bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on the occurrence of calf diseases in some selected dairy farms of Bangladesh
Authors: Ali Md Showkat , Kabir SM Lutful , Ahmed Jalal Uddin , Juyena Nasrin Sultana , Mojumder Mohammad Liaquat Osman , Hasan Md Jahid
Published: November 2015

The objectives were to investigate the factors (age, sex, breed and season) affecting the occurrence of calf diseases. In this study 497 cases of 0 to 3 months of age from three different farms were investigated. Calf in Savar Dairy farm (n=249), Talbag Dairy Farm (n=85) and BAU Dairy Farm (n=163) were included from April 2011 to March 2012. The occurrence of diseases were classified on the basis of breed (Local and Cross), age (? 3 weeks and >3 weeks), sex (Male and Female) and season (Spring, Summer, Rainy and Winter). The overall diseases were diarrhoea (20.3%), anorexia (9.7%), fever (9.1%), naval ill (8.0%), malnutrition (7.7%), indigestion (6.7%), traumatic injury (5.4%), dysentery (5.0%), myiasis (4.6%), pneumonia (3.4%), alopecia (3.4%), atresia ani (3.2%), hernia (2.8%), constipation (2.6%), abscess (2.2%), conjunctivitis (2.2%), lameness (1.8%), FMD (1.2%) and blot (0.6%). The cases of diarrhoea was higher (20.5%) than that of other diseases. The occurrence of diseases was highly significant (p<0.01) in crossbred calves (77.3%) than that of local bred (22.7%). Cases of diseases were higher in male calves (51.7%) than that of female calves (48.3%) but the variation was insignificant (p>0.05). The effect of breeds on diseases were found significantly (p<0.05) higher in ? 3 weeks (55.1%) than that of > 3 weeks of age (44.9%). The occurrence of diseases in calves was significantly (p<0.05) higher in rainy season (36.0%) followed by the summer (31.0%), winter (22.1%) and lowest in spring (10.9%). The results demonstrate significant effect of breed, age and season on the occurrence of diseases in calves.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(1): 39-46
Response of broiler to supplementation of potassium chloride during summer
Authors: Rahi Rezwan Ahmed , Afrin Sumaiya , Howlider Md Abdur Rahman , Ali Md Shawkat
Published: November 2015

A total of 90 day old as hatched Cobb 500 broilers had free access to a pre-starter diet (crumble) from day old to 14 days of age. A starter diet (pellet) was provided up to end of the experiment. Broilers were allocated to 0 (control), 0.2 or 0.4% of potassium chloride (KCl) in drinking water and reared up to 500, 1000 or 1500g target weights to vary the rearing period. The study was aimed at to assess broiler performance (growth and meat yield) altered by KCl supplementation in drinking water in a hot and humid summer. KCl had no effect (p>0.05) on growth and meat yield characteristics of broilers except feed conversion (p<0.05) at different target weights. In most of the growth and meat yield parameters, KCl had no interactions (p>0.05) with target weights. However, 0.4% KCl level slightly improved feed intake, growth rate and performance index. Increasing level of KCl tended to increase most of the major meat yield characteristics. On the basis of results of this study, it may be concluded that, supplementation of KCl in drinking water in summer improved the feed conversion of broilers. However, further experiments using several doses of KCl may be conducted to confirm the appropriate doses of supplementation.Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. June 2015, 1(1): 103-108
Ethical Relation between Physicians and Pharmaceutical Industries in the Perspectives of Bangladesh
Authors: Alam Shahinul , Saman Nahiduz , Hallaj Monsur Hallaj , Alam Jahangir Ul , Majumder Shoaib Momen
Published: November 2015

Relation between physicians and pharmaceutical industry is required for the benefit of the patient. But it may turn into business and overthrow the patients benefit. The relation might be in question at present and in future. Several questions are flowing in Bangladesh. To solve these queries we have explored the situation in developed and developing countries. The physicians and associations of pharmaceutical industries developed several ethical guidelines in those countries. They have addressed the long lasting issues on gift provided to physician, cash back, sample, industry sponsored scientific meetings, research and hospitality. There are huge restrictions to ensure the right of the patients e.g. limitation of inexpensive gift by the pharmaceuticals, avoiding expensive medicine instead of equally effective low priced medicine. We are lacking behind to protect the patient right properly: regulation, adherence to existing guide line, lack of guidance from statutory bodies. The current scenario is far behind the right of patient. In Bangladesh it is not yet addressed either by professionals or by pharmaceutical associations. It is the immediate need to construct a guide line for physicians and pharmaceutical industry of Bangladesh.Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2015 Vol.6 (1):1-5
Children as Research Subjects: The Ethical Issues
Authors: Ferdousi Nahid
Published: November 2015

From the very beginning of civilization, children are made the subject matter of many social and clinical researches. Due to the vulnerabilities of physical frailty and mental immaturity, childrens interests and rights need to be protected from the risks associated with any kind of research. Recently, there has been increased global concern towards the involvement of children in research for the protection of their rights by the ethical research practice. It emphasizes upon the ongoing nature of ethical considerations that ethical issues need to be considered throughout the research process and even the post research ethical issues are equally significant. The study explores some of the major ethical issues that arise in research involving children during and after the research in terms of the best interests of the children.Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2015 Vol.6 (1): 6-10
Animal Rights and Use of Animals in Biomedical Research
Authors: Rafique Zoheb
Published: November 2015

