural epidemiology – will then be contrasted to dual inheritance theory – a contemporary evolutionary approach to human behavior that is, I believe, better geared towards understanding the mechanisms leading to cultural diversity. I aim to show that the differences between these approaches and their counterparts in the comparative law literature are in large part due to their differing views on the relative likely importance of two different classes of cultural evolutionary forces: content-based biases and context-based biases. This will also allow me to express some doubts as regards memetic approaches to (comparative) law and the application of Generalized Darwinism to evolutionary economics. Finally, some possible implications of the dual inheritance theoretical approach for comparative law are briefly discussed.
Evolutionary Theories in Law and Economics and Their Use for Comparative Legal Theory
Authors: von Wangenheim Georg
Published: August 2014

Evolutionary Law and Economics explains how law evolves in possibly path dependent ways. The theory therefore seems apt to help comparative legal theory in understanding and evaluating legal variation across jurisdictions. This paper reviews evolutionary approaches in Law and Economics to study in a more precise way whether and how different strands of the approach may be useful for the comparative lawyer.
When "Stuff Happens" Isn't Enough: How An Evolutionary Theory of Doctrinal and Legal System Development Can Enrich Comparative Legal Studies
Authors: Goodenough Oliver R.
Published: August 2014

Comparative legal scholarship will benefit from better explanations of legal development. While the complications of legal systems are a challenge for cause and effect stories, evolutionary theory offers a powerful, yet relatively simple, set of explanatory principles that can be appropriately applied to both doctrinal topics and legal systems as a whole. The necessary starting point for an evolutionary analysis is to examine the three core components of evolution: descent, variation, and selection. Engaging these topics and developing good descriptions for each of them for the targeted system can be very helpful in providing good explanations to the “why” questions of comparative law analysis.
Comparison of chronic low-dose effects of alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides on marine bacteria
Authors: Selivanova M. , Rozhko T. , Devyatlovskaya A. , Kudryasheva N.
Published: August 2014

Effects of Americium-241 (241Am), alpha-emitting radionuclide of high specific radioactivity, and tritium (3H), beta-emitting radionuclide, on luminous bacteria Photobacterium phosphoreum were compared. Bioluminescence intensity served as a marker of bacterial physiological activity. Three successive stages in the bioluminescence response to 241Am and 3H were found under conditions of lowdose irradiation: (1) absence of effects, (2) activation, and (3) inhibition. They were interpreted in terms of bacterial response to stressfactor as stress recognition, adaptive response/syndrome, and suppression of physiological function (i.e. radiation toxicity). Times of bioluminescence activation (TBA) and inhibition (TBI) were suggested as parameters to characterize hormesis and toxic stages in a course of chronic low-dose irradiation of the microorganisms. Values of TBA and TBI of 241Am were shorter than those of 3H, revealing higher impact of alpha-irradiation (as compared to beta-irradiation) under comparable radiation doses. Increases of peroxide concentration and NADH oxidation rates in 241Am aquatic solutions were demonstrated; these were not found in tritiated water. The results reveal a biological role of reactive oxygen species generated in water solutions as secondary products of the radioactive decay. The study provides a scientific basis for elaboration of bioluminescence-based assay to monitor radiotoxicity of alpha- and beta-emitting radionuclides in aquatic solutions.
Direct versus indirect radiation action in irradiated vegetal embryos
Authors: Vochita Gabriela , Focea-Ghioc Ramona , Creanga Dorina
Published: August 2014

Maize is one of model plants useful for genetic investigations and also very important for its agrotechnical utilizations. Here the genotoxic effects of low dose X-rays and accelerated electrons in maize caryopses was carried out with focus on the influence of water content at the moment of seed irradiation. X-ray photon beam as well as accelerated electrons were provided with 2.40 Gy min−1 dose rate. Pre-soaked and dry maize caryopses were irradiated with 0.5–3.0–6.0 Gy. Cytogenetic investigations were carried out based on microscope observations of chromosomes stained by Feulgen method. The mitotic index was found diminished in hydrated samples indicating the negative influence of indirect effects of water radicals. As known the water radiolysis release free radicals that attack biomolecules in addition to the directly absorbed radiation impact. Slight positive influence of 0.5 Gy radiation dose on cell division was evidenced. Chromosomal aberrations were identified like: vagrand chromosomes, C-metaphases, picnotic chromosomes, chromatide bridges. General tendency of aberrant mitoses enhancing was recorded in watered samples — with up to the twice increase for 6.0 Gy radiation dose. The results evidenced the hydration role in monitoring cytogenetic effects of low dose radiations in plant systems -with possible biotechnological applications.
Influence of ultrahigh frequency irradiation on Photobacterium phosphoreum luxb gene expression
Authors: Zelena Liubov , Gretsky Igor , Gromozova Elena
Published: August 2014