Experiments on animals have always been considered as necessary for scientific research, both fundamental and applied. In addition to scientific suitability criteria, this practice also must be justified from a moral point of view. This concern arises from the demand of our civilization that a certain moral value be recognized to animals. In this paper it is discussed in detail that how animals should be handled while doing research and what are animal rights and their uses in biomedical research.Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2015 Vol.6 (1):11-14
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Editing of Human ?-globin Gene in Human Cells: A Commentary on the Research Ethics
Authors: Swazo Norman K.
Published: November 2015

Recently, Chinese researchers published the results of their research using a gene-editing technology on abnormal human zygotes.  The research team believes this research has prospective clinical application, viz., for gene therapy for ?-thalassemia, a white blood cell disorder, and plan to persist with further studies, despite technical problems in this experiment.  The research has elicited international criticism from both scientific and bioethics domains, because it innovates beyond the current global consensus against human germ line modification.  This paper comments on some ethical issues presented by the research report and concludes that, under present circumstances, the Chinese research team did not meet a standard of scientific responsibility.Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2015 Vol.6 (1):22-26.
Pay Walled Retraction Notices
Authors: Da Silva Jaime A. Teixeira
Published: November 2015

A retraction of a scientific paper is made, most often due to errors or lack of publishing ethics on the part of authors, or, on occasion, duplicate publication by a publisher in error. The retraction notice that accompanies the retraction is an extremely important document, because it is the only information that provides a background to the public regarding the reason why the manuscript was retracted. In most cases, if the retraction notice is truly transparent, it will contain a few sentences that indicate the reason, and possibly also the authors responsible, among other facts. According to the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), retraction notices should be free to view, i.e. open access. This opinion piece exposes how several publishers are selling access to retraction notices, including COPE members, despite, in some cases, being paying COPE members. The business and academic ethics of such an action is thus called into question.Bangladesh Journal of Bioethics 2015 Vol.6 (1):27-39
Anticancer activity of novel oleanolic acid methyl ester derivative in HeLa cervical cancer cells is mediated through apoptosis induction and reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Song Xin , Liu Chang-Chun , Hong Yu-Rong , Zhu Xiao-Cong
Published: November 2015

The objective of this study was to determine the anticancer and apoptotic effects of a novel oleanolic acid methyl vanillate derivative in human cervical cancer cells (HeLa). We also evaluated effect of the compound on reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. MTT and LDH assay were used to evaluate the effect of this compound on HeLa cancer cell cytotoxicity. Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry evaluated the effect on apoptosis induction, while as ROS production was detected by using fluorescent CM-DCFH2-DA. The compound induced potent cytotoxic effects in HeLa cells in a dose-dependent as well as time-dependent manner. The compound also induced characteristic morphological changes indicative of apoptosis. The compound induced both early and late apoptosis in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner. The compound led to a significant and concentration dependent increase in the ROS production as the concentration of oleanolic acid methyl vanillate derivative was increased from 0 to 15, 60 and 120 μM.

 
Clinical Presentation of Left Atrial Myxoma in Relation to Anatomic and Pathologic Type
Authors: Rahman SM Mahbubur , Kibria M Golam , Rahim AM Asif , Hosain Nazmul , Quashem M Abul
Published: November 2015

Background: Atrial myxoma is the most common benign cardiac neoplasm. Most of the case series have focused on the variable clinical presentation of myxoma rather than its gross and microscopic features. The objective of our study was to evaluate prevalence of different morphologic types of myxoma and to correlate with their clinical presentations.Methods: 68 patients were included in the study. The study population was divided into two groups- Group-A (n-18) patients having soft (papillary) tumor in the left atrium, Group B (n=50) patients having solid tumor in the left atrium.Results: 88.3% patients suffered illness more than 12 months. 92% of the solid myxomas were located in the septal wall compared to 55.6% of the papillary myxomas (p = 0.031), while one-third (33.3%) the papillary tumors were found in the left atrial free wall compared to only 4% of the solid myxomas (p = 0.048). Fever, congestive heart failure and dyspnoea were significantly predominant in patients with solid myxomas (72% vs. 44.4%, p = 0.036; 92% vs. 22.2%, p < 0.001 and 88% vs. 55.6%, p = 0.010 respectively). Atrial fibrillation and neurologic manifestations were more frequently encountered in the papillary myxoma group. No statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p>0.05) by postoperative complication during in hospital follow up but one mortality in each group.Conclusion: Our findings lend support to the view that different gross left atrial Myxoma tumor types and tumor location predict presentation.Cardiovasc. j. 2015; 8(1): 19-22
Increasing Prevalence of Hypertension in Bangladesh: A review
Authors: Koly Kamrun Nahar , Biswas Tuhin , Islam Anwar
Published: November 2015