Continuous increase in the number and the variety of anthropogenic sources of electromagnetic radiation causes a high interest in studying the effects ultrahigh frequency on living organisms. In the present research influence of UHF EMR (15 W, 2.45 GHz) for 5 and 15 min on morphological and genetic peculiarities of Photobacterium phosphoreum colonies was studied. It has been revealed that UHF EMR affected colony growth parameters, induced transcriptional activity of luciferase encoding gene expression and that the effect was depended on exposure duration. The subsequent cultivation of bacteria during a two week period after treatment showed maintaining of the increased luxb mRNA level in irradiated colonies. Opposite bacterial stress responses were detected to UHF EMR and elevated temperature treatments that assumed UHF EMR comprised of not only thermal but specific component of non-thermal nature.
Foleyellides rhinellae sp. nov. (Nematoda, Onchocercidae) a new filaria parasitizing Rhinella marina (Anura, Bufonidae) in Mexico
Authors: García-Prieto Luis , Ruiz-Torres Nallely , Osorio-Sarabia David , Merlo-Serna Aldo
Published: August 2014

A new nematode species, Foleyellides rhinellae sp. nov. (Onchocercidae), is described from specimens found in the body cavity of the cane toad, Rhinella marina (Linnaeus) (Anura, Bufonidae), in the Laguna de Coyuca, Guerrero, in the Pacific slope of Mexico. The new species differs from the other nine species of Foleyellides by infecting bufonid anurans and by the number and arrangement of caudal papillae. Other distinguishing feature of the new species is the size of the left spicule (0.16–0.23 long), the smallest recorded among the species included in the genus. Foleyellides rhinellae sp. nov. is the second known species of the genus recorded from amphibians of Mexico.
Simple shelter-style environmental enrichment alters behavior in mice
Authors: Coke-Murphy Casey , Buendia Matthew , Saborido Tommy , Stanwood Gregg
Published: August 2014

Environmental enrichment aims to improve the well-being of laboratory animals and provides an opportunity to improve experimental reliability and validity. Animals raised in more stimulating environments have improved learning and memory as well as more complex brain architecture. However, the effects of environmental enrichment on motor performance, anxiety and emotional development have been poorly studied. Moreover, most investigators studying the effects of enrichment provide extremely large and complex housing conditions to maximize the likelihood of finding effects. These situations are difficult to replicate across animal facilities and are not operationally practical. In this experiment, we investigated how simple, inexpensive disposable shelterstyle enrichment items alter behavior in C57Bl/6 and 129S6 mice. Breeding pairs were established in the presence of a Ketchum “Refuge”, Shepherd Shack “Dome”, or no enrichment. Offspring were assessed neurobehaviorally, either just after weaning (pre-adolescent, P22–P25), or as young adults (P60–P90). Major strain differences were observed in open field activity, elevated maze exploration, and Y-maze activity levels. The presence of the Refuge and/or Dome enrichment shelters significantly altered motor activity, coordination and some measures of anxiety. Mice housed in the presence of shelters were also less dominant than control mice in a tube test assay. Our experiments provide a detailed analysis of the effects of inexpensive and practical methods of housing enrichment on biobehavioral phenotypes in these two commonly used strains of laboratory mice, and suggest that the effects of these shelters on mouse neurobiology and behavior need to be rigorously analyzed before being adopted within vivariums.
Structural Analysis Examining the Mold Deformation Behavior for the Detection of the Flash in the Injection Mold
Authors: Choi J. H. , Pyo B. G. , Tae J. S. , Park H. P. , Rhee B. O.
Published: August 2014