Hypertension is a major public health problem globally in both the developed and developing countries. In Bangladesh, approximately 20% of adult and 4065% of elderly people suffer from hypertension. According to Non Communicable Disease risk factors survey, one third of the Bangladeshi population never measured their blood pressure. The prevalence of self reported hypertension was 12.5% (men 10.9% and women 13.9%). Many risk factors underlying hypertension have been identified including non- modifiable factors such as age, gender, genetic factors, and race, as well as modifiable factors including overweight, high sodium intake, and reduced physical activity. The aim of this review was to present the scenery of hypertension and as well as present the exponential trend of hypertension in Bangladesh. We included 9 studies for the review that met the inclusion criteria and study objectives. Analyses of exponential trend reveled an increase in hypertension prevalence among adult population at a rate of 0.04 (R=0.33) per year. This review studies have demonstrated that interventions aimed at changing these modifiable factors might contribute to prevent the development of hypertension.Cardiovasc. j. 2015; 8(1): 59-64
Socio-Economic Factors and Knowledge Influencing Newborn Care Practices: Experience at Dhaka Shishu Hospital
Authors: Begum Housne Ara , Khan Mohammad Faizul Haque
Published: November 2015

Reducing maternal and neonatal mortality remains a big challenge for a developing country likeBangladesh. Mothers’ knowledge in neonatal care plays an important role in bringing down themortality as well as morbidity. This study was conducted in Dhaka Shishu Hospital during theperiod of December 2007 to February 2008 and was based on primary data collected on socioeconomicstatus, knowledge and practice of mothers of neonates attending the hospital. A total of 400 motherswere interviewed. More than fifty percent mothers had an appropriate knowledge on feeding neonates,hand washing before handling neonates, care of eye, care of umbilicus and they were practicing aswell. Where as less than fifty percent mothers had appropriate knowledge on keeping neonateswarm, cutting hair, bathing, vaccination, oil massage and their practice rate also commensuratewell with their knowledge level. Majority of the mothers were in the age group of 21-25 years,having completed primary education or passed SSC exam. They were house wives living in an urbanarea, with a monthly family income of 3000-7000 taka. Statistically significant association wasfound between socio demographic variables and knowledge and practices on neonatal care of themothers.Ibrahim Med. Coll. J. 2010; 4(1): 17-20Key words: Socio-economic factors; knowledge and practices; neonatal careDOI: 10.3329/imcj.v4i1.5930
Anaesthetic Management for Hand Assisted Laparoscopic Enucleation of Pancreatic Insulinoma
Authors: Akhtaruzzaman AKM , Dhar Satyajit , Asaduzzaman AKM , Samad Md Abdus , Laskar Manzoorul Haq , Kamal Mustafa , Hye Md A
Published: November 2015

Journal of BSA, Vol. 21, No. 1, January 2008 50-52
A Study of Effect of Pressure, Temperature and Steam/Natural Gas Ratio on Reforming Process for Ammonia Production
Authors: Ali MS , Sahangir SM , Badruddoza AZM , Haque MR
Published: November 2015

Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 23 1995-2005
A Comparison between Analytical and Numerical Solution of the Krogh's Tissue Cylinder Model for Human Bone Marrow
Authors: Islam MA
Published: November 2015

The Danish physiologist, August Krogh is the founder of the theory of oxygen transport to tissues. It washis famous tissue cylinder model developed for skeletal muscle, together with his colleague mathematicianErlang that laid down the foundation of the mathematical modeling of oxygen transport to tissues. Here ananalytical solution of the Krogh’s model has been presented based on justifiable assumptions in order tovalidate the numerical approach used to solve more realistic oxygen transport models. The numericalsolution of Krogh’s model is performed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software CFX 4.4.From the analytical solution, it is demonstrated that variation from the numerical result is less than 0.2%which in turn justifies the use of computer software in developing mathematical model for suchphysiological systems like BM.Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 24 2006 1-6
An Oxygen Transport Model of Human Bone Marrow for Hemolytic Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Islam MA , Kumar R
Published: November 2015

The human bone marrow (BM) is a complicated tissue with intricate vascular and heterogeneousextravascular (tissue) architecture. Oxygen is an important modulator of differentiation and proliferationof the BM hematopoietic cells under normal and pathological conditions. Currently, due to theinaccessibility of the BM, it is not possible to measure the spatial distribution of the oxygen tension(concentration) levels in the tissue. Thus, the present treatise utilizes mathematical modeling to offer agreater insight on the effects of oxygen on the BM cellular components. Here, we present simulationresults that are correlated with known in vivo data of BM along with proposing a model for the two statedescription of allosteric hemoglobin molecule under hemolytic sickle cell anemia condition of BM.Journal of Chemical Engineering Vol.ChE 24 2006 7-13
Distribution and Determinants of Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) at a Specialized Hospital in Dhaka City
Authors: Hossain SK Sader , Alamgir Md Abdullah , Islam Ferdous Ara , Ekramullah Sheikh Mohammed , Mukharjee Shudipto Kumar , Asadullah ATM , Alam Sarwar Morshed , Kalimuddin - , Haroon Kaiser , Ahmed Misbah Uddin , Huq Mahmudul
Published: November 2015