Flash known as burr is defined as additional resin filling a gap between parted surfaces. It is caused by mold deformation from excessive cavity pressure. In our previous research, there had been attempts to detect the occurrence of the flash using the contact-pressure-sensor which was developed. Although the sensor showed a reliable response of mold deformation, the sensor alone could not tell us the exact occurrence of flash. In order to understand response of the sensor, a structural analysis in conjunction with a molding analysis was carried out. In the analysis, the platens of an injection molding machine were included in the model to accurately implement deformation of the mold. We found that the trend of strain predicted by the CAE analysis was similar to the measured one although the strain value was not comparable. We examined the stress at the parting edge and found that the most probable moment for the flash occurrence appeared when the z-axis stress was closed to zero value.
Effects of Cyperin 10 EC and Neem extract on pollinator abundance, fruit setting and quality of mango
Authors: Mohan S , Nahar N , Ahmed KS
Published: August 2014

Effects of cyperin 10 EC and neem extract on pollinators, fruit setting and fruit quality of mango was investigated. Number of pollinators visited mango inflorescences was higher in morning in comparison to noon and afternoon. In control plants, average 25.67 pollinators visited within 30 minutes which was higher than cyperin 10 EC (20.00) and neem extract treated (24.34) plants. The pollinators were under the order Hymenoptera (26.31%), Diptera (52.42%), Odonata (5.26%) and unidentified (10.53%). Bloomed and fertilized flowers were lower in cyperin treated plants than neem treated and control plants. Highest average fruit weight was obtained from neem treated plants, whereas cyperin treated plants gave lowest percentage of infested fruit and control plants gave highest percentage of deformed fruit. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i2.19861 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(2): 189-192, 2013
Histopathological identification of aspergillosis in animals at Dhaka Zoo
Authors: Ahasan SA , Chowdhury EH , Rahman MM , Rahman MA
Published: August 2014

Dhaka Zoo with 2000 animal heads of 184 species from significant genetic diversity and five million visitors influx round the year is placing it a public health important spot. This study was conducted to investigate aspergillosis in animals at Dhaka Zoo to ascertain animal health, welfare and public health safety standard. One hundred and two necropsied tissue samples preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin at necropsy from 36 animals of 25 different species were collected from Dhaka Zoo. Twenty five out of 36 study animals were suffering from granulomatous diseases. Among them 13 animals were suffering from Aspergillosis. Clinical history, nodular lesions from necropsy findings, granulomatous reactions along with fungal spores and characteristic radiating club on histopathology; dichotomously branching septate hyphae and mycelial conidiophore on special staining were revealed Aspergillosis in 13 animals of nine species that includes four rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), two samber deer (Cervus unicolor) and one of each species were nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), horse (Equus caballus), stripped hyena (Hyena hyena), gayal (Bos frontalis), beisa oryx (Oryx beisa beisa), water buck (Kobus L. leche) and greater kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros). Present study provides evidence of existing Aspergillosis and similar long standing zoonotic diseases in majority of rest of the animals with health risk that shades health safety standard at Dhaka Zoo. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i2.19924 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(2): 265-270, 2013
Marketing channel, margin, and price behavior of egg in selected areas of Gazipur district
Authors: Omar MI , Sabur SA , Moniruzzaman M , Hoq MS
Published: August 2014

The present study was undertaken to examine the marketing channel, marketing margin, seasonal price variation, problems and probable solutions of egg marketing in Gazipur district. The sample size of the study was 55 which included 15 layer farm owners and 40 egg traders selected purposively. Data were collected from both primary and secondary sources. In egg marketing system five different channels were identified. The average marketing costs for layer farm owner, arathder, wholesaler, wholesaler cum retailer and retailer were Tk. 3.23, Tk. 20.60, Tk.16.34, Tk.13.09 and Tk. 12.51 per 100 eggs, respectively. The net marketing margins for arathder, wholesaler, wholesaler cum retailer and retailer were estimated at Tk. 9.40, Tk.13.60, Tk. 21.91 and Tk. 32.50. Price was the highest in the month of July and lowest in the month of December. There was a wide seasonal price variation of egg in the selected markets due to change in demand and supply at different times of the year. The study identified some problems of layer farming and marketing of egg, and suggested measures for solving these problems. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i2.19926 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(2): 277-284, 2013
Wind turbine monitoring system using wireless sensor networks
Authors: Bhuiyan MM , Billah MM
Published: August 2014

Wireless sensor networks can be used in wind farm monitoring where periodic data collection about the sound generated inside the farm as well as detection and monitoring of faulty wind turbines is necessary. Periodic sound data collection requires reliability while faults detection necessitates timeliness. Simultaneous data gathering and faults monitoring was not well studied in literature. This paper proposed a system model that worked on homogeneous data gathering Wireless sensor networks deployed in wind farms. When a wind turbine became faulty, a cluster with a different transmission channel around that wind turbine was formed and both periodic sound data gathering and faults monitoring were performed at the same time. The proposed model had a novel routing strategy with a built-in congestion control technique to provide timely delivery of faults data. Experimental results show that the proposed method performed better than known similar techniques in terms of reliable data gathering and reliable timely faults monitoring. Due to lower number of high power transmissions, the proposed method had 8% to 17% higher success rate of regular system and 94% of accuracy at the fault monitoring. In terms of timely faults detection and notification, this method had a comparative performance to the existing methods. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i2.19936 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(2): 321-330, 2013
Development of protein enriched shrimp croquette from shrimp industry wastes
Authors: Khan M , Rahman ML , Rahman ML , Alam AKM Nowsad
Published: August 2014

Protein fortified and tasty shrimp croquette was developed from different component parts of shrimp wastes by using a combination of vegetables (potato, Colocasia, green banana, green papaya and spinach), spices (green chili, onion, garlic, turmeric, red pepper and ginger) and other ingredients (salt, wheat flour, egg, sugar and milk powder). The ingredients were mixed with variable quantities of shrimp shell powder (3, 5 and 10%), shaped and covered with egg and bread crumb. Proximate composition of shrimp shell powder (SSP) and shrimp croquette was determined as crude protein, crude lipid, ash and moisture. It was observed that the SSP contained 47.48±0.74% crude protein indicating its potentiality as a good protein source for the food industry. The lipid content of SSP was 10.50±0.71% and 19.61±0.64%. When SSP was used in the croquette, protein content increased with the higher levels of SSP. The final protein content found were 7.22±0.66, 9.39±0.37 and 11.73±0.61% in the croquettes added with 3, 5 and 10% SSP, respectively. The suggested recipes containing 5% SSP were preferred by the panelists on the basis of their overall quality. Sensory, chemical and microbiological quality changes of shrimp croquette were determined to evaluate the shelf life and storage stability under different storage conditions. At room temperature shelf life of shrimp croquette was very short, in fact not more than 24 hours. On the other hand, at refrigeration temperature it remained in good condition up to 10 days. At frozen storage it remained in good condition for 1 month. The research reveals that good quality protein fortified shrimp croquette could be manufactured from shrimp shell wastes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i2.19937 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(2): 331-340, 2013
Isolation and identification of Aeromonas hydrophila from silver carp and its culture environment from Mymensingh region
Authors: Rashid M Mamnur , Hossain MS , Ali MF
Published: August 2014

The pathogenic bacteria, Aeromonas hydrophila from naturally infected silver carp, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix were isolated and identified from a fish farm in Mymensingh. Fish showed motile Aeromonas septicemia (MAS) like reddish head and anal region, pale body colour and external haemorrhages. Intestine, liver, kidney and environmental samples such as sediment, feed and water were inoculated onto the Aeromonas isolation medium (AIM) and TSA plates. The AIM colonies were undergone specific characterization for Aeromonas hydrophila. Quantitative studies of bacterial flora of fish on TSA plates showed that the total bacterial load in intestine, liver and kidney of the sampled fish, sediment, feed and water of the environment were 1.00 × 105 to 1.50 × 105 CFU/g, 2.7 × 102 to 4.46 × 104 CFU/g, 1.00 × 103 to 2.17 × 103 CFU/g, 1.90 × 104 CFU/g, 4.10 × 103 CFU/g and 2.50 × 103 CFU/ml, respectively. After isolation, A. hydrophila was finally identified by their specific morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics. They were gram negative, rod shaped, motile bacteria that showed positive reaction for oxidase and catalase, fermented glucose and were resistant to vibriostatic agent 0/129. They showed positive result in esculin hydrolysis test. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v11i2.19943 J. Bangladesh Agril. Univ. 11(2): 373-376, 2013
Noise Reduction Properties of an Experimental Bituminous Slurry with Crumb Rubber Incorporated by the Dry Process
Authors: Bueno Moisés , Luong Jeanne , Terán Fernando , Viñuela Urbano , Vázquez Víctor , Paje Santiago
Published: August 2014