Background: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is the process of intra cranial CSF diversion to relieve the pressure inside the ventricles. This allows the cerebrospinal fluid to flow directly to the basal cisterns, thereby shortcutting any obstruction. It is used as an alternative to a cerebral shunt surgery.Objectives: To observe the Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) with causal factors and outcome.Methodology: The study was conducted in the Department of Neurosurgery in National Institute of Neurosciences (NINS) during the period from June, 2013 to August, 2014. All the study subjects included in the study were selected for endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) following clinical and radiological diagnosis of hydrocephalus or raised ICP irrespective of age, sex and causal factors. The patients were followed post operatively to follow the outcome.Result: ETV was performed among 38 males and 35 females with a mean age of 24.67 years. Three major causal factors for ETV were aqueductal stenosis, posterior fossa SOL and CP angle tumour observed in 25 (34.3%), 22(30.2%), 11(15.1%) cases respectively. The successful ETV was done in 49 (67.1%) patients varied widely by diagnosis and patient age. Other 32.9% had suffered from several complications like local CSF drainage, local infection, meningitis and subarachnoid haemorrhage and treated conservatively.Conclusion: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a safe and successful procedure in the management obstructive hydrocephalus.J. Natl Inst. Neurosci Bangladesh 2015;1(1):5-7
Diabetes Mellitus and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Begum SA , Afroz R , Khanam Q , Khanom A , Choudhury TS
Published: November 2015

Diabetes mellitus (DM), also known as simply diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Worldwide in 2012 and 2013 diabetes resulted in 1.5 to 5.1 million deaths per year, making it the 8th leading cause of death. Diabetes overall at least doubles the risk of death. This high blood sugar produces the symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. Untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications include diabetic ketoacidosis and nonketotic hyperosmolar coma. Serious long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, foot ulcers and damage to the eyes. The number of people with diabetes is expected to rise to 592 million by 2035. The economic costs of diabetes globally were estimated in 2013 at $548 billion and in the United States in 2012 $245 billion. [3]Globally, as of 2013, an estimated 382 million people have diabetes worldwide, with type 2 diabetes making up about 90% of the cases. This is equal to 8.3% of the adults population, with equal rates in both women and men. There are three main types of diabetes mellitus: In case of type 1 Diabetes mellitus, results from the bodys failure to produce enough insulin. This form was previously referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) or juvenile diabetes. The cause is unknown. Another type is type 2 diabetes mellitus begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses a lack of insulin may also develop. This form was previously referred to as non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or adult-onset diabetes. The primary cause is excessive body weight and not enough exercise. Gestational diabetes is the third main form and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop a high blood glucose level. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after the birth of the baby. It occurs in about 210% of all pregnancies and may improve or disappear after delivery. However, after pregnancy approximately 510% of women with gestational diabetes are found to have diabetes mellitus, most commonly type 2. Gestational diabetes is fully treatable, but requires careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 5(1): 30-35, 2014 (January)
Fetal Hydronephrosis, A Case Report And Review of Literature
Authors: Shamsunnahar Parveen Akhter , Motaleb Abdul , Nasrin Begum , Hossain Fawzia , Mahmood Sharmeen , Begum Shirin Akhter
Published: November 2015

With the increasing use of antenatal sonography, fetal hydronephrosis has been reported more frequently. Hydronephrosis is one of the most commonly identified prenatal anomalies, and the severity may vary from mild to severe, depending on the underlying cause. Many cases resolve spontaneously before birth, but for those that do not, the additional prenatal evaluation can identify cases sufficiently severe to require fetal intervention to preserve renal function. The benefits of these interventions must be balanced against the significant risks of the procedures and their sequelae in long-term efficacy. Evaluation before and after birth is warranted, and factors such as cause, severity, and whether the condition is uni- or bilateral are used to formulate decisions about additional assessment and potential intervention. Here we report a case of bilateral hydronephrosis which was detected during pregnancy. After delivery right side spontaneously resolves but there was worsening of left hydronephrosis in follow up and He undergoes a left pyeloplasty at 6 months of age and does well post operatively.J. Paediatr. Surg. Bangladesh 5(1): 36-38, 2014 (January)
Training translators to use corpora hands-on: challenges and reactions by a group of thirteen students at a UK university
Authors: Frankenberg-Garcia Ana
Published: November 2015

The use of corpora is no longer restricted to a small community of researchers working on language description and natural language processing. Anyone with an Internet connection is now able to access corpora to help them with everyday questions about language, including questions for which dictionaries, grammars and other language resources do not always have clear answers. Translators are among those who have much to gain from using corpora, and this is widely acknowledged in the literature. Yet much of the research at the crossroads of translation and corpora seems to focus on the use of corpora in Translation Studies, and there does not seem to be enough information on the use of corpora in actual translation training and practice. In this paper, I discuss some of the challenges of training translators to use corpora and then describe how a group of thirteen students studying for an MA in Translation at the University of Surrey reacted to a hands-on module on learning to use corpora in everyday translation. The latter is based on the students’ responses to a questionnaire and on a corpus of self-reports containing authentic examples of students using corpora in translation practice.
Topography of Slow Sigma Power during Sleep is Associated with Processing Speed in Preschool Children
Authors: Doucette Margaret , Kurth Salome , Chevalier Nicolas , Munakata Yuko , LeBourgeois Monique
Published: November 2015