Nowadays, cold technology for asphalt pavement in the field of road construction is considered as an alternative solution to conventional procedures from both an economic and environmental point of view. Among these techniques, bituminous slurry surfacing is obtaining an important role due to the properties of the obtained wearing course. The functional performance of this type of surfaces is directly related to its rough texture. Nevertheless, this parameter has a significant influence on the tire/road noise generation. To reduce this undesirable effect on the sound performance, new designs of elastic bituminous slurries have been developed. Within the FENIX project, this work presents the acoustical characterization of an experimental bituminous slurry with crumb rubber from wasted automobile tires incorporated by the dry process. The obtained results show that, under controlled operational parameters, the close proximity sound levels associated to the experimental slurry are considerably lower than those emitted by a conventional slurry wearing course. However, after one year of supporting traffic loads and different weather conditions, the evaluated bituminous slurry, although it conserves the original noise reduction properties in relation to the conventional one, noticeably increases the generated sound emission. Therefore, it is required to continue improving the design of experimental surfaces in order to enhance its long-term performance.
Theoretical Study of the Transpore Velocity Control of Single-Stranded DNA
Authors: Qian Weixin , Doi Kentaro , Uehara Satoshi , Morita Kaito , Kawano Satoyuki
Published: August 2014

The electrokinetic transport dynamics of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) molecules have recently attracted significant attention in various fields of research. Our group is interested in the detailed examination of the behavior of DNA when confined in micro/nanofluidic channels. In the present study, the translocation mechanism of a DNA-like polymer chain in a nanofluidic channel was investigated using Langevin dynamics simulations. A coarse-grained bead-spring model was developed to simulate the dynamics of a long polymer chain passing through a rectangular cross-section nanopore embedded in a nanochannel, under the influence of a nonuniform electric field. Varying the cross-sectional area of the nanopore was found to allow optimization of the translocation process through modification of the electric field in the flow channel, since a drastic drop in the electric potential at the nanopore was induced by changing the cross-section. Furthermore, the configuration of the polymer chain in the nanopore was observed to determine its translocation velocity. The competition between the strength of the electric field and confinement in the small pore produces various transport mechanisms and the results of this study thus represent a means of optimizing the design of nanofluidic devices for single molecule detection.
Recovery of Flavonoids from Orange Press Liquor by an Integrated Membrane Process
Authors: Cassano Alfredo , Conidi Carmela , Ruby-Figueroa René
Published: August 2014

Orange press liquor is a by-product generated by the citrus processing industry containing huge amounts of natural phenolic compounds with recognized antioxidant activity. In this work, an integrated membrane process for the recovery of flavonoids from orange press liquors was investigated on a laboratory scale. The liquor was previously clarified by ultrafiltration (UF) in selected operating conditions by using hollow fiber polysulfone membranes. Then, the clarified liquor with a total soluble solids (TSS) content of 10 g·100 g−1 was pre-concentrated by nanofiltration (NF) up to 32 g TSS 100 g−1 by using a polyethersulfone spiral-wound membrane. A final concentration step, up to 47 g TSS 100 g−1, was performed by using an osmotic distillation (OD) apparatus equipped with polypropylene hollow fiber membranes. Suspended solids were completely removed in the UF step producing a clarified liquor containing most part of the flavonoids of the original press liquor due to the low rejection of the UF membrane towards these compounds. Flavanones and anthocyanins were highly rejected by the NF membrane, producing a permeate stream with a TSS content of 4.5 g·100 g−1. An increasing of both the flavanones and anthocyanins concentration was observed in the NF retentate by increasing the volume reduction factor (VRF). The final concentration of flavonoids by OD produced a concentrated solution of interest for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications.
Establishment of Glycosaminoglycan Assays for Mucopolysaccharidoses
Authors: Tomatsu Shunji , Shimada Tsutomu , Mason Robert , Montaño Adriana , Kelly Joan , LaMarr William , Kubaski Francyne , Giugliani Roberto , Guha Aratrik , Yasuda Eriko , Mackenzie William , Yamaguchi Seiji , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Orii Tadao
Published: August 2014

Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) are a group of lysosomal storage disorders caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzymes essential for catabolism of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Accumulation of undegraded GAGs results in dysfunction of multiple organs, resulting in distinct clinical manifestations. A range of methods have been developed to measure specific GAGs in various human samples to investigate diagnosis, prognosis, pathogenesis, GAG interaction with other molecules, and monitoring therapeutic efficacy. We established ELISA, liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and an automated high-throughput mass spectrometry (HT-MS/MS) system (RapidFire) to identify epitopes (ELISA) or disaccharides (MS/MS) derived from different GAGs (dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate, and/or chondroitin sulfate). These methods have a high sensitivity and specificity in GAG analysis, applicable to the analysis of blood, urine, tissues, and cells. ELISA is feasible, sensitive, and reproducible with the standard equipment. HT-MS/MS yields higher throughput than conventional LC-MS/MS-based methods while the HT-MS/MS system does not have a chromatographic step and cannot distinguish GAGs with identical molecular weights, leading to a limitation of measurements for some specific GAGs. Here we review the advantages and disadvantages of these methods for measuring GAG levels in biological specimens. We also describe an unexpected secondary elevation of keratan sulfate in patients with MPS that is an indirect consequence of disruption of catabolism of other GAGs.
The Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium — 20 Years of Development and Integration of USA National Land Cover Data
Authors: Wickham James , Homer Collin , Vogelmann James , McKerrow Alexa , Mueller Rick , Herold Nate , Coulston John
Published: August 2014

The Multi-Resolution Land Characteristics (MRLC) Consortium demonstrates the national benefits of USA Federal collaboration. Starting in the mid-1990s as a small group with the straightforward goal of compiling a comprehensive national Landsat dataset that could be used to meet agencies’ needs, MRLC has grown into a group of 10 USA Federal Agencies that coordinate the production of five different products, including the National Land Cover Database (NLCD), the Coastal Change Analysis Program (C-CAP), the Cropland Data Layer (CDL), the Gap Analysis Program (GAP), and the Landscape Fire and Resource Management Planning Tools (LANDFIRE). As a set, the products include almost every aspect of land cover from impervious surface to detailed crop and vegetation types to fire fuel classes. Some products can be used for land cover change assessments because they cover multiple time periods. The MRLC Consortium has become a collaborative forum, where members share research, methodological approaches, and data to produce products using established protocols, and we believe it is a model for the production of integrated land cover products at national to continental scales. We provide a brief overview of each of the main products produced by MRLC and examples of how each product has been used. We follow that with a discussion of the impact of the MRLC program and a brief overview of future plans.
An Ionizing Radiation Sensor Using a Pre-Programmed MAHAOS Device
Authors: Hsieh Wen-Ching , Lee Hao-Tien , Jong Fuh-Cheng
Published: August 2014

Metal-aluminum oxide–hafnium aluminum oxide‒silicon oxide–silicon (hereafter MAHAOS) devices can be candidates for ionizing radiation sensor applications. In this work, MAHAOS devices (SONOS-like structures with high k stack gate dielectric) were studied regarding the first known characterization of the ionization radiation sensing response. The change of threshold voltage VT for a MAHAOS device after gamma ray exposure had a strong correlation to the total ionization dose (TID) of gamma radiation up to at least 5 Mrad TID. In this paper, the gamma radiation response performances of the pre-programmed and virgin (non-pre-programmed) MAHAOS devices are presented. The experimental data show that the change of VT for the pre-programmed MAHAOS device with gamma irradiation is very significant. The data of pre-programmed MAHAOS devices written by 5 Mrad TID of gamma radiation was also stable for a long time with data storage. The sensing of gamma radiation by pre-programmed MAHAOS devices with high k stack gate dielectric reported in this study has demonstrated their potential application for non-volatile ionizing radiation sensing technology in the future.
Taking on the Big Issues and Climbing the Mountains Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities in Asia
Authors: Richardson John
Published: August 2014

At the 2007 International System Dynamics Society Conference, Professor Jay Forrester posed a challenge: “We need books addressed to the public that are understandable, relevant, important and dramatic”. We need to overcome the “constraints of academe” that inhibit path-breaking work. We need to address “the big issues”. We need to march “upward from the present aimless plateau and start climbing the mountains ahead”. This was a message that was intended to inspire and empower, not to criticize. Responding to Professor Forrester’s challenge, this paper first describes the work of three inspiring role models, Dennis Meadows, Junko Edahiro and John Sterman. They have demonstrated how books can have an impact on people’s lives, how “big issues” can be addressed, how the constraints of academe can be overcome and how mountains can be scaled. Second, it offers grounds for optimism about the future of system dynamics modeling in Asia, gained from my sojourn at the National University of Singapore. Third, it describes three “mountains ahead” to be scaled and highlights the work of individuals who have already begun the journey.
Flood Damage Modeling on the Basis of Urban Structure Mapping Using High-Resolution Remote Sensing Data
Authors: Gerl Tina , Bochow Mathias , Kreibich Heidi
Published: August 2014