Cognitive development is influenced by maturational changes in processing speed, a construct reflecting the rapidity of executing cognitive operations. Although cognitive ability and processing speed are linked to spindles and sigma power in the sleep electroencephalogram (EEG), little is known about such associations in early childhood, a time of major neuronal refinement. We calculated EEG power for slow (10–13 Hz) and fast (13.25–17 Hz) sigma power from all-night high-density electroencephalography (EEG) in a cross-sectional sample of healthy preschool children (n = 10, 4.3 ± 1.0 years). Processing speed was assessed as simple reaction time. On average, reaction time was 1409 ± 251 ms; slow sigma power was 4.0 ± 1.5 μV2; and fast sigma power was 0.9 ± 0.2 μV2. Both slow and fast sigma power predominated over central areas. Only slow sigma power was correlated with processing speed in a large parietal electrode cluster (p < 0.05, r ranging from −0.6 to −0.8), such that greater power predicted faster reaction time. Our findings indicate regional correlates between sigma power and processing speed that are specific to early childhood and provide novel insights into the neurobiological features of the EEG that may underlie developing cognitive abilities.
Multi-Scale Entropy Analysis of Body Sway for Investigating Balance Ability During Exergame Play Under Different Parameter Settings
Authors: Lee Chia-Hsuan , Sun Tien-Lung
Published: November 2015

The goal of this study was to investigate the parameters affecting exergame performance using multi-scale entropy analysis, with the aim of informing the design of exergames for personalized balance training. Test subjects’ center of pressure (COP) displacement data were recorded during exergame play to examine their balance ability at varying difficulty levels of a balance-based exergame; the results of a multi-scale entropy-based analysis were then compared to traditional COP indicators. For games involving static posture frames, variation in posture frame travel time was found to significantly affect the complexity of both the anterior-posterior (MSE-AP) and medio-lateral (MSE-ML) components of balancing movements. However, in games involving dynamic posture frames, only MSE-AP was found to be sensitive to the variation of parameters, namely foot-lifting speed. Findings were comparable to the COP data published by Sun et al., indicating that the use of complexity data is a feasible means of distinguishing between different parameter sets and of understanding how human design considerations must be taken into account in exergame development. Not only can this method be used as another assessment index in the future, it can also be used in the optimization of parameters within the virtual environments of exergames.
Development of an Active Power Reserve Management Method for DC Applied Wave-Wind Combined Generation Systems
Authors: Jung Seungmin , Yoo Yeuntae , Kim Hyunwook , Lee Jae-Hyeong , Yoon Minhan , Jang Gilsoo
Published: November 2015

A system that combines a wind turbine and a wave generator can share the off-shore platform and therefore mix the advantages of the transmission system construction and the power conversion system. The current hybrid generation system considers output limitation according to the instructions of the transmission system operator (TSO), and controls the profile using wind turbine pitch control. However, the integrated wave generation system utilizing a DC network does not adapt a power limitation scheme due to its mechanical constraints. In this paper, a control plan focusing on the electrical section of wave generators is formed in order to effectively manage the output profile of the hybrid generation system. The plan pays attention to power reserve flexibility for the utility grid using the analysis of the controllable elements. Comparison with the existing system is performed based on real offshore conditions. With the help of power system computer aided design (PSCAD) simulation, the ability of the novel technique is estimated by proposing the real power control based on the reference signal of TSO and the reactive power capacity it produces.
Understanding the Factors Influencing Nonindustrial Private Forest Landowner Interest in Supplying Ecosystem Services in Cumberland Plateau, Tennessee
Authors: Tian Nana , Poudyal Neelam , Hodges Donald , Young Timothy , Hoyt Kevin
Published: November 2015

Private forests provide a range of ecosystem services for society including provisioning, regulating, cultural, and supporting services. Sustaining the supply of such services depends on the interest of nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners in managing their forests for such services. Assessing factors that influence NIPF landowner intentions would be useful in identifying potential suppliers of ecosystem services and in designing and implementing outreach and education programs to elevate the interests of less interested landowners. Using data collected from a mail survey of NIPF landowners on the Cumberland Plateau of Tennessee, this study examined how landowner interest in supplying ecosystem services was influenced by socio-demographic characteristics, economic and market factors, land management objectives, and ownership motivations. To that end, a multivariate logistic regression model was employed to analyze the supply of three types of ecosystem services: carbon storage (regulating service), water quality (provisioning service), and aesthetics (cultural service). Results revealed that landowner interest in managing forests for ecosystem services were significantly related to socio-demographic factors, management and ownership characteristics, and availability of financial incentives. These findings will improve the understanding of the market segment of landowners as related to ecosystem services. The findings may facilitate the development of market protocols and outreach programs that promote payments for ecosystem services in Tennessee and elsewhere.
Migrating Storms and Optimal Control of Urban Sewer Networks
Authors: Rathnayake Upaka
Published: November 2015

Uniform storms are generally applied in most of the research on sewer systems. This is for modeling simplicity. However, in the real world, these conditions may not be applicable. It is very important to consider the migration behavior of storms not only in the design of combined sewers, but also in controlling them. Therefore, this research was carried out to improve Rathnayake and Tanyimboh’s optimal control algorithm for migrating storms. Promising results were found from the model improvement. Feasible solutions were obtained from the multi-objective optimization and, in addition, the role of on-line storage tanks was well placed.
Synthesis of Polyamidoamine Dendrimer for Encapsulating Tetramethylscutellarein for Potential Bioactivity Enhancement
Authors: Shadrack Daniel , Mubofu Egid , Nyandoro Stephen
Published: November 2015

The biomedical potential of flavonoids is normally restricted by their low water solubility. However, little has been reported on their encapsulation into polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers to improve their biomedical applications. Generation four (G4) PAMAM dendrimer containing ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid core with acrylic acid and ethylenediamine as repeating units was synthesized by divergent approach and used to encapsulate a flavonoid tetramethylscutellarein (TMScu, 1) to study its solubility and in vitro release for potential bioactivity enhancement. The as-synthesized dendrimer and the dendrimer–TMScu complex were characterized by spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques. The encapsulation of 1 into dendrimer was achieved by a co-precipitation method with the encapsulation efficiency of 77.8% ± 0.69% and a loading capacity of 6.2% ± 0.06%. A phase solubility diagram indicated an increased water solubility of 1 as a function of dendrimer concentration at pH 4.0 and 7.2. In vitro release of 1 from its dendrimer complex indicated high percentage release at pH 4.0. The stability study of the TMScu-dendrimer at 0, 27 and 40 °C showed the formulations to be stable when stored in cool and dark conditions compared to those stored in light and warmer temperatures. Overall, PAMAM dendrimer-G4 is capable of encapsulating 1, increasing its solubility and thus could enhance its bioactivity.
Isolation and Culture of Pig Spermatogonial Stem Cells and Their in Vitro Differentiation into Neuron-Like Cells and Adipocytes
Authors: Wang Xiaoyan , Chen Tingfeng , Zhang Yani , Li Bichun , Xu Qi , Song Chengyi
Published: November 2015

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) renew themselves throughout the life of an organism and also differentiate into sperm in the adult. They are multipopent and therefore, can be induced to differentiate into many cells types in vitro. SSCs from pigs, considered an ideal animal model, are used in studies of male infertility, regenerative medicine, and preparation of transgenic animals. Here, we report on a culture system for porcine SSCs and the differentiation of these cells into neuron-like cells and adipocytes. SSCs and Sertoli cells were isolated from neonatal piglet testis by differential adhesion and SSCs were cultured on a feeder layer of Sertoli cells. Third-generation SSCs were induced to differentiate into neuron-like cells by addition of retinoic acid, β-mercaptoethanol, and 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) to the induction media and into adipocytes by the addition of hexadecadrol, insulin, and IBMX to the induction media. The differentiated cells were characterized by biochemical staining, qRT-PCR, and immunocytochemistry. The cells were positive for SSC markers, including alkaline phosphatase and SSC-specific genes, consistent with the cells being undifferentiated. The isolated SSCs survived on the Sertoli cells for 15 generations. Karyotyping confirmed that the chromosomal number of the SSCs were normal for pig (2n = 38, n = 19). Pig SSCs were successfully induced into neuron-like cells eight days after induction and into adipocytes 22 days after induction as determined by biochemical and immunocytochemical staining. qPCR results also support this conclusion. The nervous tissue markers genes, Nestin and β-tubulin, were expressed in the neuron-like cells and the adipocyte marker genes, PPARγ and C/EBPα, were expressed in the adipocytes.
Long Non-Coding RNAs in Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Smolle Maria , Bullock Marc , Ling Hui , Pichler Martin , Haybaeck Johannes
Published: November 2015

Endometrial carcinoma (EC), the second most common form of gynaecological malignancy, can be divided into two distinct sub-types: Type I tumours arise from hyperplastic endometrium and typically effect women around the time of menopause, whereas type II tumours arise in postmenopausal women from atrophic endometrium. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a novel class of non-protein coding molecules that have recently been implicated in the pathogenesis of many types of cancer including gynaecological tumours. Although they play critical physiological roles in cellular metabolism, their expression and function are deregulated in EC compared with paired normal tissue, indicating that they may also participate in tumour initiation and progression. For instance, the lncRNA MALAT-1 is down-regulated in EC samples compared to normal or hyperplastic endometrium, whereas the lncRNA OVAL is down-regulated in type II disease but up-regulated in type I disease. Other notatble lncRNAs such as HOTAIR, H19 and SRA become up-regulated with increasing EC tumour grade and other features associated with poor prognosis. In the current review, we will examine the growing body of evidence linking deregulated lncRNAs with specific biological functions of tumour cells in EC, we will highlight associations between lncRNAs and the molecular pathways implicated in EC tumourigenesis and we will identify critical knowledge gaps that remain to be addressed.
Accumulation and Phosphorylation of RecQ-Mediated Genome Instability Protein 1 (RMI1) at Serine 284 and Serine 292 during Mitosis
Authors: Xu Chang , Wang Yan , Wang Lu , Wang Qin , Du Li-Qing , Fan Saijun , Liu Qiang , Li Lei
Published: November 2015