The modeling of flood damage is an important component for risk analyses, which are the basis for risk-oriented flood management, risk mapping, and financial appraisals. An automatic urban structure type mapping approach was applied on a land use/land cover classification generated from multispectral Ikonos data and LiDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data in order to provide spatially detailed information about the building stock of the case study area of Dresden, Germany. The multi-parameter damage models FLEMOps (Flood Loss Estimation Model for the private sector) and regression-tree models have been adapted to the information derived from remote sensing data and were applied on the basis of the urban structure map. To evaluate this approach, which is suitable for risk analyses, as well as for post-disaster event analyses, an estimation of the flood losses caused by the Elbe flood in 2002 was undertaken. The urban structure mapping approach delivered a map with a good accuracy of 74% and on this basis modeled flood losses for the Elbe flood in 2002 in Dresden were in the same order of magnitude as official damage data. It has been shown that single-family houses suffered significantly higher damages than other urban structure types. Consequently, information on their specific location might significantly improve damage modeling, which indicates a high potential of remote sensing methods to further improve risk assessments.
Intérêt alimentaire et fourrager des Capparidaceae du Burkina Faso
Authors: Bognounou Ouétian
Published: August 2014

La famille des Capparidaceae compte au Burkina Faso dix-neuf espèces regroupées en huit genres. La presque totalité des représentants de cette famille présente, soit une importance fourragère, soit un intérêt alimentaire pour l'homme. Ces plantes constituent des aliments d'appoint, de cueillette encore appelés aliments de complément. Ceux-ci jouent un rôle non négligeable dans l'alimentation des populations burkinabé.
Dégradation de la forêt, disparition des plantes utiles et nouvelles stratégies chez les Gouro de la République de Côte-d'Ivoire
Authors: Haxaire Claudie
Published: August 2014

The disappearance of the last remaining pockets of the formely protected Zuenula forest in the Ivory Coast, brought about by the extensive bush fires of 1983-84, combined with the invasion of the new secondary environment by Chromolaena odorata, has resulted in the elimination of a number of useful plants and required the adoption of new cash crops. The way the Guro people perceive these events and their causes determines how they go about confronting the resulting changes to their way of life. First of all, they keep control of bush fires by burning the savannah ahead of time (as experts recommend). Secondly, they try to protect some disappearing species. Contrary to expectations, the main lack seems to be the herbaceous plants destroyed by the fires of stifled by Chromolaena. We have noted attemps to climatize these plants to farms or town plots and dependence on the national park for preserving now rare species.
Etude comparative des modifications de la flore et de la végétation ligneuses dans les forêts classées de Koutal et de l'île Kouyong (Centre-Ouest du Sénégal)
Authors: Sambou Bienvenu , Goudiaby Assane , Madsen Jens Elgaard , Bâ Amadou Tidiane
Published: August 2014

The present study compare flora and vegetation of two study sites located nearby each other and characterised by similar biophysical conditions and the same legislation with regard to utilisation. One of the sites, the island of Kouyong, seemingly represents a piece of the original climax forest which has remained almost untouched by man due to religious beliefs in the area. The second site, the forest of Koutal on the mainland, is however strongly influenced by the intervention of man. The woody vegetation of the Kouyong Island is much more dense and diverse than that of Koutal. The degradation of the forest at Koutal is explained by human impact, i.e. exploitation of charcoal, fuel wood, and pasture, along with anthropogenic fire.
Usages, représentations, évolution de la biodiversité chez les Haoussa du Niger
Authors: Luxereau Anne
Published: August 2014

Changes in the environment of the semi-nomadic people of Central Niger has resulted in the visible erosion of natural resources, including soil fertility and non-cultivated plants. Yet a diagnosis must make distinctions between the categories that divide space and the plant kingdom, and which structure rights and uses. Practices show that the current population can be characterized by the syncretism of representations, which is particularly clear in relation to nature. Conservationist attitudes are discretely taking hold. Approaches vary according to the social and economic status of individuals, and no longer patrilinear groups, increasing disparities that might have been only transitory previously. Extremely varied responses have been found to the agricultural crisis. Modern techniques, land ownership, irrigation, and innovation can serve as the basis for individual strategies of social differntiation.