Chromosome instability usually leads to tumorigenesis. Bloom syndrome (BS) is a genetic disease associated with chromosome instability. The BS gene product, BLM, has been reported to function in the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) to prevent chromosome instability. BTR complex, composed of BLM, topoisomerase IIIα (Topo IIIα), RMI1 (RecQ-mediated genome instability protein 1, BLAP75) and RMI2 (RecQ-mediated genome instability protein 2, BLAP18), is crucial for maintaining genome stability. Recent work has demonstrated that RMI2 also plays critical role in SAC. However, little is know about RMI1 regulation during the cell cycle. Here we present that RMI1 protein level does not change through G1, S and G2 phases, but significantly increases in M phase. Moreover, phosphorylation of RMI1 occurs in mitosis. Upon microtubule-disturbing agent, RMI1 is phosphorylated primarily at the sites of Serine 284 and Serine 292, which does not interfere with the formation of BTR complex. Additionally, this phosphorylation is partially reversed by roscovitine treatment, implying cycling-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) might be one of the upstream kinases.
Analysis of Fatigue Crack Paths in Cold Drawn Pearlitic Steel
Authors: Toribio Jesús , González Beatriz , Matos Juan-Carlos
Published: November 2015

In this paper, a fracto-metallographic analysis was performed on the cracked specimens of cold drawn pearlitic steel subjected to fatigue tests. Fatigue cracks are transcollonial and exhibit a preference for fracturing pearlitic lamellae, with non-uniform crack opening displacement values, micro-discontinuities, branchings, bifurcations and frequent local deflections that create microstructural roughness. At the micro-level, the cold drawn pearlitic steel exhibits higher micro-roughness than the hot rolled bar (this is a consequence of the manufacturing process by cold drawing), so that the actual fractured surface in the cold drawn wire is greater than that in the hot rolled bar, due to the fact that the crack deflection events are more frequent and with higher angle in the former (the heavily drawn prestressing steel wire). These findings show the relevant role on the manufacturing process by cold drawing in the fatigue crack propagation in pearlitic steel.
Thermus thermophilus as a Source of Thermostable Lipolytic Enzymes
Authors: López-López Olalla , Cerdán María-Esperanza , González-Siso María-Isabel
Published: November 2015

Lipolytic enzymes, esterases (EC 3.1.1.1) and lipases (EC 3.1.1.3), catalyze the hydrolysis of ester bonds between alcohols and carboxylic acids, and its formation in organic media. At present, they represent about 20% of commercialized enzymes for industrial use. Lipolytic enzymes from thermophilic microorganisms are preferred for industrial use to their mesophilic counterparts, mainly due to higher thermostability and resistance to several denaturing agents. However, the production at an industrial scale from the native organisms is technically complicated and expensive. The thermophilic bacterium Thermus thermophilus (T. thermophilus) has high levels of lipolytic activity, and its whole genome has been sequenced. One esterase from the T. thermophilus strain HB27 has been widely characterized, both in its native form and in recombinant forms, being expressed in mesophilic microorganisms. Other putative lipases/esterases annotated in the T. thermophilus genome have been explored and will also be reviewed in this paper.
Long-Term Lithium Treatment Increases cPLA2 and iPLA2 Activity in Cultured Cortical and Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: De-Paula Vanessa , Kerr Daniel , De Carvalho Marília , Schaeffer Evelin , Talib Leda , Gattaz Wagner , Forlenza Orestes
Published: November 2015

Background: Experimental evidence supports the neuroprotective properties of lithium, with implications for the treatment and prevention of dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders. Lithium modulates critical intracellular pathways related to neurotrophic support, inflammatory response, autophagy and apoptosis. There is additional evidence indicating that lithium may also affect membrane homeostasis. Objective: To investigate the effect of lithium on cytosolic phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, a key player on membrane phospholipid turnover which has been found to be reduced in blood and brain tissue of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Primary cultures of cortical and hippocampal neurons were treated for 7 days with different concentrations of lithium chloride (0.02 mM, 0.2 mM and 2 mM). A radio-enzymatic assay was used to determine the total activity of PLA2 and two PLA2 subtypes: cytosolic calcium-dependent (cPLA2); and calcium-independent (iPLA2). Results: cPLA2 activity increased by 82% (0.02 mM; p = 0.05) and 26% (0.2 mM; p = 0.04) in cortical neurons and by 61% (0.2 mM; p = 0.03) and 57% (2 mM; p = 0.04) in hippocampal neurons. iPLA2 activity was increased by 7% (0.2 mM; p = 0.04) and 13% (2 mM; p = 0.05) in cortical neurons and by 141% (0.02 mM; p = 0.0198) in hippocampal neurons. Conclusion: long-term lithium treatment increases membrane phospholipid metabolism in neurons through the activation of total, c- and iPLA2. This effect is more prominent at sub-therapeutic concentrations of lithium, and the activation of distinct cytosolic PLA2 subtypes is tissue specific, i.e., iPLA2 in hippocampal neurons, and cPLA2 in cortical neurons. Because PLA2 activities are reported to be reduced in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and bipolar disorder (BD), the present findings provide a possible mechanism by which long-term lithium treatment may be useful in the prevention of the disease.
Hazardous Doping for Photo-Electrochemical Conversion: The Case of Nb-Doped Fe2O3 from First Principles
Authors: Yatom Natav , Toroker Maytal
Published: November 2015

The challenge of improving the efficiency of photo-electrochemical devices is often addressed through doping. However, this strategy could harm performance. Specifically, as demonstrated in a recent experiment, doping one of the most widely used materials for water splitting, iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), with niobium (Nb) can still result in limited efficiency. In order to better understand the hazardous effect of doping, we use Density Functional Theory (DFT)+U for the case of Nb-doped Fe2O3. We find a direct correlation between the charge of the dopant, the charge on surface of the Fe2O3 material, and the overpotential required for water oxidation reaction. We believe that this work contributes to advancing our understanding of how to select effective dopants for materials.
Impact of Surface Waves on SWOT’s Projected Ocean Accuracy
Authors: Peral Eva , Rodríguez Ernesto , Esteban-Fernández Daniel
Published: November 2015

The Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) mission being considered by NASA has, as one of its main objectives, to measure ocean topography with centimeter scale accuracy over kilometer scale spatial resolution. This paper investigates the impact of ocean waves on SWOT’s projected performance. Several effects will be examined: volumetric decorrelation, aliasing of ocean waves, backscattering modulation, and the so-called surfboard sampling.
Spatiotemporal Variation in Mangrove Chlorophyll Concentration Using Landsat 8
Authors: Pastor-Guzman Julio , Atkinson Peter , Dash Jadunandan , Rioja-Nieto Rodolfo
Published: November 2015

There is a need to develop indicators of mangrove condition using remotely sensed data. However, remote estimation of leaf and canopy biochemical properties and vegetation condition remains challenging. In this paper, we (i) tested the performance of selected hyperspectral and broad band indices to predict chlorophyll concentration (CC) on mangrove leaves and (ii) showed the potential of Landsat 8 for estimation of mangrove CC at the landscape level. Relative leaf CC and leaf spectral response were measured at 12 Elementary Sampling Units (ESU) distributed along the northwest coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Linear regression models and coefficients of determination were computed to measure the association between CC and spectral response. At leaf level, the narrow band indices with the largest correlation with CC were Vogelmann indices and the MTCI (R2 > 0.5). Indices with spectral bands around the red edge (705–753 nm) were more sensitive to mangrove leaf CC. At the ESU level Landsat 8 NDVI green, which uses the green band in its formulation explained most of the variation in CC (R2 > 0.8). Accuracy assessment between estimated CC and observed CC using the leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV) method yielded a root mean squared error (RMSE) = 15 mg·cm−2, and R2 = 0.703. CC maps showing the spatiotemporal variation of CC at landscape scale were created using the linear model. Our results indicate that Landsat 8 NDVI green can be employed to estimate CC in large mangrove areas where ground networks cannot be applied, and mapping techniques based on satellite data, are necessary. Furthermore, using upcoming technologies that will include two bands around the red edge such as Sentinel 2 will improve mangrove monitoring at higher spatial and temporal resolutions.
Estimation of Maize Residue Cover Using Landsat-8 OLI Image Spectral Information and Textural Features
Authors: Jin Xiuliang , Ma Jianhang , Wen Zhidan , Song Kaishan
Published: November 2015

The application of crop residue has become increasingly important for providing a barrier against water and wind erosion and improving soil organic matter content, infiltration, evaporation, temperature, and soil structure. The objectives of this work were to: (i) estimate maize residue cover (MRC) from Landsat-8 OLI images using seven vegetation indices (VIs) and eight textural features; and (ii) compare the VI method, textural feature method, and combination method (integration of textural features and spectral information) for estimating MRC with partial least squares regression (PLSR). The results showed that the normalized difference tillage index (NDTI), simple tillage index (STI), normalized difference index 7 (NDI7), and shortwave red normalized difference index (SRNDI) were significantly correlated with MRC. The MRC model based on NDTI outperformed (R2 = 0.84 and RMSE = 12.33%) the models based on the other VIs. Band3mean, Band4mean, and Band5mean were highly correlated with MRC. The regression between Band3mean and MRC was stronger (R2 = 0.71 and RMSE = 15.21%) than those between MRC and the other textural features. The MRC estimation accuracy using the combination method (R2 = 0.96 and RMSE = 8.11%) was better than that based on only the VI (R2 = 0.88 and RMSE = 11.34%) or textural feature (R2 = 0.90 and RMSE = 9.82%) methods. The results suggest that the combination method can be used to estimate MRC on a regional scale.